[GStarkCR]

~~~/~~~/~~~
SIW NEWS BULLETIN
"STICKS IN THE WATER" PADDLERS
June 1, 2009

JUNE CAN BE PRIME IOWA PADDLING!
It’s June! The weather is warmer and less predictable. The water is warmer and becoming a bit more predictable. The ravines near our house are bathed in a lovely new coat of garlic mustard, but I’ll ignore that as we drive by to go paddling. June can be excellent paddling weather in Iowa; just be alert for changes in the weather and the water level.
Misc. reminders: The SeaTaSea free demo paddle schedule is underway, Iowa River Cleanup is June 13, Father’s Day is June 21, and summer officially begins June 22.
We’ll begin our SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle series with a June 3, 6:00 pm-dark paddle at Pleasant Creek State Park, north of Palo. Join us at the paddling & wind-surfing access (turn left when you reach the lake, parking and sand launch qbout halfway to the main boat ramp and parking lot).
Special thanks to initiators Dave and Janice Bell, and hot dog man Joe Trumm, for a successful (but windy) "Ready, Set, Paddle" event at Kent Park in Johnson County.
Special thanks also go out to Julie Ohde, along with Bob & Steve, our "guides" to the natural wonders & history of Louisa County and the Odessa Water Trails.
SIW member Gary Speicher didn’t use a canoe or kayak, but congratulations are still in order for winning the May 9 Walmart FLW Walleye Tour co-angler division championship on the Mississippi River at Red Wing, MN. We’ll know who to contact for walleye lessons, Gary.
Again, we regret that Mark Hartstack had to cancel his planned Wapsi 100 paddling event; maybe we can try again next year.
Project AWARE hits the Cedar River June 20-27; to avoid a late registration fee, volunteers are asked to have their registration forms postmarked by Friday, June 5.
We’re always looking for volunteers to initiate a paddling event, so please consider kicking one off. There is still plenty of room to schedule more paddling events, especially in July-August-September.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Iowa Rivers Revival Conference in Webster City, including the informative sessions & displays, interesting presenters, great hospitality, and interaction with a lot of people who love paddling and our paddling environment. I highly recommend that you consider attending the 2010 conference.
Congratulations to all of the hardworking groups and individuals whose 5 new water trails will be dedicated in the next few weeks, including the Wapsipinicon Water Trail in Buchanan county. Maybe some SIW members can participate in the June 6 dedication and float.
Anyone interested in possibly participating in volunteer construction efforts in support of the water trails can subscribe to a no-obligation email notification of upcoming projects & opportunities; contact DNR Water Trail Construction Coordinator Luke Wright at lukewright60@yahoo.com.
Our sincere thanks to the 199 SIW members who took the time to contribute to our state’s paddling future by participating in the DNR Iowa Water Trail paddler survey. And, our thanks to all of you who have again invested your time to participate in the 8 question "addendum" to the original survey, and to those of you who will hopefully do so. Information to easily access the addendum survey is included in this SIW News Bulletin.
And, one final plug to support one of our primary supporters, the Indian Creek Nature Center, whose Sun June 21 "Nature Rocks—The Concert" event will include authentic Mexican food, informational displays, and a live music concert by SPT'’ Doug Elliott, Gerard Estella, Janelle Lauer, Jane Pini, and Dave Moore. Info at www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org.

Now, let’s go paddling!
BR
Gregg

IN THIS ISSUE:
= Wed Evening Paddles start June 3, 6 pm-dark, Pleasant Creek SP, north of Palo.
= Iowa River Cleanup, Sat June 13.
= 8 more Water Trail Survey questions need your answers, please?
= Report on "Ready, Set, Paddle."
= Report on "Exploring Odessa Water Trail."
= Project AWARE June 20-27, registration still open.
= Wapsi Water Trail Dedication & Float June 6, Buchanan County.
= 2009 Paddling Calendar.
= Links to County Conservation Dept newsletters and paddling events.
= Single link to all CCD websites.
= Buy-Sell-Trade; need a kayak kick-stand? A cedar strip canoe?
= Astronomy: Full Moon June 7, Summer Solstice June 21, New Moon June 22.
