About the lrca

Our History

Created by local citizens in 1987, the LRCA serves to promote the restoration and conservation of the Lackawanna River and its watershed resources in Northeast PA. As a nonprofit and non-political organization, the LRCA has been promoting the River and its watershed through Watershed Management Programs, educational outreach, community events, consensus building and partnerships.

Our Mission

The mission of the LRCA is to involve citizens of the Lackawanna River watershed with conservation and stewardship of the River, its tributaries, and water resources. The LRCA works pro-actively with other organizations, community groups, and public agencies to plan and promote projects that will enhance the Lackawanna River watershed and support local communities.

Our Goals

1. Clean up the River environment
2. Aid in the development of the 40-mile Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
3. Create partnerships among government, businesses & community groups to promote conservation & recreation
4. Establish partnerships with schools, universities, and the general public to promote environmental and conservation education
5. Advocate for the conservation of open space and natural habitat throughout the watershed

LRCA STAFF & Board of directors

Executive Director

Bernard McGurl is the Executive Director of the LRCA for 30 years running, and is one of the co-founding members. During his three decades of work through the LRCA, Bernie has helped transform the Lackawanna River into the sparkling, Class A Trout fishery it is today. He has won many prestigious awards, such as the Thomas P. Shelburne Leadership Award and the 2019 Man of the Year Award by the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Program Managers

Kathleen Roland is the full-time Program Manager and newest staff member to the organization. She obtained her MS in Environmental Studies in 2019 after receiving a BA in Communications.

Barbara Semian has been with the LRCA as the Program Manager for the last decade. Currently, she is the part-time Program Manager and is a Master Watershed Steward through the PSU Extension.

Board of Directors

Officers:

Joe Wechsler (President), Susan Sariti (Vice President), Bill Pilkonis (Secretary), Aja Wentum (Treasurer).

Directors:

David K. Brown, Chris Brunetti, David Byman, Charles Charlesworth, John Hambrose, Joe Holland, Mike Kashuba, Casey Maloney, Ken Martin, Phil McCarthy, Sara Melick, John Morrow, Nell O’Boyle, Bob Savakinus, Matt Schultz, Amy Simolo

Our Events & Programs

RiverFest

Our biggest & most popular fundraising event, RiverFest, happens annually on the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend. This event includes a paddle race down the River, a duck race, vendors, music, food & beverages, and educational and environmental activities.

ShiverFest

Each year, we host a colder version of RiverFest on the Saturday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. This fundraising event includes a paddle race down the river followed by our "Thaw Party," where we warm up with food, beverages, and music.

Water Camp

Every year, we collaborate with Pennsylvania American Water Company to host a 4-day camp for kids ages 7-11. We teach them about the water cycle, pollution, recycling, water habitats, and how they can be stewards to the Lackawanna River watershed.

Rain Barrel Workshops

Twice a year we host a Do-It-Yourself rain barrel workshop where we educate attendees on water conservation, stormwater runoff, pollution, the benefits of rain barrels, and stewardship.

Fundraising

We have a variety of fundraising events we plan throughout the year, such as silent art auctions, dine-outs, watershed tours, presentations, and more.

Clean-Ups

With the help of volunteers, we have done many clean-ups along the Lackawanna River collecting tons of waste ranging from small pieces of plastic to giant heavy machinery tires.