The public is invited to take part in a Saturday kickoff for the Bighorn River Blueway Trail.

The events in Manderson and Basin will highlight the recreational opportunities that the Bighorn River offers, with activities for children and adults alike. Those include a 1-mile guided beginner river paddle and a 13-mile paddle of the Bighorn River, plus a range of activities at the Basin Boat Dock Park.

Saturday’s event is being hosted by the Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (BBORC). The intent is to boost the Bighorn River Blueway Trail, a proposed river trail that would start at the Wedding of the Waters south of Thermopolis and end at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Lovell. From there, recreationalists could choose to continue to the Yellowtail Dam in Fort Smith, Montana.

The proposed trail offers non-motorized water recreationalists a wide variety of opportunities — including wildlife watching, ever-changing scenery, camping and fishing (over a dozen game fish inhabit the river).

Those wanting to participate in the 1-mile paddle should visit Basin Boat Dock Park between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 13-mile paddle, meanwhile, starts at 8 a.m. at the Manderson river launch. Participants will sign in at the ramp and float to the Basin Boat Dock. The longer trip will take at least four hours.

Those new to river recreation can also just bring lawn chairs and enjoy activities for all ages, music and food at the Basin Boat Dock Park anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn how to cast, play cornhole and check out information booths from the Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming State Parks and Trails, Basin Area Chamber, the National Turkey Federation and the Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative. There will also be prizes, including fishing poles from North Platte Walleyes Unlimited.

The overarching goal of the BBORC is to “promote, enhance, and develop sustainable outdoor recreation that encourages responsible use, personal well being, and economic benefit in the Bighorn Basin.”

Organizers of Saturday’s event say the creation of the Bighorn River Blueway Trail would the potential to bring significant recreation and economic growth to the communities along the waterway — including Thermopolis, Worland, Manderson, Greybull, Basin and Lovell. For example, they say it could enhance revenue opportunities for businesses that sell or rent outdoor equipment, shuttle services, fishing guides and overnight accommodations.

For more information, visit www.bborc.org.