A canoe fund-raiser held by the Pecatonica River Restoration organization and other funds helped pay for the equipment. The Lafayette Sportsman's Alliance is very interested in the river restoration and has backed the river clean-up project, Duckwitz said. DNR officials were on hand at a recent Alliance meeting to discuss details regarding a grant to be given for river restoration in the South Wayne and Gratiot areas. A recent market analysis indicated many people come to nearby Yellowstone State Park from Monroe and Janesville and never have the opportunity to visit Blanchardville. Blanchardville Community Pride manager Amy Charles said she hopes this canoe event will draw people interested in the outdoors to come to Blanchardville and take advantage of the river route.
Every community has something special about it.
More work is needed on the river, according to Charles, to create a map and better mark the river for canoe enthusiasts. She does see this event as becoming an annual celebration, but next year, it may be scheduled for earlier in the spring. Bliss Communication Inc. All rights reserved. Use of this material subject to the Times Terms of Use .