Locust Lake State Park

Geobox Protected Area
name = Locust Lake State Park
native_name =
other_name =
other_name1 =
category_local = Pennsylvania State Park
category_iucn = III


image_caption = A view of Locust Lake
etymology_type = Named for
etymology = Locust Lake
country = United States
state = Pennsylvania
region_type = County
region = Schuylkill
district_type = Township
district = Ryan
city =
city1 =
location =
lat_d = 40
lat_m = 47
lat_s = 00
lat_NS = N
long_d = 76
long_m = 08
long_s = 30
location_note = cite web | url=Gnis3|1198246 | title=Locust Lake State Park | date = August 30 1990 | work=Geographic Names Information System | publisher=United States Geological Survey | accessdate=2008-06-10]
long_EW = W
elevation_imperial = 1749
elevation_round = 1
elevation_note =
area_unit = acre
area_imperial = 1089
area_round = 1
area1_imperial =
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lowest =
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biome =
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geology =
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plant =
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established_type =
established = June 10 1972
established1_type =
established1 =
management_body = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
management_location =
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visitation =
visitation_year =
free_type = Nearest city
free = Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania
free1_type =
free1 =


map_caption = Location of Locust Lake State Park in Pennsylvania
map_locator = Pennsylvania
map_first =
website = [http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/locustlake.aspx Locust Lake State Park]

Locust Lake State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on convert|1089|acre|km2|2 in Ryan Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania in the United States. Locust Lake State Park is located approximately mi to km|7 north of Pottsville, mi to km|3 south of Mahanoy City, mi to km|8 west of Tamaqua and mi to km|6 west of Tuscarora State Park. The lake is convert|52|acre|km2|2. The park offers hiking, camping, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, and a wide array of other seasonal activities.

History

The Locust Valley area was originally claimed by the Lenape. Their land was conquered by the Susquehannocks, then later controlled by New York Iroquios League of Five Nations. In the mid 1800s, settlers discovered anthracite coal in the area which lead to thousands of immigrants swiftly arriving to the area to mine coal. Although the area was not suitable for coal mining, it did not escape the Industrial Revolution.The forest was quickly turned into a shrubbery area prone to flooding and fires after loggers turned the trees into lumber, shingles, tool handles, and other wood products. Tanneries used the white pine and hemlock bark for tanning leather. The forests were gone by the early 1900s, with some farmers clearing and tilling the land.cite web
url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/Parks/tuscarora_locustlake_history.aspx
title = Locust Lake State Park History
accessdate = 2007-01-06
publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]

After its purchase by the Marshalonis Brothers, Locust Lake became a fishing spot and picnicking area. While they were digging a lake, they found a dam with a water wheel under seven feet of debris and leaves. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the land from the Marshalonis Brothers in 1966. Locust Lake officially opened on June 10 1972.

Recreation

Locust Lake

Motor boats are allowed as long as you have a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats may either have a boat registration from any state, or a launching or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks. Boat rentals are available at a nominal fee.cite web
url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateParks/parks/locustlake.aspx
title = Locust Lake State Park
accessdate = 2007-01-06
publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]

Locust Lake has 282 campsites divided into tent or trailer sites. The campsites encircle the lake.

Fishing is permitted year round. The lake is stocked several times a year with brown and brook trout. Pickerel, bass (smallmouth and largemouth), and panfish are also caught year round. Ice fishing is permitted, but the ice is not monitored for safety.

Swimming is permitted from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Beginning in 2008 lifeguards will not be posted at the beach. [cite web | url = http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=384046 | title = Pa. state parks going without life guards at beaches in 2008 | accessdate = 2008-02-17 | publisher = The Times Leader] Swimming areas are marked with buoys, and the deepest area is ft to m|5.5.

Hunting

Roughly 1,045 acres are available for hunting. Ruffed grouse, woodcock, doves, ring-necked pheasants, squirrels, wild turkeys, rabbits, and white-tailed deer are common species and frequently spotted. Although there is ample room for hunting, it is restricted to designated areas of the park and surrounding state forest. A bow and arrow and flintlock muzzle loader only hunting area is located in the park. Hunting groundhogs is prohibited. Dog training is permitted from the day after Labor day until March 31 in designated hunting areas.

Nearby state parks

The following state parks are within mi to km|30 of Locust Lake State Park:cite web
last = Michels
first = Chris
year = 1997
url = http://www2.nau.edu/~cvm/latlongdist.html
title = Latitude/Longitude Distance Calculation
publisher = Northern Arizona University
accessdate = 2008-04-23] [cite map |scale = 1:65,000| publisher= Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division
url= ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/pdf/BPR_pdf_files/Maps/GHS/Roadnames/schuylkill_GHSN.PDF
title= "2007 General Highway Map Schuylkill County Pennsylvania"
accessdate= 2007-07-27 "(Note: shows Locust Lake State Park)"]
*Beltzville State Park (Carbon County)
*Hickory Run State Park (Carbon County)
*Lehigh Gorge State Park (Carbon and Luzerne Counties)
*Nescopeck State Park (Luzerne County)
*Swatara State Park (Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties)
*Tuscarora State Park (Schuylkill County)

References

External links

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