Rediscovering the Racquette River

Tourism planned to bring Racquette River communities together for prosperity

Witness a kaleidoscope of color as the blues reflect off the water next to the bright oranges, yellows and browns of the forests along the autumnal Racquette River. The season changes and the winter sun sparkles off the frozen river as the snow cuddles the ground. No matter the season, the beauty of the river is a treasure.

The beauty is so divine that Joann Ferris, chairperson of the Racquette River Corridor Project Advisory Committee, felt compelled to pursue the chance to share it through tourism.

Tourism has the ability to increase the number of jobs, as well as improve the overall life for its citizens, according to the Racquette River Corridor Project (RRCP). It can promote conservation, preservation and pride in the community, as well as increase the quality of outdoor recreational activities. It also brings wealth to the area.

Bringing prosperity to all communities involved is “the beautiful thing about tourism…” according to Economics Development Specialist Jim Murphy of the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in Plattsburgh who is working on the project.

The project has been developing for several years. It began in 2002 when Ferris approached the town of Colton with her idea. From there she initiated and formed RRCP to unite the 17 communities that live along the 174-mile river. Later, she requested the help of TAC to create a strategic plan to market the area for tourism as the idea started to come together. Today, the project continues to move progressively forward.

Over the summer, everyone from politicians to locals to avid canoe racers was given a chance to voice their opinions, concerns and ideas at the three open workshops RRCP and TAC held to discuss the marketing of the second longest river in New York State similar to the tourism market created in Lake Champlain with Lakes to Locks.

As Ferris says, “If they can do it in Lake Champlain, why can't we do it here?”

Additionally, the project received a $50,000 grant from the New York State Department of State using part of the state's Environmental Protection Funds. This is the second grant the project has received. Now, they are pursuing two other grants; one worth $50,000 and the other worth $100,000. Ferris expressed excitement over the grants because a lot more can be done.

Currently, one of their main objectives is to develop the Racquette River Corridor to fit the State Department of State's definition of a Blueway Trail.

“Blueways are small boat and paddling routes that combine recreation and environmental awareness and allow users to travel to designated stops along the way for rest, overnight stays, and enjoyment of land-based attractions in the vicinity. The creation of a New York State Blueway Trail is already underway in various areas, including the Hudson River Water Trail, the Canal Recreationway, and the Lake Champlain Paddlers Trail. Initially, the Blueway will be a series of routes that are defined by water body characteristics, local attractions, and local interest. Over time these will become a single connected route that will be recognized as part of a New York State system,” according to the State Department of State.

This fall, RRCP's advisory committee is focusing on five areas based on the information gathered. Dividing into subcommittees, each group is looking very closely into each of their given areas, and collectively they are working to fill in the gaps. Ferris said the State Department of State has given guidelines concentrating on:

• Improving and increasing access for boating, fishing, and public access to the river.
• Promoting water-based tourism and marketing the corridor as a regional attraction.
• Increasing the potential economic links, trail linkages between communities and links between business districts and waterfronts.
• Adding directional, interpretative signs, and informational signs for land-based attractions to the corridor.
• Emphasizing environmental awareness, stewardship of the environment and inter-municipal efforts, and the high degree of private participation.

“The next step will be to develop a vision framework,” Ferris said.“A vision framework will guide us into comprehensive planning.”

By the beginning of next year a comprehensive marketing plan should be developed by TAC to outline more specific measures to be taken.

Until then, RRCP is increasing its visibility. Mike Prescott, who canoed the entire Racquette River over the summer, took his power point presentation he created from his adventure on the road. In his presentation, he discussed the rich history of the river with interest. He particularly emphasized the great diversity of the river. He told of some areas like rapids, waterfalls, and whitewater. Later, he described large pristine lakes created by damming. And it is all the same river. His photographs highlight some of the most beautiful areas few people know and those areas with a lot of potential that improvement could reveal.

“If they can do it in Lake Champlain , why can't we do it here?”

Additionally, on October 17, RRCP held a booth at the local government conference that was held at State University of New York Potsdam. Prescott presented his show and project brochures were available. Attendance at the conference is hoped to bring more municipal and community support to the project.

In the long run, RRCP is working to create a four-season outdoor experience. At this time, local communities are only working on a two month season and it is not enough to sustain or grow the local businesses. Plus, the communities are under economic strain as jobs in traditional industries are being lost, Murphy said.

Not only is RRCP trying to improve the local economy with tourism, but it hopes to maintain the character of the local communities, as well. Some members emphasize being “a tourist in your own backyard” by educating and creating more opportunities that both tourists and locals could utilize.

All those involved in the project have high hopes for the region. From the progression of the project, the optimism is spreading. The sun appears to be rising and illuminating light on all who gaze upon the majesty of the Raquette River in awe.

What ideas/concerns do you have for the future of the Racquette River?

The Woman Behind It All:

Joann Ferris, creator of RRCP, became inspired by the idea at a tourism conference in North Creek. She is the town of Colton's tourism representative and on the tourism committee of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. She has attended many of New York State 's tourism conferences.

She is the owner and operator of Braeside Bed & Breakfast in South Colton.

However, she realizes the idea never would have gotten off the ground without the support of the town of Colton and the St. Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.

After she gained backing, she approached all the towns from Blue Mountain Lake to Akwesasne to gain monetary backing to help make the Racquette River Corridor Project a reality.

She has led the project primarily with the support of municipalities, volunteers and the public.