In several parts of the watershed, sovaldi people are interested in improving recreational access to the river, adding interpretive, way-finding and historical signage, creating linkages from city to village, and creative economic development opportunities. These ideas are at the heart of a “Water Trail.” Water Trails take on many forms, but in general they are trails in (and on) the water to foster an interactive recreational, historical, cultural, and tourist experience.
Building on this interest and the existing parks and canoe and kayak liveries, the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) held a half day seminar this past Wednesday with stakeholders and partners interested in developing a Huron River Water Trail. HRWC wants to develop a trail that connects communities in Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties to the Huron River and its recreational, economic, historic, and cultural values. This trail will provide increased recreational opportunities, improved access, restrooms and portages, highlight historical significance, and link community hubs to the river for increased economic opportunities such as food and overnight accommodations.
At the Dexter Library 40 people met to learn about water trails and brain storm ideas about the Huron River. Barbara Nelson-Jameson with The National Park Service and Anita Twardesky from Riverside Kayaks shared their experiences with water trails throughout the state. Norm Cox with the Greenways Collaborative brought it back to the Huron with some terrific preliminary maps of what currently exists.
Great ideas were generated and will be compiled and posted to the website under “seminars” when complete.
We need your help to get this off the ground. Contact Laura Rubin (lrubin@hrwc.org) if you want to get involved.