The Opportunity
While the Tongue River and its associated creeks boast beautiful views, fishable waters, abundant birds and wildlife, and are perfect for floating when the water is at an optimal level, issues like lack of information, water hazards, and unsafe or too few access sites, prevent both visitors and County residents from taking full advantage of recreation opportunities on our waterways.
What We’re Doing
SCLT’s Recreation Work Group, which is comprised of roughly twenty volunteers who represent various non-motorized recreation interests, is working with the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program to compile an assessment of navigable water in northwest Sheridan County through research and on-the-water observations. The assessment will inventory existing conditions on navigable and publicly accessible sections of Big Goose Creek, Little Goose Creek, Goose Creek, and the Tongue River.
How will the assessment guide future decisions?
The end goal is that this Water Trails Assessment will provide a common structure and support for future investments by any entity interested in improving these waterways for public recreation, as well as promote community stewardship of this resource. Potential projects may include new and enhanced access sites, hazard removal, new boater-specific signage on the waterways, or published information.
We need public input to ensure that the assessment reflects the needs of the community. If you float local waterways, we need to hear from you! Go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/JustPaddle to complete a short survey (10 minutes to complete) to provide your valuable input that will be used to help create the assessment(Survey closes May 31, 2014).