= Links to websites, newsletters, cleanups, other great "paddling stuff."
= Pam’s guide to joining the Sticksinthewater Yahoo! Group.

WEDNESDAY EVENING PADDLE SESSIONS START JUNE 3: Here’s an opportunity to relax after work, get some fresh air and exercise, and hopefully enjoy a beautiful sunset. Similar to last year, we’ll be doing our best to paddle from 6:00 pm until near dark at locations requiring no or minimum shuttle time.
Our first session will be at Pleasant Creek State Park, north of Palo, on Wednesday, June 3. Participants will receive the added benefit of helping discuss & decide where we will paddle on future Wednesday evenings. If you can't make it this week, I'd appreciate your emailed suggestions.
We’re scheduling these in Linn County, but we would welcome someone initiating similar evening paddles in Johnson and Jones Counties.

"TAKE ME TO THE RIVER" IOWA RIVER CLEANUP EVENT, SATURDAY, JUNE 13:Email from Carol Sweeting:
(Rain Date June 14)
Iowa City - We need experienced canoe paddlers and jon-boat captains to participate in removal of trash left from recent flooding on the Iowa River. Canoes will be launched from the Iowa City Sturgis Ferry boat ramp on Old HWY 218 South at 8 am. The length of the paddle is 9 miles and about 6 hours, landing at the Johnson County Hills Access,
adjacent Hills, IA . The garbage will be unloaded from the canoes & boats at the Hills
Access boat ramp and sorted for recycling and landfill.
Please contact Carol Sweeting for more information and to register for the "Iowa River Cleanup" event. Phone: 319- 356-5164; cell: 319-541-2385 or e-mail: carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org .
Sponsored by: City of Iowa City, Johnson County Conservation, IDNR, Mid American Energy, Touch the Earth Outdoor Recreation and Education, Fin and Feather, and Durham School Services.

CONGRATULATIONS, THANKS, & 8 MORE ANSWERS, PLEASE:
Congratulations and thanks to SIW members who submitted 199 of the 305 paddler questionnaires recently completed as part of the Iowa Water Trail planning process. It certainly reflects well on the interest and commitment of paddlers in Johnson, Jones, and Linn counties.
Mimi Wagner, coordinator of the planning effort, is asking you to answer 8 more questions to help clarify the results of the initial survey. Her email, and the link to the quick survey, is included below. In particular, this is your opportunity to provide or rank more specific information about what you think is really important in maximizing the water trail experience. If your concerns for information, sanitation, security, parking, environment, or whatever are not already listed, please add them to the "comments" boxes. The ideas & opinions of a few experienced paddlers could make a great difference in the initial experiences of hundreds of relatively inexperienced paddling families. It would be great if we could achieve anywhere near the participation SIW generated for the initial survey.

Mimi’s Email: This email is to let you know that 305 paddlers participated in an earlier questionnaire earlier this spring related to Iowa Water Trails research for DNR and Nate Hoogeveen. This is an amazing response--the highest number of any groups we contacted. Several additional issues have come to light since that survey. These issues are important enough that we'd like paddler input.
Please consider participating in this second questionnaire; it includes only eight questions--several of which are very general in nature. It takes about 5 minutes (or less) to complete.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=UnitngTD3s_2fxnQ0ZOT_2b36g_3d_3d
Thank you in advance for your help in this important research.
Mimi Wagner
Mimi Wagner, Associate Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture, Iowa State University, 576 Design, Ames IA 50011
Phone (515)294-8954 Lab web site: http://creekcommunities.design.iastate.edu/

REPORT ON THE MAY 16 "READY, SET, PADDLE" EVENT: Baby whitecaps at Kent Park were a bit of a surprise, but over 20 paddlers braved very windy conditions to share some paddling and socializing at Kent Park. It was nice to meet one of our newer members, who drove down from Independence. There were a couple of new boats on hand, so we're evidently doing our part to stimulate the economy. Naturalist Brad Friedhoff had some of the new Johnson County canoes on hand, but it wasn't a day that brings out "newbie" paddlers. It turned out to be a beautiful sunshiny day, good exercise churning upwind, and "a breeze" drifting downwind.
