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SIW NEWS BULLETIN
"STICKS IN THE WATER" PADDLERS
August 1, 2009
IT’S AUGUST—PLENTY OF GREAT PADDLING AHEAD:
It’s August, some of Iowa’s warmest paddling weather, and a great opportunity to do some paddling before the school activities compete for family time. A generally cooler-than-normal July, combined with fairly regular rain, has helped maintain many area rivers above minimum levels for paddling.
Special thanks to Clara Swan, initiator of the July 18 float on the Turkey River, Elkader to Garber, with a lunch break and tour at Motor Mill. Nineteen paddlers in 17 boats joined in the fun, including Dick Howard and several new friends from Central Iowa Paddlers, and several paddlers from the Elkader area. All opted for the full 18 mile paddle to Garber. Thanks also to the volunteers who staff Motor Mill on summer weekends; interesting tour and a very scenic spot to enjoy lunch.
Some of our SIW associates are just completing this year’s Great River Rumble (July 25-Aug 1) weeklong paddle/camp down the Mississippi from LaCrosse, WI to Dubuque, IA, http://www.riverrumble.org/. We hope they’re having a great time and will share a report with us all next month.
We’re still open to suggestions on how to proceed with the weekday evening paddles. Different night of the week? Stay with Pleasant Creek & MacBride? "Up & Back" on local rivers when levels are a bit lower? Thursday night boat and burger at Stone City? Send your ideas/opinions to sticksinthewater@yahoo.com.
Our only currently scheduled weekday evening paddle is Wednesday, August 5 at Pleasant Creek, which will provide the option for a little full moon paddling. Check out the more detailed event announcement, along with an item on DNR lighting requirements for "vessels not powered by motor or sail," in this SIW News Bulletin.
Sorry to report that the August 22 "River Float Suitable for Novices," has been canceled due to work responsibilities which have overtaken CanoePam; it may be possible to reschedule later this fall, so stay tuned. The tentative Linn County Conservation Float has also been canceled due to Naturalist Gail Barels’ too-hectic schedule.
August paddling-related events include two river cleanups: the August 15 Des Moines River Run Garbage Grab (R2G2), and the August 21-23 Annual Lower Wapsi Cleanup. The Wapsi Cleanup will also be preceded by an August 8-9 Wapsi channel clearing. More details and links are provided in this bulletin.
We really appreciate the input from our members. Please continue sending me your information items and trip reports for inclusion in the SIW News Bulletin. I’ll be glad to assist you with a bit of editing, so don’t be bashful. Please note the reports in this bulletin re the Turkey River Float, Canoe Van Buren, Adel Paddlefest, DNR WW Paddler Meeting, and North Fork Maquoketa Meeting.
For new kayakers or those interested in pursuing kayaking, Seatasea is sponsoring an August 22 ACA Course "Intro to Kayaking," http://www.seatasea.com/.
Anyone interested in assisting volunteer construction efforts in support of Iowa 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.
Last year, Sticks In the Water had an entry, consisting of a vehicle, trailer, 7 canoes/kayaks, flags, signs, etc. in both the Freedom Festival Parade and the Swamp Fox Parade. This year, it appears that we will be in neither parade, unless someone has an interest in participating in the September 12 Swamp Fox Parade. Registration deadline is August 26, so let me know well ahead of that if you’d like to organize a unit.
Haven’t seen a full writeup about Project AWARE 2009, but the bottom line is "39 tons of trash, 98 sponsors, 269 participants. . . and one huge Thank You!" Very impressive.
Now, let’s go paddling!
BR
Gregg

