When members of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) worked to acquire the property in 2006-- yes, 20 years ago-- one of the goals was to ensure that the nearly half mile of Pine Creek frontage would be open for the public to access and enjoy Pine Creek.
At the time, and still today, creek frontage in the Pine Creek Valley is at a premium.
NPC’s members understood then, and continue to understand, that access to the region’s creeks, rivers, and forests matters.
The people who live here are surrounded by these natural resources and should have opportunities to enjoy them, whether they are fishing, walking, paddling, biking, or simply sitting in a lawn chair with their feet in the water.
NPC sold the property to the DCNR Bureau of Forestry in 2007, expanding Tiadaghton State Forest and ensuring the property would remain accessible to the public for years to come.
Since then, the agency has steadily improved recreational opportunities at Tomb Flats.
The first step was converting the former private campground into a public recreation area. Campsite posts were removed, bathhouses were converted into maintenance facilities, and some roads were closed to vehicle traffic.
Over time, trees were planted, a comfort station was added, tent camping sites were developed, and portions of the lawn were allowed to regrow.
The most recent addition is an accessible fishing area.
From a designated concrete parking space in the stoned lot, visitors can follow a concrete sidewalk to a fishing pier that provides easier access to the creek.
This site is currently the only accessible fishing area along the entire length of Pine Creek.
Recently, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer joined local and state officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the new fishing area.
Staff from both agencies worked together throughout the planning process, from selecting the location to designing and constructing the site.
State Senator Gene Yaw and State Rep. Joe Hamm also attended the ceremony and shared remarks with the nearly 75 people gathered for the occasion.
George Durrwachter played a key role in connecting the former property owner, who was ready to move on from operating the campground, with NPC in 2006.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, George shared some of the property’s history and recalled his first conversation with the owner.
George’s passion for Pine Creek and ability to connect with people helped create the opportunity for NPC’s members to step up and acquire the property.
Glenn Klinger is a member of PAtriot Fly Fishers, a veteran’s organization dedicated to helping veterans spend time outdoors.
Glenn and other members of the group have enjoyed visiting the Pine Creek Valley for several years.
“This area will allow so many more veterans to enjoy fishing and being outside,” said Klinger. “Nature can really help veterans with so many things. It’s great that there’s a place along Pine Creek that makes nature more accessible to more people.”
Thank you not only to everyone who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony (or simply stopped by and enjoyed Tomb Flats that day), but also to all of NPC’s members, past and present.
Your support made it possible to conserve Tomb Flats. Today, this special place has become one of the most accessible fishing areas in the entire Pine Creek Valley.
Click Here for a copy of the article.
The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) is a regional land trust conserving and enhancing the lands and waters in a 12-county area.
With the help from its members and donors, the organization supports the environmental well-being and recreational needs of local communities.
(Contributed by the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy.)
[Posted: June 3, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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