Dave’s Boy Scout leader background was put to use rigging a "vertical tarp" to deflect the wind and help keep the food on our plates. Special thanks to Dave & Janice Bell for initiating the event, Joe Trumm for the hot dogs, and everyone else for the great side dishes and deserts.

REPORT ON THE MAY 30 "EXPLORING ODESSA WATER TRAILS" EVENT:
Breakfast in Wapello resulted in a slight launch delay, but 13 boats & 15 paddlers (plus "Cosmo") finally hit the water for a day of paddling with excellent water & weather conditions. Odessa is a maze of channels and islands, and a map & compass should be an absolute minimum for anyone not familiar with the area. The area is normally drawn down 1 to 2 feet below the current level to encourage the growth of forage for waterfowl, but the high level of the Mississippi is currently making this impossible. This situation allowed us to paddle almost anywhere and take several shortcuts not normally available. Of course, we would not have known about the shortcuts without the assistance of Executive Director Julie Ohde and her "assistants" Bob and Steve.
We saw a number of ducks and blue heron, some of our fishing members caught a very nice catfish, but the wildlife highlight was probably the bald eagle, bald eagle nest, and clearly-visible head of an eaglet. We look forward to visiting again sometime when the water level is down and the water lilies are in bloom. Thanks again to Julie, Bob, and Steve for showing us the sights, and getting us back to the launch site.
You can follow Julie’s adventures on her Red Kayak Blog: http://www.littleredkayak.blogspot.com/
& check out the latest Naturally Louisa County newsletter: http://www.naturallylouisacounty.com/pdf_files/newsletters/nlcnews-winter09.pdf

REPORT ON IRR’s 4th ANNUAL CONFERENCE: EMBRACING OUR RIVERS:(From IRR Executive Director Rosalyn Lehman, IRR e-newsletter.)
IRR continued the Revival tradition with our 4th Annual Conference in Boone River Country – Webster City Iowa, May 1-3. We are thankful to all of the wonderful presenters who brought conference participants a range of topics related to river conservation, recreation, stewardship and more. Our conference keynote provided us with a greater appreciation for the history and values associated with the Iowa River. Congratulations to Coon Rapids, Iowa for being chosen as IRR’s 3rd River Town of the Year – click here to read about Coon Rapids’ river stewardship. We are also very grateful for the generous support of all our conference sponsors – it is with their contributions we are able to organize the Annual Conference each year and provide staff and volunteers the resources to carry out the mission-driven work of the organization.
THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this year’s conference a great success! It was exciting to see all the networking taking place – new relationships being formed - the shared voice of appreciation, concern and love for Iowa’s rivers.
For more info on the Iowa Rivers Revival organization: 515-202-7720 rlehman@iowarivers.org or www.iowarivers.org

LATEST DNR NEWS RELEASE ON PROJECT AWARE:
PROJECT AWARE COMING JUNE 20-27; REGISTRATION DUE NOW:(DNR news release)
COME ONE, COME ALL – A CEDAR RIVER EXPERIENCE AWAITS
Whether you wish to volunteer or simply stop in to learn something new, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like to invite you to the seventh annual Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River Expedition) river cleanup event. This year’s expedition, scheduled for June 20-27, combines river cleanup, recreation and education into a meaningful and rewarding experience for all.
Volunteers can officially join the river cleanup by paddling the river or by assisting with land-based recycling initiatives, but there are opportunities for others to experience Project AWARE as well. "Infotainment" programs, for example, are held each evening and are open to the public. A complete schedule for these programs can be found on the Project AWARE website – www.iowaprojectaware.com.
In the six-year history of Project AWARE, the expedition has sported an impressive track record, enlisting 1,231 participants who have cleaned up more than 480 river miles and removed over 1,500 cubic yards of trash, of which 81 percent has been recycled. Volunteers have also restored native prairie, renovated trails and enhanced recreational areas.
This year’s event is expected to bring hundreds of volunteers to the Cedar River and focus on an 86-mile stretch from Wildcat Bluff near Urbana to Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area near Muscatine. While the expedition lasts an entire week, volunteers may stay and help for as little or as long as they like.
