Bringing people to the river

STERLING – More entities are throwing their support behind the Rock River Trail Initiative.

The group wants to create a way for people along the 300-mile route to enjoy the scenic river. Organizers are asking cities and agencies along the route to pass resolutions to help publicize the project.

The city of Sterling is the latest to do so.

The cities of Rock Falls and Dixon and the Whiteside and Lee county boards already have passed resolutions. So, too, have the Dixon and Sterling park districts, Dixon Riverfront, and the Dixon Chamber of Commerce.

The trail initiative is slowly building momentum. Dave Druen, a coordinator and a volunteer of Friends of the Hennepin Canal, said these resolutions of support are just the beginning.

Eventually, the goal is to establish the trail as a state and national waterway.

"The reason for the support resolutions is to show the National Park Service that we have gotten support so they know what it is about," he said.

Druen wants communities along the trail to highlight what makes their cities special.

"They are drawing up a map of the whole Rock River so that people that want to come here can look up this stuff," he said. "That's why we are trying to get out there; we want their input."

Druen said support resolutions from individual cities also help secure federal funding.

Druen is waiting for support from the Coloma Township Park District and the Rock Falls Community Development Corporation.

Hopefully, in the near future, people will be able to enjoy the entire trail.

The river truly is a beautiful and underused resource in the area. Imagine being on the water and soaking up the river that way. Organizers are working with Friends of the Hennepin Canal to promote the waterways. This is another opportunity to bring tourism to the entire Sauk Valley.

For more information, visit rockrivertrail.com.