The Making of the Presque Isle Water Trail

The Making of the Presque Isle Water Trail, a film documenting the work of PWP (Paddle Without Pollution), state agencies, and other organizations as they planned the Presque Isle Water Trail, is making it's debut right here in Erie.

The film includes interviews with key personnel; footage of kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders; views of wildlife; and information about launch sites for paddling at Presque Isle and how water trails can benefit the community.

Funding for the film came from a number of sources including the PA Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, The Erie Community Foundation, and Pennsylvania Environmental Council.  Financial support was provided by the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources.

Paddle Without Pollution is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to restore and protect the health of rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands through hands-on stewardship and education, thereby benefiting the region's communities, economy, and quality of life.

"The purpose of this film, the result of more than 2000 hours of work, is to get people excited about the water trail; to showcase the beauty and recreational opportunities of Presque Isle State Park; and to explain the process of planning and developing a water trail," said David Rohm, Executive Director of Special Operations of PWP and the films producer/ editor. "We hope the documentary and the water trail will encourage stewardship of our natural resources and promote ecotourism in the Erie Area.

The film will make its debut at its premier lauch party at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center June 27.

Tom Ricci can be contacted at tRicci@ErieReader.com.