While the work can be tough and dirty, the expedition is really one of a kind. "Project AWARE is my RAGBRAI ... my vacation," says Cindy Watson, a four-year Project AWARE veteran. "It's a chance to come together with a bunch of other Iowans who want to make a difference and clean up our Iowa waters."
Registration is not required for the general public to attend evening programs, but it is required for those who wish to volunteer for the river cleanup itself. To avoid a late registration fee, volunteers are asked to have their registration forms postmarked by Friday, June 5.
For more information on this event or to download the registration materials, please visit www.iowaprojectaware.com or contact Brian Soenen at Brian.Soenen@dnr.iowa.gov or (515) 205-8587.

Member Dan Ceynar is our SIW liaison person on the 2009 Project AWARE Planning Committee. We’ll include more detailed info on the daily schedule of cleanups and educational sessions as we get closer to the event.

FIVE IOWA WATER TRAILS OPENING THIS YEAR:(DNR news release)
Five ceremonial ribbon cutting water trail events are planned this summer. More than 1,000 river miles are currently being developed as water trails since the program was launched in 2006. These dedications will double the number of designated water trails.
Events are scheduled on the Des Moines, Wapsipinicon, and Boone rivers. Ceremonies involve short speeches by dignitaries and an award of certificate presented to the water trail group by an Iowa DNR official. "It’s a nice way to recognize all the hard work that has been accomplished and at the same time draw attention to the newly established water trail," said Nate Hoogeveen, river programs coordinator.
DNR water trails will include low impact accesses, directional signage, informational kiosks, and a brochure with a map that assists with navigation.
"It’s our hope that this infrastructure will offer convenient access to and foster a greater appreciation for our rivers," said John Wenck, river programs outreach coordinator. The public is encouraged to show up and participate in these water trail grand openings. Other activities, such as organized floats, are being planned at these events, so be sure to contact your local conservation office for more information.
Three designations are planned for the Des Moines River. The first designation is scheduled for 5 p.m., on June 5, at Prospect Park, in Des Moines. Contact Polk County Conservation Board (CCB) for more information at 515-323-5300. The second designation is scheduled for 12 p.m., July 10, at 326 11th Ave. North, in Fort Dodge. Contact the Webster CCB for more information at 515-576-4258. The third designation ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m., Sept. 19, at the Hwy. 30 Bridge Access in Boone County. Contact the Boone CCB for more information, at 515-353-4237.
The Wapsipinicon River designation is scheduled for 1 p.m., June 6 at the Bathing Beach, Independence. Contact the Buchanan CCB for more information at 319-636-2617. The Boone River designation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., June 6, at Riverside Park, in Webster City. Contact the Hamilton CCB for more information, at 515-832-9570.
Media Contact: John Wenck, River Programs Outreach Coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, at 515-281-8969 john.wenck@dnr.iowa.gov

EXPLORE THE WAPSIPINICON RIVER WATER TRAIL IN BUCHANAN COUNTY:Additional info courtesy of John Wenck:
On Saturday, June 6, enjoy a great trip on the Wapsi, from the McGlauhlin Access (Littleton Dam) to Independence and/or from Independence to the Iron Bridge near Quasqueton. In between there will be a picnic at Bathing Beach Park and, at 1 p.m., a dedication of the Wapsipinicon River Water Trail.
Morning paddlers will meet at Bathing Beach Park at 8 a.m. and, after taxiing participants to Littleton, will begin the float down river. The "Chic" McGlaughlin Access was made public last year through an easement granted by the McGlaughlin Family to the Iowa DNR. The Buchanan County Conservation Board has agreed to help manage and maintain the access. The float from the Access back down to Bathing Beach Park takes paddlers past several conservation areas and lots of great, Wapsi River scenery. Participants are invited to picnic at the Park prior to the Water Trail dedication.
At 1 p.m., there will be a formal dedication of the Water Trail, featuring state representatives of the Iowa DNR, local leaders, and partners who helped with the Water Trail Project. Everyone is encouraged to attend – whether or not they plan to go on a canoe float. The Water Trail provides river users with a better understanding of the Wapsi, including fishing, navigation, wildlife, and safety on the river. Brochures and informational signs are available. An improved portage trail was developed at the McGlaughlin Access in Littleton.
