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River Trail Development
What is the Focus?
Watershed associations, paddle clubs, outfitters, and canoe and kayak
enthusiasts interested in the development of a river trail.
What Does NRCS Offer?
Site selection, funding, permitting, surveying, designing, coordination and
installation of canoe and kayak ramps for river trails.
What is an Example of River Trail Development?
DANBURY, CT – The Housatonic Valley River Trail Project consists of a
canoe/kayak trail that begins in Danbury and will eventually take floaters 38
miles – all the way to Long Island Sound. It will be, when completed, a trip of
oxbow and curves, of tumbling water, and long paddles across big lakes. There
will be at least a few hauls across dry ground, then a final push down a tidal
river to the ocean. Since February 2001, over 19 blockages have been cleared;
trail signs pointing out natural points of interest, have been installed; trail
maps and brochures have been printed; an access ramp at the beginning of the
River Trail was installed (by volunteers); timber steps that lead to a bird
sanctuary have been installed by Eagle Scouts; and a website has been developed.
The King’s Mark Resource Conservation and Development area has provided
coordination assistance to the River Trail Project, and have obtained permits
and funding through grants to install the initial ramp in Danbury. They
coordinated the engineering assistance provided by NRCS, supervised the ramp’s
installation, and are in the process of obtaining permits and funding for
installation of a second ramp in New Milford (approximately 13 miles downstream
from the one in Danbury). When the project is complete, there will be ramps at 5
mile intervals. Several access areas already exist, and many of these locations
have bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and shopping. Improvements and maintenance
to the trail will remain a perpetual project. Many of the towns public works
departments have already agreed to provide maintenance and removal of blockages
on their part of the river.
Who are the Partners?
< Back to Assistance to
Communities: Conservation Technical Assistance Program Fact Sheets
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