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Rock River Development Authority
The following excerpt is from a August 12, 2005 press release from the IDNR:
Rock Falls
Chapter of the Rock River Development Authority
The Rock Falls Chapter of the Rock River Development Authority was established
in 1985 as part of a larger project that coordinated local municipal
volunteers along the Rock River in an effort to help Hennepin Canal State
Trail in Sheffield. This enthusiastic group of approximately 15 people began
by volunteering to open up the canal by hand, clearing a meandering trail
along the old canal towpath, and turning it into a trail that was safe, clean
and attractive for all to enjoy. They also took on another project that raised
more than $10,000 in contributions, materials, and in-kind services to gravel,
then oil and chip the first three miles of the recreation trail -- the start
of what is now a 91-mile Hennepin Canal trail network. Since records were
initiated in 1990, there have been 12,500 volunteer hours provided to the
Hennepin Canal by this group. Last year, they purchased 12 can buoys for the
Sinissippi channel at a cost of more than $1,200. In May, they sponsored a
canal cleanup day with more than 100 participants working. Just last week,
they donated $3,000 to the resurfacing of a section of the canal recreational
path. Plus, many more projects and volunteer efforts have been donated by the
Rock River Chapter. Their efforts are extraordinary and it shows at Hennepin
Canal State Trail.
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