Afternoon paddlers will leave immediately following the dedication. Along the route, naturalists will point out wildlife, discuss water quality, and take time to have fun and explore sandbars and shoreline.
Anyone interested in paddling in the morning or afternoon routes needs to register by calling 319-636-2617 or email jewebster@iowatelecom.net. A limited number of canoes are available, and there is a $10 per person fee. Dan Cohen, Executive Director, Buchanan County Conservation Board, 1883 125th St., Hazleton, IA 50641, 319-636-2617.

SIW 2009 PADDLER PLANNING CALENDAR: (SIW-initiated events in bold)
January 25; SIW Planning Meeting, discuss SIW sponsored events, area paddling events, joint ventures with Central Iowa Paddlers (completed).
February 13-15; Iowa Paddling Expo at CanoeSport Outfitters Indianola, IA, exhibits, presentations; http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/index.htm (completed)
February 27-28; SIW co-sponsorship of the Indian Creek Nature Center "Paddle Fest" with Michael Furtman, Orlan Love, Seatasea Watersports. www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org/. (completed)
March 13-15; Canoecopia at Madison, WI, world’s largest paddling show; http://www.rutabaga.com/canoecopia/page.asp?pgid=1001. (completed)
April 18; CanoeSport Outfitters Spring Demo, Lake Ahquabi, Indianola, IA; http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/index.htm. (completed)
April 19; SIW "Getting It Together," event, 2:00-5:00 pm, Jones County Central Park Nature Center. For a day or for a week, what and how to pack for canoes & for kayaks, plus a look at water trail development & paddling routes in Jones County, & social time with other members. (completed)
Apr 20; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30–7pm, Robins Lake, CR; http://www.seatasea.com/. (completed)
April 24; Earth Day. (completed)
April 25; SIW "Boatbuilders Visit," 10:00am-Noon, Cedar Rapids; email Gregg Stark to register and receive more info greggpeggystark@yahoo.com. (completed)
May 1-3; Canoe Pam’s Annual Camping/Paddling Weekend, Upper Iowa River, Hruska’s Campground, shuttle coordination, outdoor cooking, organized by Pam Stalnaker. Preregistration requested. canoepam@yahoo.com.
May 2-3; Iowa Rivers Revival, Webster City; http://www.iowarivers.org/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx.
May 9; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 10am–2pm, Pleasant Creek, Palo; http://www.seatasea.com/
May 10; Mother’s Day.
May 16; SIW "Ready, Set, Paddle" event, 10:00am-3:00pm, Johnson County Kent Park. Spring exercise for boats and paddlers, informal test paddle swaps for the willing, potluck lunch; initiated by Dave and Janice Bell.
May 17; ***CANCELED***SIW "Wapsi 100" Organizational Meeting, 2:00-5:00 pm in Meeting Room E, 2nd floor of the Iowa City Public Library; initiated by Mark Hartstack. (See June 12-15 event.)
May 18; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30-7pm, Robins Lake, CR; http://www.seatasea.com/
May 25; Monday, Observe Memorial Day.
May 30; SIW "Exploring Odessa Water Trails," 10:00am-3:00 or 4:00pm, near Wapello in Louisa County; paddle some of the 72 miles of trails through the sheltered wetlands of the Misissippi River backwaters; initiated by Gregg Stark. http://www.naturallylouisacounty.com/trails/odessa_water_trail.html

May 31-June 6; Tacitus Hussey Memorial Trip, weeklong paddle/camp, Turkey River, organized by Alan Donaldson; alandonaldson@sprintmail.com.
June 3; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, Pleasant Creek State Park.
June 6; Explore the Wapsipinicon River Water Trail, McGlauhlin Access (Littleton Dam) to Independence and/or from Independence to the Iron Bridge near Quasqueton. Register by calling 319-636-2617 or email jewebster@iowatelecom.net.
June 8; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30-7pm, Lake McBride; http://www.seatasea.com/
June 10; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
June 12-15; ***CANCELED***SIW "Wapsi 100," 100 mile paddling/camping trip, Anamosa to Princeton, IA on the Wapsipinicon River, initiated by Mark Hartstack.
June 14; Flag Day.
