The board of directors of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc. have received notification from U.S. Secretary of the Interior that the North Branch of the Susquehanna River is a designated National Recreation Trail.
Secretary Ken Salazar recently designated 22 trails in 13 states as newly recognized National Recreation Trails, adding more than 525 miles of trails to the National Trails System. The Endless Mountains Heritage Region and Pennsylvania Environmental Council, serving as partners in management of the Susquehanna River North Branch Water Trail, received the formal award of the National Recreation Trail designation along with officials of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership at the recent River Commons opening celebration at Wilkes Barre.
National Recreation Trails have been the touchstone of the National Trails System since the first designations in 1971. These trails connect people to local and regional resources and improve their quality of life. "From coast to coast, the National Trail System helps connect American families with the wonders of the outdoors." said Secretary Salazar. "These new National Recreation Trails, built through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, will create opportunities for fitness and stewardship, while creating a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren."
The North Branch Water Trail has been accepted into the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network and is a Recommended Water Trail of the American Canoe Association. This designation of the North Branch provides the key link for enabling the entire length for the main branch of the river in Pennsylvania to be a National Recreation Trail. The recognition adds to the water trail initiatives conducted by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and Pennsylvania Environmental Council, including a comprehensive trail map and guide and orientation and safety signage at public access points along the river.
The management of the Upper North Branch of the Susquehanna River is carried out by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region as the river enters Pennsylvania and courses through the counties of Susquehanna, Bradford and Wyoming. Information about the National Recreation Trails program can be obtained by visiting their website at www. americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails and on the North Branch Water Trail by visiting the website of EMHR at www. EndlessMountainsHeritage. ore.