Friends of the Mohawk Towpath Byway had a very productive day at the Mohawk Watershed Symposium at Union College. Eric Hamilton (left) gave a 10 minute talk about the contribution to the local economy, and the rest of the crew including Larry Syzdek, Jeff Slater, Nancy Papish, and Mary MacDonald staffed the display table and answered questions and provided their perspective during session breaks.

The Mohawk Watershed Symposium provides an annual opportunity to network with other interests, movers and shakers within the watershed, learn about issues, and research, practical solutions, and progress to address those issues.

The important point in Eric Hamilton’s was or new approach outlined in our updated Corridor Management Plan. He shared a quote by Dr, Maree Forbes Gaughan from the National Travel center, “Well promoted Byways that feature heritage and cultural locations along the roadway giving visitors plenty of place to visit and spend money, complemented with destination distinctive accommodations and local cuisine, can feasibly generate between a quarter million dollars and a half million dollars per mile, per year in visitor spending.”   Apply this to the 26 mile Mohawk Towpath Byway we realize we can deliver between 7 and 12 million dollars to our local economy each year.

One of the more popular pieces of information on the table was the brochure that included and map of the Byway and introduces the self-guided tour available by cell phone by dialing 518-649-9990. Get out on the Byway and discover something new this spring!