June 13; "Take Me To the River" Iowa River Cleanup Event, (Rain Date June 14) Canoes will launch from Iowa City Sturgis Ferry boat ramp on Old HWY 218 South at 8 am. The paddle is 9 miles or about 6 hrs to the Johnson County Hills Access, adjacent Hills, IA . Contact Carol Sweeting for more info/registration. Phone: 319- 356-5164; cell: 319-541-2385 or e-mail: carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org .
June 13-17; 22nd Annual Disorganized Cedar River Canoe Float, Otranto, MN to Janesville, IA, coordination of vehicle transport, campsite fees and meals by individuals, some SIW members participate annually. Jlhughes@myclearwave.net.
June 17; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
June 20-27; DNR Project AWARE, annual week-long cleanup, Cedar River, North Cedar Natural Area (NW Linn County) to Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area (Muscatine County); SIW liaison to Project AWARE Planning Committee is Dan Ceynar. www.iowaprojectaware.com.
June 21; Father’s Day, 1st Day Summer, Summer Solstice.
June 22; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30-7pm, Robins Lake, CR; http://www.seatasea.com/
June 24; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
June 27 (tentative); SIW "Paddle Around Mays Island," downtown Cedar Rapids; exploring member interest and options for an urban paddle during or following the downtown Freedom Festival Parade; email Gregg Stark at greggpeggystark@yahoo.com
June 27; ACA Course "Intro to Kayaking." http://www.seatasea.com/
July 1; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
July 4th ***CANCELED***; SIW "Evening Fireworks Paddle" on the Cedar River at Cedar Rapids; initated by Joe DeLory. Canceled due to fireworks being moved to Kirkwood Community College.
July 6; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30-7pm, Pleasant Creek, Palo; http://www.seatasea.com/
July 8; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
July 11-12; Annual Canoe Van Buren, weekend float/camp from Selma to Farmington on the Des Moines River; http://villagesofvanburen.com/canoe-vb.htm.
July 15; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
July 18 (tentative); SIW "Turkey River Float," Elkader to Garber, with a tour of Motor Mill along the way; options for 6 or 12 miles; pages 136-137 in "Paddling Iowa" book; initiated by Clara Swan, assist by Larry Stone.
July 18-19; Paddle & Portage Race, Madison, WI. http://www..badgerstategames.org/node/329.
July 20; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30-7pm, Lake McBride; http://www.seatasea.com/
July 22; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
July 25-Aug 1; Great River Rumble, LaCrosse, WI to Dubuque, IA, weeklong paddle/camp on the Mississippi River, coordinated meals, campsites, transportation of gear, some SIW members already registered; http://www.riverrumble.org/.
July 25; ACA Course "Intro to Kayaking." http://www.seatasea.com/
July 29; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
August 5; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD..
August 10; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30-7pm, Robins Lake, CR; http://www..seatasea.com/
August 12; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
August 15; "Des Moines River Run Garbage Grab"; free event followed by free celebration dinner & entertainment, www.riverstewards.org.
August 19; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
August 21-23; "4th Annual Lower Wapsi Cleanup"; details soon.
August 22; ACA Course "Intro to Kayaking." http://www.seatasea.com/
August 24; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30-7pm, Pleasant Creek, Palo; http://www.seatasea.com/
August 26; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
September 14; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30-7pm, Robins Lake, CR; http://www.seatasea.com/
SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle Sessions, 6:00 pm till dark, Gregg Stark will initiate a schedule of weeknight paddling at local places like Pleasant Creek, Mohawk Park, Ellis Park, Cedar Lake, Prairie Creek (Linn County). These will be strictly "show-&-go," hopefully no-shuttle events to steal some after-work paddling time and enjoy a few summer sunsets. We’re seeking someone to initiate similar paddles in Johnson and Jones Counties.

ADDITIONAL SIW EVENTS UNDER CONSIDERATION:Date TBD; Joint Event(s) with Central Iowa Paddlers, possibly other Iowa paddling clubs, currently under discussion as the groups develop their schedules.
Date TBD; Johnson County Iowa River Water Trail, need Initiator, will coordinate with Johnson County Naturalist Brad Friedhoff.
