Neches - Davy Crocket Paddling Trail to Debut June 5

Lufkin — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, The Conservation Fund, The Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce will join together on June 5, 2010 to christen the latest Texas Paddling Trail. The dedication event is scheduled for 1 p.m. at North Boggy Slough, located off Highway 7, west of Lufkin, immediately after the conclusion of the 13^th annual Neches River Rendezvous.

 There will be a handful of local and state dignitaries, including State Representative; Jim Mc Reynolds slated to attend the June 5th trail launch.

"The Neches River represents a huge economic opportunity for Lufkin as more and more people look for ways to enjoy the natural beauty of our area," said Mayor Jack Gorden. "The Neches-Davy Crockett Paddling Trail will become known statewide and draw people looking for the last 'wild and scenic' river in Texas."

This 9.2 mile trail makes a perfect morning or afternoon paddle with friends and family.  Enjoy the beauty of East Texas as you silently paddle through the Davy Crockett National Forest.  Paddlers along the Neches – Davy Crocket corridor will experience a variety of water types including quiet pools and several small riffles.  On occasion, you might see deer, squirrels, wild hogs, alligators, otters and many bird species such as the great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Belted King Fisher, Double Crested Cormorant, Wood Ducks and more.

 “Our new Neches-Davy Crockett Paddling Trail is a dream come true and will give people of all ages from all parts of Texas and the nation access to one of the best days of their lives,” said Ellen Temple.  “Our trail offers towering pines and oaks, countless nesting warblers and other songbirds.”

The Texas Paddling Trails program helps promote habitat conservation through sustainable economic development, while providing additional recreational opportunities to the public. More Americans paddle (canoe, kayak or raft) than play soccer, making it one of the fastest-growing nature tourism experiences.

“We are delighted to add the Neches-Davy Crocket Paddling Trail to our list of attractions in Lufkin.  We are proud to be a part of this dedication and are excited to welcome more visitors to the area to see what all Lufkin has to offer,” said Tara Watson-Watkins, executive director for the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For more information about the Neches-Davy Crockett Paddling Trail visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/ or www.visitlufkin.com