[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 109 (Monday, July 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RIVERSIDE KAYAK CONNECTION RECOGNITION

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2014

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give special recognition to 
the celebrated efforts of the Downriver Linked Greenways Initiative and 
in particular, its partner organization the Riverside Kayak Connection. 
The Riverside Kayak Connection, located in Wyandotte, Michigan, is a 
kayak and canoe shop that successfully launched as a result of the 
Downriver Linked Greenways Initiative which began in 1999. This 
Riverside Kayak Connection is co-chaired by two very dedicated and 
community-oriented individuals who I am proud to call my friends: 
Marketing Director Anita Twardesky and Extension Educator Mary Bohling.
  The ultimate objective of the Downriver Linked Greenways Initiative 
and its partner organization, the Riverside Kayak Connection, is to 
create an efficient regional pathway system that will connect the 
twenty-one Downriver communities, Wayne, and Monroe Counties through a 
network of non-motorized trails and greenways. The Riverside Kayak 
Connection's Detroit River tours are immensely popular among citizens 
in the Downriver area of Michigan and have helped to create a greater 
sense of awareness as to the ecological and economic opportunities that 
are present in and around the watershed. Both Anita Twardesky and Mary 
Bohling have been invaluable in leading this environmental, community-
driven effort. The Co-Chairs offer a variety of services to assist 
communities in their greenway and water trail efforts, including 
technical consultation, project management, meeting facilitation, and 
grant writing assistance.
  Anita Twardesky is an accomplished and respected recreation and 
trails professional. She also serves as Public Relations & Community 
Outreach for Riverside Kayak Connection where she is responsible for 
promoting outdoor recreation, paddle sports, and the ecotourism in the 
area. Formerly, she served as Parks & Recreation Director for the 
cities of Woodhaven and Flat Rock. Her appointments include Co-Chair of 
the Downriver Linked Greenways Initiative, Chair of the Trails 
Committee for the Michigan Recreation & Parks Association, and member 
of the State Wide Advisory Group Michigan Water Trails.
  Mary Bohling, besides co-chairing the Downriver Linked Greenways 
Initiative, is also Co-Founder and Board Member of the International 
Wildlife Refuge Alliance, a non-profit organization created to support 
the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. She also chairs the 
Michigan Statewide Public Advisory Council as well, developing and 
implementing fisheries and wildlife habitat restoration projects.
  The Riverside Kayak Connection has become an essential aspect of the 
Downriver community's effort to promote an efficient, environmentally 
friendly regional system that encourages a variety of travel options. I 
strongly appreciate and admire the hard work and dedication that the 
Riverside Kayak Connection has given to my district and the Downriver 
community in developing and encouraging diversity of travel. Today I 
express my sincerest thanks to the Co-Chairs of this great organization 
as they continue to make our waterways and greenways a treasure for 
generations to come.

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