Dates TBD; Workday Paddle Floats, likely initiated by our retired members.
Dates TBD; Full Moon Paddles, 2009 full moon dates May 9, Jun 7, Jul 7, Aug 5, Sep 4, Oct 4.

ASTRONOMY FOR PADDLERS:
Websites tell us to expect a Full Moon on Jun 7, Summer Solstice Jun 21, & a New Moon on Jun 22.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BUY, SELL, OR TRADE PADDLING GEAR: Warmer weather seems to be encouraging listings of used canoes, kayaks, and paddling gear. Is there anything in your garage for which you’d like to find a new home?

Accessory for Sale; New Bending Branches Kayak Kickstand, lists $50, sell for $25, see at http://www.bendingbranches.com/gear/kickstand.html , contact gallke@yahoo.com, Iowa City.
Paddle for Sale; Aqua-Bound Sting Ray 240 cm, $100, listed on PaddlingIowa.com.
Canoe for Sale; Mad River Outrage X, Mike Yee outfitted, floatation, $900 OBO, listed on PaddlingIowa.com.
Canoes for Sale (3); Dagger Impulse 13’ ABS solo $350 firm, two Dagger Phantoms 11-12’, one at $600, one at $450, listed on PaddlingIowa.com by Bullwinkle, 319-277-5945.
Canoe for Sale; Mad River Outrage X, 2004 model purchased unused 2008, fully WW outfitted, $800 OBO, listed on Paddling Iowa.com by Bassbug.
Canoe for Sale; cedar strip hull, ash yoke, cherry thwarts, mahogany gunwales & decks; $1,650. Seller in Illinois, boat in Pella, listed on Paddling.Net.
Canoe for Sale; Old Town Discovery Sport, 17’, square stern, w/5hp Yamaha outboard, $1,650, Davenport, IA, listed on Paddling.Net.
Canoe for Sale; Wenonah kevlar, 18’, 42#, wood gunwales & yoke, cane seats, $1,500 OBO, Iowa, listed on Paddling.Net by Bassbug.
Craigslist Cedar Rapids currently has several canoes & kayaks listed for sale or wanted, some in the $400-$500 range. They come and go too quickly to make listing them here worthwhile, but they may be worth a look. http://cedarrapids.craigslist..org/

If you’re looking to buy, sell, or trade, here are some websites to check:
http://cedarrapids.craigslist..org/
http://www.paddlingiowa..com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=5
http://www.paddling.net/Classifieds/forSale.html
http://www.seatasea.com/ClearanceBoats.htm
http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/Deals.htm

LINKS TO COUNTY CONSERVATION SITES, NEWSLETTERS, & EVENTS:County CCD newsletters are gold mines of outdoor activities for all ages. Even CCDs without a newsletter often provide a calendar of events. Here are some noteworthy electronic publications from around our area:
Link to Jones County Spring Newsletter:
http://jonescountyiowa.org/Documents/Spring%20Summer%202009%20Final.pdf
Link to Linn County Spring Newsletter:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Linn/Park/News/92/CURRENT-NEWSLETTER-AVAILABLE.aspx
Link to Clinton County Spring Newsletter (to be posted later this week):
http://www.clintoncountyiowa.com/conservation/eehome.htm
Link to Dubuque County Spring Newsletter:
http://www.dubuquecounty.org/Portals/0/Conservation/Spring2009.pdf
Link to Jackson County Spring Newsletter:
http://www.jacksonccb.com/files/Spring_2009_JCCB_Newsletter.pdf
Link to Johnson County Kent Park Info:
http://www.johnson-county.com/conservation/kentpark.shtml
Link to Louisa County Spring Newsletter:
http://www.naturallylouisacounty.com/

AREA COUNTY CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT INFO: Eastern Iowa County Conservation Departments are gearing up to present their spring event schedules and newsletters. We will try to highlight their paddle events, but we encourage you to watch for all of their outdoor events and activities via their websites, calendars, and newsletters. Special thanks to SIW member Jim Peters, who cued us in to a new centralized website from which you can access conservation department information & websites for all 99 Iowa counties: www.mycountyparks.com. Very convenient!

