Rock River Water Trail Inventory, Analysis and Plan

I'm pleased to announce completion of the Rock River Water Trail Inventory, Analysis and Plan.  The plan document provides the vision, structure and organization of a water trail on the Rock River through the eleven counties of Wisconsin and Illinois.  Maps were developed for each of the eleven river sections along the water trail.

 

The Plan unifies under the service mark of ROCK RIVER WATER TRAIL a framework for identifying suitable carry-in access sites and boat launches, parks, campsites and cultural facilities that enhance the water trail experience.  The Plan addresses water trail and corridor management needs, dam safety, opportunities for connecting with other regional trail systems and approaches to marketing and promoting the water trail.

 

A unique element of the plan is a consistent set of standards developed to identify segments of the river with common characteristics and facilities and to link each segment with an appropriate water trail experience.  The set of skill level and environmental type for each water trail segment provides to users an easy way of selecting routes that meet their needs and interest and match their abilities and expectations.

 

The Plan also recognizes the Rock River Water Trail as a recreation resource for many users in addition to those with paddle craft.  Users of motorized boats for pleasure cruising, water skiing, fishing and hunting; boaters who wish to access parks and overnight camping sites from the river; and individuals accessing the river for fishing, bird watching or hiking will all benefit from the water trail plan for the Rock River.

 

The Plan was presented to the Wisconsin and Illinois Departments of Natural Resources and the National Park Service.

 

We invite you to view the Plan at www.rockrivertrail.com.

 

Preparation of the Plan has been quite a task and we appreciate your assistance.  We are pleased with the document and believe it will be an important building block to establish a multi-use system of trails along the beautiful Rock River through Wisconsin and Illinois, as envisioned by the Rock River Trail Initiative.

 

Sincerely,

Greg Farnham, Coordinator

Rock River Trail Initiative

Hustisford, Wisconsin

920 386-2450

920 296-8771  Cell