On March 1, the Pike County Board of Commissioners announced the kickoff of a grant-funded Trail Feasibility Study focusing on the Lackawaxen River corridor, between Hawley and Lackawaxen.
The study seeks to determine the physical and legal feasibility to construct and maintain a multi-use trail spanning approximately 14 miles from Hawley Borough, at the Wayne/Pike County Line, along the Stourbridge Rail Line, the Towpath, and the Lackawaxen River, to the Village of Lackawaxen.
The feasibility study is partially funded through a state grant, in the amount of $55,000, from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, which is matched by Marcellus Legacy Funds, created by Act 13 of 2012 to provide for the distribution of unconventional gas well impact fees to counties, municipalities, and Commonwealth agencies.
Following a request for proposals and vetting process, in December 2020 the Commissioners retained Woodland Design Associates, Inc. (WDA), of Honesdale, PA, to conduct the study in consultation with a diverse Project Study Committee, offering valuable insight and experience.
The Project Study Committee, appointed by the Pike County Commissioners, includes representatives from Lackawaxen and Palmyra Townships, the National Park Service, Wallenpaupack School District, Wayne Memorial Health System, tourism businesses, trail organizations, local scout organizations, Fish & Boat Commission, and local hunting and fishing clubs.
WDA’s President Michael Wood and his team have begun baseline studies of the trail corridor’s land, hydrology, infrastructure, land use, and historical significance.
The firm recently completed a similar Trail Feasibility Study for Wayne County, which focused on the Lackawaxen River corridor between the Boroughs of Honesdale and Hawley.
Public Input
Public feedback on the Pike County trail project is invaluable. A brief 10-question public survey is currently being distributed via email, social media, and the Pike County website. It can also be found via a QR code available at area parks and trailheads.
The survey can be completed by residents and visitors alike.
Click Here to take the survey.
Visit the Pike Outdoors webpage for more information about the Pike County trails project.
Questions or requests for more information can be emailed to trails@pikepa.org or directed to Pike County Assistant Planning Director Jessica Yoder at 570-296-3500, ext. 1382.
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[Posted: March 1, 2021] PA Environment Digest
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