LOTS OF LINKS TO GREAT IOWA PADDLING INFO: US Naval Observatory; sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset, moon phases, etc. http://aa.usno.navy.mil/.
Star Date Online; solar system, planets, comets, meteor showers, etc. http://stardate.org/..
"Paddling.Net" national paddlers website providing access to boat data, test reports, classified ads, and advice about paddling and paddling activities from around the country: http://www.paddling.net/.
"PaddlingIowa" mother of all Iowa paddling info, including paddling opportunities, trip reports, classified ads: http://www...paddlingiowa.com/.
"Sticks In the Water" email site at sticksinthewater@yahoo.
"Sticks In the Water" group site at http://groups.yahoo.com.
"Sticks In the Water" discussion topic section on paddlingiowa.com under Community/Forums at at http://www.paddlingiowa.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=24&sid=1ce9cee0d339a2a8dcf9a611f23b 7aee.
Central Iowa Paddlers, based in Central Iowa, broad participation http://www.paddleiowa.org/..
Saukenuk Paddlers Canoe and Kayak Club, Quad Cities http://www.rivers-end.org/saukenuk/.
Iowa Whitewater Coalition, based in Central Iowa http://www.iowawhitewater.org/.
Iowa Rivers Revival www.iowarivers.org.
Iowa DNR home page: http://www.iowadnr.gov/index..html
Iowa DNR publications: http://www.iowadnr..com/pub..html
Iowa DNR, Iowa Water Trails: http://www.iowadnr..gov/watertrails/user.html
Iowa DNR, Iowa Water Trail Construction Volunteer advisory: email Luke Wright at lukewright60@yahoo.com.
Iowa DNR/ACA "Smart Start for Safe Paddling" brochure http://www.iowadnr.gov/watertrails/files/smart_start.pdf.
Iowa DNR, Fishing Reports: http://www..iowadnr.com/news/currentfish.html
Iowa DNR guidelines for display of registration decals and numbers, other legal requirements: http://www.boat-ed.com/ia/ia_specific_images/pdfs/IA_handbook_its_the_law.pdf
IOWATER-sponsored cleanup events across the state: http://www..iowater.net/StreamCleanupEvents.htm.

SIW SEEKING "INITIATORS" FOR PADDLING EVENTS:
The SIW Steering Committee is looking for a few paddling event "Initiators" to help share the load of getting SIW associates out on the water more often. Per the Common Adventure philosophy, "Initiators" of these paddling events are not serving as outfitters, instructors, or paddling experts. Their role is to schedule and coordinate an event, including dates, times, put-ins, take-outs, shuttles, basic route information, and provide common sense reminders re planning & equipment (see the SIW events above for examples). If you have an interest, please contact the editor.

EDITOR’S NOTES: Thanks for the words of encouragement, calendar items, and story ideas; please keep them coming! We apologize in advance for any errors or omissions.
Email your SIW News Bulletin corrections, news items, and story ideas to "SIW Editor" at greggpeggystark@yahoo.com.
If you do not wish to receive future copies of this SIW News Bulletin, please send an email to sticksinthewater@yahoo.com with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line.
All other email address changes, subscription adds, or inquiries about "Sticks In the Water" paddlers should be emailed to sticksinthewater@yahoo.com.

BECOME A SIW MEMBER:"Sticks In the Water" is a canoe and kayak paddling network, centered around Johnson, Jones, and Linn counties in Eastern Iowa, working to provide area paddlers with expanded opportunities to enjoy more time on the water, in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. We respect your privacy and will not share your email address with any other organization or company. To become a member of SIW, email your regular name (first & last) and your email address to sticksinthewater@yahoo.com.

SAFE PADDLING: The Sticks In the Water paddling group embraces the "Common Adventure" philosophy, under which individual paddlers recognize that paddlesports & other outdoor activities inherently include some risk of injury or death, and assume responsibility for the safety of themselves & the members of their party. The "initiators" of SIW events are not necessarily outfitters, instructors, or paddling experts. That said, we strongly encourage all paddlers to wear PFD’s, avoid on-water alcohol, & utilize proper equipment, training, & procedures in pursuit of a safe & enjoyable paddling experience.
~~~/~~~/~~~