For Immediate Release

May 31, 2005

(WEST TRENTON, N.J.) -- The 2005 Delaware River Sojourn, an annual event that combines canoeing, kayaking, camping, educational programs, historical interpretation, and more, will be held June 19-25.

"Nearly 80 non-contiguous miles of the Delaware and its tributaries in three states will be paddled during the week-long event," Sojourn Steering Committee Co-Chair Sandra Schultz said. "There is still time for interested persons to sign up and join us."

The purpose of the sojourn is to heighten awareness of, and appreciation for, the ecological, historical, recreational, and economic significance of the Delaware River, which flows through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The theme for this year's event is "Introducing the Delaware River Water Trail" to increase awareness about the efforts now underway to make the Delaware River even more paddle-friendly and accessible to recreational boaters. "This theme fits perfectly with the spirit of the sojourn because both are all about enjoying safe, rewarding and environmentally responsible outings on the river," Steering Committee Co-Chair Bonnie Tobin added.

This year's sojourn for the first time will start on the East Branch of the Delaware River in New York State on June 19. Another new location for sojourners will be paddling the tidal waters of the South Branch of the Rancocas Creek in the New Jersey Pinelands on June 24. The 7 p.m. program at the Palmyra Cove Environmental Discovery Center on June 24, which will be open to the public, will feature Jim Bintliff as he tells the fascinating story of baseball rubbing mud which comes from the Delaware River Watershed.

Daily highlights include:

Sunday, June 19: Fishs Eddy (N.Y.) to Hancock (N.Y.) (10 miles)

Monday, June 20: Hancock to Lordville (N.Y.) (10 miles)

Tuesday, June 21: Bushkill (Pa.) to Shawnee (Pa.) (13 miles)

Wednesday, June 22: Easton (Pa.) to Upper Black Eddy (Pa.) (17.5 miles)

Thursday, June 23: Upper Black Eddy to Bull’s Island State Park (N.J.) (11 miles)

Friday, June 24: Round trip from Ironwood Outdoor Center (Lumberton, N.J.) (11 miles)

Saturday, June 25: Round trip from Palmyra Cove Nature Park (N.J.) exploring the cove and the tidal Delaware River (7 miles)

The sojourn is suitable for people with varying paddling skills. Sojourners may sign up for the entire seven-day trip or for the day(s) of their choice. The $65 daily registration fee ($45 for non-paddling children age 12 and under riding in the parent’s canoe) covers the guided river trip, canoe/kayak rental, shuttle transportation, educational programs, most meals, insurance, a souvenir hat, and optional overnight camping sites. The Delaware River Sojourn is sanctioned and insured by the American Canoe Association.

Space is limited each day. The registration deadline is June 10. Registrations postmarked after June 10 will be accepted on a first-come basis with a $20 late fee added.

This year, a total of ten $40 scholarships are available for first-time adult sojourners. Applicants must explain in 100 words or less why they are interested in paddling on the sojourn. A panel will judge the applications based on merit. The deadline is June 10.

Additional information, including registration materials and scholarship forms, are available on the sojourn web site (hosted by the Delaware River Basin Commission) at www.delawareriversojourn.org. Registration questions may be directed to Mike Brubaker at the Pocono Environmental Education Center by phone (570-828-2319) or email (mikebru@peec.org).

Over the years, the Delaware River Sojourn has focused mounting attention on the river, creating an awareness of the important role it plays in the lives of the nearly 15 million people (approximately five percent of the nation's population) who rely on the waters of the Delaware River Basin for drinking and industrial use.

The non-profit, annual event is organized by a steering committee representing various organizations and government agencies working in the Delaware River Basin. This year's committee is co-chaired by representatives from the National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and Pennsylvania's Delaware Canal State Park.

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Contact: Clarke Rupert, DRBC, 609-883-9500 ext. 260, clarke.rupert@drbc.state.nj.us

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