IN THIS ISSUE:
= Ongoing bridge construction river hazards on Iowa & Maquoketa Rivers.
= Rejuvenated SIW Steering Committee seeks your input.
= Should SIW help organize a paddling race?
= Wed Evening Paddle, Aug 5, 6pm – dark, later if you want to try paddling under a full moon, Pleasant Creek SP, north of Palo.
= Report on Jul 18 Turkey River Float, Elkader to Motor Mill to Garber.
= Report on July 21 North Fork Maq Preservation Meeting.
= Iowan paddles 2300 miles down the Yukon River in only 33 days.
= Cop a cap & IA State Fair ticket with the DNR.
= Astronomy: Full Moon Aug 6, Perseid Meteor Shower peaks Aug 12-13.
= Cormorant sighted 7/5/09. Seen a Dickcissel? IOU website for the birds.
= IRR needs out help.
= How to clean and cook a snapping turtle—Louisa County Newsletter.
= 2009 Paddling Calendar.
= Single link to all County Conservation Dept websites.
= Buy-Sell-Trade; need a canoe or kayak?
= Links to websites, newsletters, cleanups, other great "paddling stuff."
= CanoePam’s guide to joining the Sticksinthewater Yahoo! Group email exchange.

RIVER HAZARD ALERT:
Bridge Construction Hazard On The Iowa River:
On Thursday, June 18, 2009, passage on the Iowa River by boat was restricted in Iowa City from south of Sturgis Ferry Landing near the new McCollister Bridge. To facilitate construction of the bridge, a cable was installed across the river to establish a tie off point for construction barges. Depending on the water level, the river may be passable on the very west edge of the river, but it is recommended that boaters temporarily avoid this area. It is now anticipated that the cable may be removed by the end of July. (Iowa City Recreation Department)
Bridge Construction Hazard On The Maquoketa River:
"Jones County has begun construction to replace the Eby’s Mill Road Bridge over the Maquoketa River northeast of Scotch Grove. Demolition of the existing structure is underway. Removal of a large brush snag will also be accomplished at this time. Once all removals are complete, a temporary causeway will be constructed out into the channel to provide access for construction of the new bridge. It is anticipated that construction of the new bridge will be completed by the end of the year.
Canoe traffic is encouraged to avoid this stretch of the Maquoketa River the rest of this summer and fall. We do not want to see anyone injured during construction of this bridge and strongly encourage everyone to stay off the river in this area." (Jones County Engineer’s Office)
Note: This is mile 15 on the "Maquoketa River 3" trip in the "Paddling Iowa" book, pgs 90-91.

REJUVENATED SIW STEERING COMMITTEE SEEKS YOUR INPUT:
We recently invited a few folks to get together and provide some mid-year guidance as a rejuvenated informal steering committee to Sticks In the Water. It was an interesting discussion, generated a few action items for further research, along with consensus on the following:
SIW should remain a very informal network of paddlers, avoiding many of the constraints, hassles, and potential liability of a formal organization, committees, dues, elections, position statements.
SIW should continue to focus on communicating with paddlers, particularly paddling opportunities and trip reports to encourage more people to actually participate in paddling.
SIW should identify more paddlers willing to initiate a paddling event, whether by recruiting paddlers with experience or by pairing willing new folks with experienced ones.
SIW should continue to provide information on issues, but leave any position statements or activism to other organizations.
SIW should leverage its significant distro of email addresses toward expanded paddling activity through increased use of the yahoo.group email exchange and development of a website.
We'll be meeting again in a couple of months, so please feel free to share your suggestions, concerns, or general thoughts on improving SIW with any of the following: Joe DeLory, Nick Gaeta, Kent Kinion, Lisa Nagle, James Peters, Tom Sabotta, Bill Schoon, Kevin Stalnaker, Pam Stalnaker, Gregg Stark, Bill Thomas, or Joe Trumm.

WOULD SIW BE INTERESTED IN HELPING ORGANIZE A PADDLING RACE?
"My name is Rick Hill and I live in Iowa City. I have paddled with some of the members of Sticks in the Water. I want to know if your group would be interested in sponsoring a canoe race in Iowa City. I do some racing and there are not many around. I have talked with some people and I think there is some support to do such an event. I raced in Waterloo, Nebraska over the weekend and talked with one of the top paddlers in the world and he said people have asked him if there are any races in Iowa. I have one major sponsor that has shown some interest in such an event and I have talked to the people who run the race in Waterloo, Nebraska and they would be willing to share what is involved. He told me they raised about $3,000 last year and this years race was even bigger with 97 entries. So I think some money could be raised for something. I am willing to do some ground work and help get the event organized the first year but I do not want to have responsibilities the day of the race as I want to race. This event will need a group of people to run it but it is a fun social event.
"If you think your group would have any interest please contact me to discuss it further. I would be happy to come speak at a meeting or something. I am thinking about doing it sometime in the May June time frame next year. I need to look at what other races are scheduled so we could try to pick a weekend with few conflicts so we could have the best turnout."
Thank you.
Rick Hill
Please forward your comments, suggestions, & expressions of interest to sticksinthewater@yahoo.com , and we’ll work out an appropriate "meeting of the minds. --Gregg

