Canoeists launch after dedication of White Mills Lackawaxen River access

Tied to two paddles, the ribbon was cut Oct. 27 for the new Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) access and park on the Lackawaxen River in White Mills. This is the second of four improved access points to be completed on the Lackawaxen in Wayne County, part of a developing trail system.

Within minutes, two eager canoeists had launched as the crowd of state and county officiials, Lackawaxen River Trail promoters and others watched.

"It's peaceful," said Connor Simon of the Wayne County Community Foundation. Paddling his grandfather's canoe, he said he loved to paddle this river from Honesdale to Hawley. The trip when the water is high takes about three or four hours. Canoeing with a friend, they talk and enjoy the ducks, bald eagles and other wildlife, and the whole different perspective of the scenery along the way.

Dan Corrigan, owner of Northeast Wilderness Experience, Honesdale, also paddled right after the ceremony. He said he is a founding partner with Lackawaxen River Trails, a group of outdoor recreation enthusiasts who are making progress at establishing the trail system. For 15 years, Corrigan has supplied the livery rentals for the Wayne County Canoe Classic sponsored by Honesdale Area Jaycees in April.

He said people enjoy paddling the river for nature, the quiet, to sightsee, fish, take pictures or hunt for waterfowl.

Tim Schaeffer, executive director of the PFBC, reminded everyone to wear a life jacket and said they are required for everyone between Nov. 1 and April 30 in boats under 16 feet in length.

This effort benefitted by a feasibility study funded by a grant from Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR). The Wayne County commissioners made the application.

Grant Genzlinger and Molly Rodgers represented the Lackawaxen River Trails group.

Genzlinger said that the Lackawaxen River has been the "spine" for economic development for over 200 years. Leading to many historic and cultural sites, the trail system along the river corridor from Honesdale to Hawley and beyond is also foreseen as a catalyst for economic benefits as people come here to hike and paddle in Wayne and Pike counties.

Rodgers said that that PFBC visited the area and helped them narrow down the best sites for river access points. The new White Mills access joins one at Bingham Park in Hawley. Another is expected to be built in 2024 at Sycamore point (the former Industrial Point) in Honesdale. A fourth is envisioned behind The Dime Bank building in Indian Orchard.

The park features a concrete boat launch, parking lot with ADA parking spaces and walkway, and a restroom. It is the first public Lackawaxen River access in Wayne County that is accessible for people with disabilities.

"When communities recognize the value of the natural resources in their own backyards, like the incredible Lackawaxen River Trail, and embrace fishing and boating access along these waterways, the benefits are undeniable,” said Schaeffer, of the PFBC. “Thank you to the local residents who had the vision for this ribbon of projects. Their pride in these recreational amenities will translate into greater resource stewardship and enhanced access to the water that will make the Lackawaxen truly relevant to the region.”

Funding for the White Mills River Access Park project was provided to Wayne County via the PFBC’s Boating Facility Grant Program ($120,290) partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program ($158,000), and local fundraising ($37,000).

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn hailed the natural beauty of the Lackawaxen, which was named River of the Year in 2010. "To drive the economy which will come out of making the Lackawaxen accessible, not just this access but a string of connected accesses that the plan calls for... that will drive the economy beyond your imagination."

Wayne County Commissioner Brian Smith commented, “Not only did the study show that river and land trails are feasible, but the public survey found 93% of respondents supported the multi-purpose river trail concept. Our residents, visitors, and businesses are excited to see this come to fruition.”

State senators Rosemary Brown and Lisa Baker and state representatives Jonathan Fritz and Joe Adams were all on hand for the celebration.

Adams recalled the late Rudy Schemitz, who founded New Wave Woodworking, acquired the old Chroma Tube factory in White Mills and moved his business there. Part of the building now houses the Sports Factory of NEPA. The historic White Mills ball field across the road and adjacent to the river access was renovated and renamed in honor of Schemitz.

Adams said that Rudy had a vision for an athletic facility and river access benefiting the kids. Schemitz's daughter Tiffany said her family desires that the community enjoy this amenity for generations, adding that her father would have loved to see this newly improved access.

Visit: lackawaxenrivertrails.org.

Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Lackawaxen River: Second of four accesses opens in White Mills