DEP TO CELEBRATE DESIGNATION OF UPPER CHIPOLA RIVER PADDLING TRAIL

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec 3, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

DEP TO CELEBRATE DESIGNATION OF UPPER CHIPOLA RIVER PADDLING TRAIL

~Department, Jackson County officials to participate in flotilla on the river~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service is proud to celebrate the designation of the Upper Chipola River Paddling Trail as the latest addition to Florida’s Greenways and Trails system.

Local and state officials will gather riverside on Friday, Dec. 12 at Christoff Landing near Marianna to celebrate the designation of the Upper Chipola Paddling Trail and the recognition of Jackson County as a ‘Blueways Community,’ as designated by the Florida Paddling Trails Association. After a brief ceremony, paddlers and boaters are invited to experience the new trail and join a flotilla on a journey to the Florida Caverns State Park. 

As Florida’s 51st designated paddling trail, this scenic portion of the Chipola River is a site on the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail and begins at Christoff Landing, managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District. Jackson County is home to a wealth of excellent boating, fishing and paddling waterways within a region of great biodiversity and outstanding wildlife habitat. 

WHAT:          Paddling Trail Designation  

WHEN:          Dec. 12, 2014

                      Noon (CST)

WHERE:        Christoff Landing
                       Marianna, FL

Directions from Marianna: From intersection of U.S. 90 and Pennsylvania Avenue, turn right (north) and drive 5.2 miles. (name soon changes to Bumpnose Rd.) Turn right (east); the launch site is 0.3 miles ahead. Map