WED EVENING (NEARLY FULL MOON) PADDLE AUG 5 AT PLEASANT CREEK:
From Gregg Stark:
We’ll be at Pleasant Creek SP, north of Palo, and have the usual 6 pm-dark paddling from the east side wind surfer/paddler beach. Then, for those who want to hang around, there will be an opportunity to do a little paddling in the moonlight. Since the sun will set at 8:20 pm, and the moon will rise at 8:09 pm, it should be a smooth transition. The lake is accessible 24 hours a day from the east side (boat ramp and wind surf/paddling beach), but closes each evening from the dam on west to the swimming beach, campground, etc. The DNR requires paddle-powered craft to be able to display a white light at night, as indicated in the following news item.

DNR RULES RE LIGHTING FOR VESSELS NOT POWERED BY MOTOR OR SAIL:
Rule 37.6(2) Vessels not powered by motor or sail. All vessels not powered by motor or sail and not at anchor shall exhibit a white light to show 360 degrees around the horizon visible from at least one-mile under clear conditions between the hours of sunset and sunrise when operated on natural lakes, Corps of Engineers impoundments, border rivers excluding border portions of the Big Sioux and Des Moines rivers and impoundments on inland rivers. If the white light is partially obscured due to the nature of the craft, an additional white light must be shown in sufficient time to prevent collision. When operated on bodies of water other than those listed in ths subrule, all vessels not powered by motor or sail and not at anchor shall have in possession a white light to be used when necessary between the hours of sunset and sunrise. This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code chapters 455A and 462A.

CLINTON COUNTY NIGHT FLOAT AUG 6:
From Chuck Jacobsen:
Clinton County Conservation is sponsoring a "Night Float" the evening of Thursday, August 6, 9-10:30 PM at Rock Creek Marina and Campground.
Join us for a paddle into the dark under the bright stars as the full moon rises. We'll interpret the night sky while we explore the quiet backwaters of the Mississippi and bayous of the Wapsipinicon. Our senses will be on edge while we listen for the night calls of birds and encounter other animal life at this very active time of the day. Bring your own equipment if you like. We'll supply each boat with a GPS unit for way finding. Call to register / reserve a fully equipped canoe at 563-847-7202.
Chuck Jacobsen, Clinton County Conservation Naturalist, 563-357-0759 / 563-847-7202, jacobsen@clintoncountyiowa.com

IOWA STATE FAIR—VOLUNTEER WITH THE IOWA DNR AUG 13-23:
From John Wenck:
The Iowa DNR River Programs will be at the Iowa State Fair this year and requests your help to staff our booth at the DNR building. We will have a River Programs staff person there the whole time, but our space is much larger this year. Because of the large number of visitors who pass through the building, any help we can get is greatly appreciated. We are asking for a 5 hour shift from each volunteer. You may sign up for more than one shift if you'd like. The morning shift will be from 9:00 to 2:00 and the afternoon shift will be from 2:00 to 7:00.
What you get: A River Programs Volunteer Cap and a ticket to the fair the day you volunteer, and the satisfaction of knowing you made a difference.
Please respond by email or phone with your desired shift(s) and availability Thursday, August 13th through Sunday August 23rd to John Wenck, IDNR River programs outreach coordinator, John.Wenck@dnr.iowa.gov, 515-281-8969 or 515-491-9881.

