Stephenson County, Illinois
A six-mile stretch of the Pecatonica River in Stephenson County, Illinois has opened to paddlers through the combined efforts of the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program and the Friends of the Pecatonica River. In 2010, RTCA staff helped the Friends to organize public meetings designed to enlist public support for this new river trail and to receive comments from the local community. The RTCA designed and facilitated these workshops and is continuing to assist FPR members to create a water trail communications plan. It is expected that “Illinois’ Friendliest Paddle” will serve as a template for the development of many more miles of friendly paddling!
Photo: Paddling has gained popularity in Illinois
– NPS
