CONOWINGO — The newest addition to the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway, Octoraro Creek Trail, is now open to the public. The trail, a half-mile walking path through wooded land that begins at the Octoraro Creek Bridge on Route 222 and ends at the Susquehanna River, provides greater opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and hiking, and opens previously inaccessible fishing locations along the Susquehanna.

The trail was built on land owned by Exelon Corp., owner of the nearby Conowingo Dam. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Exelon have been working together since 2004 to enhance recreational opportunities in the area. The trail is the first of many projects that will grow out of that partnership.

“The reopening of Octoraro Creek is a huge accomplishment, and could not have been possible without Exelon’s generosity and receptiveness,” said Tom O’Connell, assistant director of DNR’s Fisheries Service. “This new recreational opportunity grew out of an open process that included Exelon, DNR and input from local anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.”

“Exelon feels it has a responsibility to open recreational opportunities for people to enjoy the Susquehanna River. The trail provides access to great fishing spots and endless opportunities for the public to appreciate our natural world,” said Vicky Will, Exelon Vice President of Regulatory, Environmental and Safety.

“The Octoraro Creek Trail is a great idea, and an exceptional opportunity for those who love fishing and boating, or who just love the outdoors,” said Leon Senft, representative for the Susquehanna Shad Club. “Exelon was very cooperative and should be commended for their efforts. There are some very happy anglers along the Susquehanna.”

Local anglers are encouraged to participate in DNR’s 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge. Designed to promote recreational fishing in Maryland, recognize angler efforts and inspire environmental stewardship, the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge began April 12 and will run through Labor Day, Sept. 1. Any angler who catches a citation-qualifying fish and enters the challenge may win one of the official grand prizes. To date, more than 1,000 anglers have qualified to win one of the grand prizes, including a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4×4 pickup truck from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat and trailer package from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 in fishing gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center.

For the full rules, list of qualifying fish, qualified entrants thus far, and other 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge information visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fishingchallenge.

For more information about Octoraro Creek and the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway, visit http://www.hitourtrails.com/.