HONESDALE, PA — Wayne County officials and volunteers are working to create a new system of recreation trails along 15 miles of the Lackawaxen River between Honesdale and Hawley.

The Stourbridge Rail and Trail Group, the Honesdale River Project, Hones Trails, Wallenpaupack Trails, and the D&H Canal Lock 31 Park have formed a consortium, the Wayne-Pike Trails & Waterways Alliance (WPTWA), to develop the project. The proposed trail would be constructed from the Wayne County Fairgrounds to Hawley Borough. The Honesdale River Project plans to develop river trails that run through Honesdale, while connecting with borough trails and the Stourbridge Rail & Trail at key trailheads. The project would create or improve trails for hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, nature education and other activities.

Their first priority is applying for a PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant to fund a feasibility study. The study, expected to cost $80,000, would be 50% funded by the grant, with the remaining amount in a local match. Lisa Champeau and Grant Genzlinger of the WPTWA came before the county commissioners to seek $5,000 in county support toward the match.Champeau said $10,000 toward the $40,000 local match has already been committed.

Commissioner Joseph Adams moved the request, which was approved unanimously. Commissioner Wendell Kay said he was excited about the potential of the project and excited to see the outcome of the feasibility study.

The study allows the group to better determine how to develop the trails, sets standards for developing the trail, and allows the group to apply for more grant funding to execute projects of the multi-year development plan. According to a WPTWA statement, the study will review property-owner issues, lease arrangements, existing municipal and county plans, water-access possibilities and cost estimates for any needed construction. It will also seek public support throughout the process and look for potential funding sources to complete the project.

Champeau said WPTWA will be seeking additional funding commitments before the state grant filing deadline of April 12. For more information visit tinyurl.com/j3qsx4v or the Honesdale River Project on Facebook.

The commissioners also approved a letter of support for a local Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support (SEEDS) team’s application to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Solar in Your Community Challenge—Creating a Solar Resource Toolkit” competition; a letter of support for Lacawac Sanctuary’s DCNR—Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant application for $221,400 to purchase an adjoining house and convert it to an environmental center; and the hiring of Thomas Renn and Shawn Farrell as tax services data collectors and Kevin Ramirez as a drug and alcohol case manager.