LOWER WAPSI CHANNEL CLEARING RESCHEDULED AUG 8-9;
From Melisa Jacobsen:
The Lower Wapsipinicon River Cleanup Project (LWRCP) supports the soon-to-be-opened Lower Wapsipinicon Water Trail. With this in mind, we are in need of some special assistance with clearing the water trail—we want to run the river cleanup through these areas if we can get them opened up in time.
Prior to the LWCRP, Aug 8 & 9, we need volunteers to come for a 2-day channel clearing. You can come for one or both days. During LWCRP, on Aug 23, we need volunteers on that Sunday to help with more water trail clearing work in the Wapsi Backwaters to open up Lost Lakes and Two Hooks areas.
To sign up or for more information, email Melisa Jacobsen at coordinator@lowerwapsicleanup.org or call 309-737-9016.
Thank you for your help!
Melisa Jacobsen, Coordinator, LWRCP, http://www.lowerwapsicleanup.org/

ANNUAL LOWER WAPSI CLEANUP STILL AUG 21-23:
From Melisa Jacobsen:
This year the Lower Wapsi Cleanup will be August 21-23 - the 21st of course being an optional stay at the campground with the actual days of cleanup being the 22nd and 23rd.
Please visit http://www.lowerwapsicleanup.org for an electronic registration form. Form Instructions: Save this form to your desktop, fill in all fields, save it again filled out, then attach it to an email and send it to j.gautsch@hotmail.com. Questions? Call Jackie at 608-797-5343. Jackie Gautsch is helping us out this year with registrations as a volunteer.
Picking up where we left off, we will be covering McCausland to Rock Creek Marina, and areas of backwater/watershed for the Lower Wapsi. Ages 10 and up (with adult) are welcome. There will be free primitive camping in a designated area at Rock Creek Marina & Campground on the 21st and 22nd, free use of canoe equipment for the cleanup with your registration, catered meals available to order for Saturday and Sunday, and educational programs from Clinton County Conservation Board. You may register for one day or both.
You need to register by August 10 to guarantee catered meals and t-shirt, but you may register up to the day prior to the event.
Melisa Jacobsen, Coordinator, Lower Wapsipinicon River Cleanup, 309-737-9016, http://www.lowerwapsicleanup.org/

DES MOINES RIVER GARBAGE GRAB (R2G2) AUG 15:
From Robin Fortney:
Hope that you will check out our flyer for the 2009 River Run Garbage Grab – it’s the Des Moines River cleanup and festival in Polk County that many of our paddling and biking friends have participated in over the past 7 years. This year’s event will be extra special because Chad Pegracke and his river cleanup team from Living Lands & Waters in Quad Cities will be helping out. Again this year, we’ll enjoy dinner at the Simon Estes Amphitheater (courtesy of the Izaak Walton League) and music by the Community Jazz Center Big Band, in which at least two of our paddling friends play. Please forward this reminder note to our friends who care about rivers.
We’ll need people in boats, as well as on land. Not only does Iowa’s biggest river need some TLC, but so does its floodplain. Last weekend, I walked an (illegal) ATV trail along the river from Scott Street down to the soccer fields along SE Hartford with the R2G2 planning team. There are many appliances, tires and trash along this stretch (some placed by recent floodwater), and it would be good to have at least a couple dozen folks helping in this area [fyi, the City of Des Moines is planning a new biking/walking trail here].
I’ll be back on the river for R2G2, supporting Iowa Rivers Revival’s river rascals team, a group of six 11-14 year olds who are becoming river stewards. If you know some kids, bring one or more along. The more kids who learn to appreciate rivers the better!
Please click on www.riverstewards.org to register.
Thanks,
Robin Fortney

REPORT ON JULY 8 WED EVENING PADDLE AT LAKE MACBRIDE:
From Gregg Stark:
For all of the extra emails about relocating to MacBride, park closing times, possible "nearly full moon" paddling, it was almost a non-event. In the end, it turned out to be two guys paddling kayaks around the north arm of Lake MacBride on a cloudy, blustery evening. The main area around the put in, the dam, and on up the arm was just breezy; we declined the opportunity to paddle in whitecaps around the bend to the east. On the plus side, we shared the area with no more than 8 people and even fewer boats, sighted several water birds including a pair of green heron, and briefly watched a mink leaping among the shoreline boulders, possibly in search of an evening snack. Needless to say, viewing the full moon was not an option, and we were clear of the park by 9:00 pm.

