May 28, 2008 (rt23 news) - On June 7th (rain date June 8th) the Pequannock River Coalition will be hosting the grand opening of their “Three Rivers Trail.” This new river trail, encompassing sections of the Pequannock River, Pompton River and Ramapo River, runs across parts of Riverdale, Pompton Lakes and Pequannock.

“Boaters have been enjoying these waterways for many years” said Ross Kushner, executive director of the Pequannock River Coalition, “but for the public that experience has been a process of trial and error. The concept here was to map out a specific route, develop access points, post the needed signs and do whatever was necessary to make that experience a safer and more enjoyable one.”

As detailed in their trail guide there are two main launch points on the Pequannock River - one in Riverdale and one in Pompton Lakes - providing entry to the river route. The final take-out point is in Pompton Lakes on the Ramapo River.

“Putting this together was complex” Kushner said. “You have three communities, two different counties and three river systems. Fortunately the towns were very supportive, primarily in the use of their public lands. In fact, Riverdale and Pequannock contributed many of the signs needed along the river.”

Additional funding for development of the trail was provided by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Watershed Institute and the members of the Pequannock River Coalition.

The event kicks off at 10AM on Walnut Ave in Pompton Lakes with a brief ceremony. Directions are provided below. Immediately after the ceremony paddlers will tour the new trail. Canoes and kayaks are the appropriate means of transport. Coastguard-approved lifejackets or “PFDs” are required for all participants. With a lunch break along the way, the tour is expected to end around 2PM.

Although this is not a whitewater trail the Coalition points out that these are rivers, not lakes. As their trail guide notes “moving water is not the place to develop basic paddling skills.” Participants should consider their skill level before joining the event.

The Pequannock River Coalition is a group working to protect the natural resources of the 11 communities in the Pequannock River Watershed from Vernon to Pompton Lakes. For more information on this event or their other activities please visit their website at www.pequannockriver.org, phone them at (973) 492-3212 or send an email to pequannockriver@optonline.net.

Directions to Grand Opening of Three Rivers Trail, 10AM on June 7th:

From Rt. 23 northbound take Newark Pompton Turnpike to Riverdale Road. Follow Riverdale Road east to Riverdale Boulevard. Make a right onto Riverdale Boulevard. Make a right onto Walnut Ave.