National Water Trails System

National Water Trails System

On February 29, 2012, Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar created the National Water Trails System as a class or subset of the National Recreation Trails under the National Trails System Act of 1968. While National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails may only be designated by an act of Congress.  However, the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture may designate National Water Trails. Trails of local and regional significance are selected to be recognized as part of the National Trails System

The National Water Trails System (NWTS) serves to bring existing water trails together into one cohesive distinctive national network of exemplary water trails that increase access to outdoor recreation on shorelines and waterways, and promote tourism that fuels local economies across America. Furthermore, the National Water Trails System encourages community stewardship through protection, restoration, and conservation of America’s rivers, shorelines, and waterways.

The National Park Service (NPS) Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) is the primary administrator that coordinates and supports the National Water Trails System. The RTCA works in collaboration with community organizations seeking designation and helps strengthen the network of water trail managers. Each designated national water trail is managed by a local management entity (e.g., local, state, or federal government agency; nonprofit organization; interagency organization). The ongoing management responsibility and associated costs of the designated national water trail are the sole responsibility of the management entity.

In 2010, the Three Rivers Water Trail was awarded National Recreation Trail status by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Three Rivers Water Trail is an urban water trail located in Pittsburgh, Pa. metropolitan area that includes the Ohio, the Allegheny, and the Monongahela River. This 75-mile route is part of the Pennsylvania statewide water trail system, connecting to the Youghiogheny River Trail, the Kiski-Conemaugh River Water Trail, and the Ohio River Water Trail.