OGDENSBURG -- Increased access to the Oswegatchie River and informational hubs are just some of the ideas that will be shared at upcoming meetings that will help develop the Oswegatchie Blueway Trail.

Stakeholders are hoping to establish a trail to increase tourist activity by improving awareness, access and offerings along the Oswegatchie.

Results from the recent Oswegatchie Blueway Trail study will be shared at public information sessions in Ogdensburg and Gouverneur.

The first session will be held Nov. 18 at the Ogdensburg Dobisky Center at 5 p.m. and at the Gouverneur Municipal Building at 5 p.m. Nov. 19.

The study has focused on identifying strategies for economic development and sustainable tourism through recreational access to the Oswegatchie River and the many other year-round recreation resources throughout the river corridor.

This is the final of three rounds of meetings and open houses for the project. There will be a presentation and open-house style discussion about the plan and its proposals with members of the steering committee, project sponsors and consultants.

The study proposes a series of primary and secondary hubs along the river promoting local communities to tourists and river recreation enthusiasts. Other proposed improvements include amenities such as river access, wayfinding and interpretation and promotion of the river and the unique North Country heritage and culture.

The study is funded by the New York State Department of State, Empire State Development Corporation, blueway communities and private contributions. The City of Ogdensburg is the leading the grant administration and the project is being developed with the participation of a steering committee comprised of river community members.

These final two sessions are part of a broad public input program for the Oswegatchie River Blueway Trail developed by the project consultant, peter j. smith & company, inc. of Buffalo. The outreach has included several steering committee meetings, and visioning workshops, open houses and an online public survey. “We greatly appreciate the feedback that has been given throughout this process,” said Ogdensburg City Manager John M. Pinkerton. “Finalizing this plan will help our communities grow jobs for local residents and encourage entrepreneurs to establish new businesses in the recreation and tourism industries in turn, further the initiatives of our North Country Regional Plan.”

The open houses are free and open to the public and the public is encouraged to participate.