REPORT ON THE JULY 11 ADEL PADDLEFEST:
From Mike Delaney:
"Thanks to all of you who helped with Paddlefest. I was able to count 80 people who attended. I know I missed some. The 10 mile race from Perry to Minburn was a big success. Ray Harden with the help of Mike Murphy, Don Motz, Larry Wilson, Ray Meylor and Scott Olson of the DNR did an excellent job of organizing the race. Twenty one people registered and paddled on race day. There were sixteen boats in the race. The competition was strong. The winners were some of the strongest paddlers in the state.
"John Craun’s time in the race was 1:11:25. Diane Lowry’s time was 1:19:01 and Joe Warnock and Steve Sohn’s time was 1:24:42 in the tandem race.
Tom Lawson and Lee Searles hosted a crowd of around 40 for the birders sessions. Kay Newman and Jim Pease held the audience’s attention throughout their presentations.
Our attendees were more divided this year and our total attendance was a little less than the past three years. We had a great deal of competition to contend with however with the County Fair, a bicyclers event, Kay Meyer’s event at Brenton Arboretum with Tom Rosburg. Some of our flower group could not miss that opportunity.
"My suggestion for next year is to offer a 20 mile race from Perry to Adel and a ten mile race from Minburn to Adel. The paddlers would bring the excitement of the long race to Kinnick Feller Park. Perry might offer some festivity on Friday evening if we can attract people from out of the area. The Pattee would be a nice accommodation for racers who travel to the event.
We could do a better job of attracting paddlers to the sprints.
"Karen Sol did a great job with promotions. John Wenck and I got on radio and TV. However, it is hard to attract the general public. I think we should focus on the paddlers and maybe the bikers. Julie Bailey of Adel suggested that we should try to combine our event with the bike trail folks next year. We have some great photos—some by Ray and Margaret Harden—and a pretty good story to tell. I think we should try to get stories in paddling magazines and on Paddling websites. I know Ray is working on an article for the Perry paper.
"Since four of the winners of paddlers’ races gave back prize money, we came out ahead on our event financially. We must be doing something right. Whatever we do we make money.
"Check the website for pictures and race results." http://web.mac.com/mikedelaney1/North_Raccoon/Raccoon_River_Watershed_Association.html
Thanks again everyone. Mike

REPORT ON THE JULY 11-12 CANOE VAN BUREN:
The annual float began in the village of Selma on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM. Participants floated to Douds for a brief rest before ending the first day in Keosauqua. On Sunday, they launched from Keosauqua, floating on to Bentonsport and a lunch break at Bonaparte. The float concluded in the oldest village of Farmington, for a total of 41 river miles.
Gigs Rowland reported that it was an excellent event with good newspaper and TV coverage (video on KTVO). There were 75 paddlers and 50 volunteers on Van Buren County’s designated water trail. "It’s good to see our efforts make a difference."

REPORT ON JULY 17 DNR WHITEWATER PADDLER MEETING:
Did any of you attend this meeting? If so, please take a few moments to forward a brief summary of the meeting and your thoughts on the future of WW paddling in Iowa. We would really appreciate hearing from you.

REPORT ON JULY 18 TURKEY RIVER FLOAT :
From Clara Swan:
"Nineteen paddlers and seventeen boats. It was a great time and what nice people. They seem interested in doing it again. The weather was cool but no complaints......well, maybe by one who tipped right off the bat. Even she wasn't unhappy, just a li'l cold. Some nice fella loaned her a dry jacket.
"I do have a tip for anyone organizing one of these floats: take along a pen and paper to get everyone to write down their names and contact numbers or addresses for later reference (like sending photos). Official head counts ahead and afterwards would be good when there are lots of folks. Phil kinda kept track the whole time I found out later. I was somewhat remiss in describing the take-out at Motor Mill and forgot to mention the take-out was PAST the Mill. Some got out and ate on a sandbar, but it also may have been the fella who couldn't walk very far....and his friends. All were experienced kayakers or canoeists and could read the water so no one got stuck......and one fella got out ahead to lead people down the right "V". The river was smooth and not a bit dangerous and some new sights had opened up after last year's flood. All in all, a great 18 miles. Boy, was I tired.....and sore the next day. Fun. Would do it again in a minute."
Thanks,
Clara Swan at:
Wild Hare, CLARA-fication, Designed to Sell
120 Main St., PO Box 220, Elkader, Iowa 52043
Ph. 319 321-3032

