Rock River Trail will benefit local economy

STATE VIEWS

Rock River Trail will benefit local economy

   The Rock River runs 320 miles from its headwaters in Fond du Lac County to where it joins the Mississippi River in Illinois. In 2010, river enthusiasts in Wisconsin and Illinois launched the Rock River Trail Initiative to increase recreational opportunities and tourism in the communities along the river’s route.

   The first phase included development of a “water trail” for boaters and paddlers. Last fall, I attended the dedication ceremony for the Beloit section of the Rock River Water Trail, which took place at a canoe launch in downtown Beloit. The Rock River Trail Initiative also held a dedication ceremony in Janesville. Both cities now have signage designating public access points to the river, as does the city of Jefferson. Signage and maps show access points, resting places, portage points, restrooms, shelters, parking lots and camping sites.

   The Rock River runs right through the 15th Senate District, and local communities will benefit from the ecotourism and recreation opportunities throughout the Rock River corridor.

   Now that the water trail phase is complete, I have been working with Democratic and Republican colleagues to introduce legislation that would create an accompanying driving route, the Rock River Trail Scenic and Historic Route. The route would roughly parallel the river and highlight points of interest, such as natural areas, historic sites and local attractions.

   Senate Bill 41 (SB 41), legislation I introduced with Republican Rep. John Jagler of Watertown and Democratic Reps. Rep. Andy Jorgensen of Fort Atkinson, Deb Kolste of Janesville and Janis Ringhand of Evansville, directs the Department of Transportation to designate and mark the “Rock River Trail Scenic & Historic Route.” The Senate Committee on Transportation will hold a public hearing on SB 41 at 10 a.m. today.

   The Wisconsin portion of the driving route runs through Fond du Lac, Dodge, Jefferson, Dane and Rock counties. SB 41 has the support of Republican and Democratic legislators alike who serve communities along the Rock River. SB 41 specifies that no state funds may be used for signs. Instead, the Rock River Trail Initiative will raise private funds and apply for grants.

   Promoting the Rock River has the potential to draw more canoeists, kayakers, boaters and anglers to our area. The Rock River Trail will attract bicyclists, hikers and motorists who want to follow its shoreline.

   The trail has camping at over 20 sites. For the more adventurous, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management owns three islands in the river, each of which is available to the water traveler for primitive camping.

   Ultimately, the Rock River will be a destination for local residents and tourists alike. It will increase recreational opportunities and improve the quality of life in the 37 cities and villages along its route.

   The Wisconsin constitution’s Public Trust Doctrine states that all navigable waters are forever free and are owned by the people. That is the spirit of the Rock River Trail Initiative: creating more public use, appreciation of and respect for the Rock River. Our area can benefit from promoting all that the Rock River has to offer.

   Sen. Tim Cullen serves Wisconsin’s 15th Senate District, including most of Rock County and the Whitewater area. He can be reached at 1-800-334-1438 or 608-266-2253; at Sen.Cullen@legis.wi.gov  ; or at P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707.