POULSBO — The Washington Water Trails has adopted the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail as an official segment of the Cascadia Marine Trail, a National Scenic Trail.

Morgan Scherer, executive director of Washington Water Trails Association, said adding the Kitsap water trail “is a fantastic opportunity to enrich the entire Cascadia Marine Trail that will generate excitement about public access to our waterways and enjoyment of water trail activities.”

The Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail is featured on the state association’s website along with other popular water trails in Washington State that serve nearly 500,000 people. Kitsap water trail events will be featured on the state website, Facebook page, in newsletters and press releases, generating state and national attention for the Kitsap Peninsula region.

According to John Kuntz, owner of Olympic Outdoor Center, paddling-related visits contribute nearly $1.7 million to Kitsap economy.

Kitsap County and Visit Kitsap Peninsula recently formed the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails Alliance to oversee management of the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail. The Kitsap water trail is being considered for inclusion in the National Park Service Water Trails program.