by the H2O Water Network Team
Have you heard the exciting news? Parts of the Monongahela River have officially joined the National Water Trails Program! This milestone underscores the incredible work our friends and partners have been doing all along the Upper Ohio Basin—and it’s only the beginning.
A Three-Part Story: Upper, Middle & Lower
The Mon River actually breaks into three segments:
- Upper Mon (West Virginia to Fredericktown): Already designated.
- Middle Mon (Fredericktown to Elizabeth): Still in progress—our Project Team’s 2023 Management Plan Update recommended it, and we’re optimistic funding will follow.
- Lower Mon (Elizabeth to Pittsburgh’s Point): Now designated and administered by Friends of the Riverfront .
Why This Matters
Designation as a National Water Trail isn’t just an honor roll—it brings new visibility, technical support through the National Park Service, and practical resources (think paddling guides, safety signage, interactive maps). It also supercharges local tourism, helping riverside towns thrive.
How We Got Here
This success follows the hard work of Downstream Strategies, Mon River Towns Program, Friends of the Riverfront, and countless community volunteers and local leaders who championed the plan’s recommendations . Special shout-out to Dennis Martinak and the Project Team for steering the Management Plan update and laying the groundwork for Middle Mon funding.
What’s Next?
- Middle Mon Designation: We’re rallying partners and funders to secure the final push.
- Community Events & Trails Upgrades: Keep an eye out for volunteer days, wayfinding improvements, and paddling festivals this summer.
- Your Role: Have you boated, fished, or kayaked the Mon River? Share your photos and stories on social—let’s show the world why our river deserves this spotlight.
Join Us
Want to learn more or help with the Middle Mon campaign? Drop us a line at info@h2owaternetwork.org. Together, we’ll connect every stretch of the Mon River into a seamless, celebrated water trail.
