HONESDALE, Pa. (October 18) – Today, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources joined Wayne County Commissioners, the Lackawaxen River Trails group, and other partners to celebrate the opening of the new Sycamore Point Park in the Borough of Honesdale.
The park features a concrete boat launch, ADA Parking facilities and access trails, ADA-compliant Riverwalk Trail, dry-compost restroom, two picnic areas with ADA tables, and interpretive signage. The combination of amenities provides expanded public access to fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation for people of all abilities along the Lackawaxen River in Wayne County.
“This is literally the spot that sparked the unprecedented partnership along the Lackawaxen and started momentum for improved public boating access that has spread throughout the Delaware River Watershed," said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “My friend Mike Slattery from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was here in June of 2022 when the plans for the River Trail were unveiled and called it a 'force multiplier' – and he was right. From Honesdale to Hawley to all the way downstream in Philadelphia, renewed connections to our creeks and rivers are bringing undeniable benefits to communities and making the health of Pennsylvania's waterways more relevant than ever. Thank you to our partners here in Wayne County for being the spark that ignited a burning flame."
Claire Jantz, DCNR Deputy Secretary, commended project organizers for their vision to enhance interest and create excitement around one of the region's historic features by adding modern amenities.
“Congratulations to everyone who has been a part of bringing the newest feature of this river trail to reality," said Jantz. “The Lackawaxen River has been an economic backbone for more than two centuries, from early logging through the building of the canal and transporting coal. Now, this river trail will connect people to nature, recreational opportunities, communities, history, businesses, and so much more."
Funding for the Sycamore Point Park project was provided to Wayne County through the PFBC's Boating Facility Grant Program ($257,682) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, DCNR's Community Conservation Partnerships Program ($314,000), and local fundraising.
“This river trail is quickly becoming one of the jewels of Wayne County," said Wayne County Commissioners Brian Smith, Jocelyn Cramer and James Shook. “We wanted these access points created along the Lackawaxen to be for everyone, so we're glad to see the handicapped accessible features at both Sycamore Point and White Mills. We encourage everyone to recreate, enjoy these gems along the river, and take advantage of the natural beauty that Wayne County offers. We're so excited to see a worthwhile idea on paper come to fruition so quickly and so wonderfully."
In addition to Sycamore Point Park, the PFBC and DCNR provided funding to establish the White Mills River Access Park in Texas Township in 2023, and a third river access at Indian Orchard which is expected to be completed in 2025 and will serve as the midpoint of the approximately 10-mile water trail from Honesdale to Hawley. When awarding funding through its Boating Facility Grant Program in 2021 and 2022, the PFBC placed special emphasis on projects within the Delaware River Watershed. Thanks to additional grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, a combined $559,672 was dedicated to the three projects in Wayne County.
"Investing in impactful projects like the access points that will form the Lackawaxen River trail is what collaborative conservation is all about," said Sheila Eyler, USFWS Mid-Atlantic Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office Project Leader. "This successful effort is yet another example of how we can have a greater conservation impact when we work together."
State elected officials representing Wayne County reiterated the importance of continued local, state, and federal partnerships and encouraged local residents and visitors to take advantage of the new features at Sycamore Point Park.
“I'm thrilled to see the opening of Sycamore Point Park and the progress being made on the Lackawaxen River Trail," said Senator Rosemary M. Brown (PA-40). “This is a wonderful example of how stakeholders can come together to invest in projects that enhance public access to our natural resources, while also boosting recreation and tourism. The Lackawaxen River holds a rich history, and this new access point will help connect our communities to both nature and the local economy. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this trail will continue to have on our region."
"Honesdale continues to shine with yet another positive development with the opening of Sycamore Point," said State Representative Jonathan Fritz (PA-111). Outdoor recreation is top of mind for residents and visitors alike. I am forever appreciative of the teamwork, collective vision, and good government that makes important projects like this come to life."
For more information on the PFBC's Boating Facility Grant Program, visit Fishandboat.com. To learn more about DCNR's Community Conservation Partnerships Program, visit dcnr.pa.gov.
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Media Contact:
Mike Parker
Communications Director
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
(717) 585-3076
michparker@pa.gov