REPORT RE JULY 21 NORTH FORK MAQUOKETA MEETING:
We haven’t heard anything from SIW members who may have attended the meeting, but Orlan Love had a very nice article in the July 24 Cedar Rapids Gazette.
Participants included landowners, river enthusiasts, and representatives of Jones County Conservation, the Iowa DNR River Programs, and the National Park Service Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program. The focus of the meeting was the 18.6 mile stretch from Cascade to the Ozark Bridge which includes no bridges or public accesses. That limited access has protected the river from "recreational abuse," and it seems to be the consensus of landowners and paddlers that the river should remain in its current wild state. One way to achieve that goal would be designation of the river stretch as Iowa’s first "wilderness water trail." Larry Gullet, Jones County Conservation Director, was quoted as stating, "Everybody wants to preserve the area the way it is. We should be able to design a program that does that."
For more info, contact the Jones County Conservation Administrative Office at 563-487-3541 or email your name and contact information to jccb@co.jones.ia.us

ADAM BROOKS COMPLETES SOLO 2300 MILES ON YUKON RIVER:
Iowan Adam Brooks has completed his solo paddle of the Yukon River, covering the 2300 miles in only 33 days. He had planned a trip of up to 2 months, but above-normal water levels, and a 9 to 10 mph current really enhanced his paddling speed. During one week, he paddled more than 100 miles each day.
Brooks is waiting for some of his materials to arrive from Alaska, but hopes to have a complete update on his website in the near future. Brooks raised nearly $5,000 for the American Cancer Society, in memory of his mother and father, both cancer victims.
For more info on Adam’s adventures, along with trip & gear planning and a link to contribute to his cause, check out: http://www.myriverquest.com/index.html
You can also google "Adam Brooks Ames Tribune" for a nice article written by Outdoors Editor Todd Burras.

ASTRONOMY FOR PADDLERS; WATCH FOR METEOR SHOWERS:
Websites tell us to expect a Full Moon on Aug 6, New Moon on Aug 20, Full Moon on Sep 4.
The Perseid meteor shower will peak August 12-13 with a rate of 60 meteors per hour. Look for the Perseid meteors in the Northeast, just below Casiopeia (the "W"), before midnight, when your viewing will be competing with a half moon (last quarter).
For more info on 2009 meteor showers: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/36787804.html

GREAT RESOURCE FOR IOWA BIRDS & BIRDING:
The official website of the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union is a terrific resource for serious birders or those of us who just have a beginner's question or a bit of curiosity. The site includes reports on rare (to Iowa) sightings, bird photos and checklists, distribution maps, quizzes, news items, and info on how to report your sightings. Check it out: http://www.iowabirds.org/

IOWA RIVERS REVIVAL NEEDS THE SUPPORT OF IOWA PADDLERS:
The Iowa Rivers Revival is an organization which sponsors an annual statewide conference, creates innovative river-based educational programs, and advocates for public policy to improve river quality. In short, IRR does a lot of work that individuals or paddling groups cannot do, and most of that work eventually benefits paddlers.
IRR Legislative Review: http://www.iowarivers.org/Portals/0/Legislative/09%20Legislative%20Review.pdf
What’s New (so you know what was recently added or updated on our website): http://www.iowarivers.org/WhatsNew/tabid/89/Default.aspx
River Rascals – Launched July 8 and runs through August 15.
After months of planning and organizing, a group of dedicated river advocates and volunteers have launched a series of education opportunities on using the watershed model and river values, map reading, wildlife and river etiquette, and will be conducting three additional on-water activities starting this Saturday, July 25 and ending on Saturday, August 15th with the River Run Garbage Grab in Des Moines. River Rascals is one component of IRR’s River Steward Program to connect individuals and communities to Iowa’s rivers by providing opportunities for children, families and members of the public to learn more about the importance of rivers and problems associated with them. We will keep you updated on the River Rascal experience – you can check our website for pictures and updates, too.
We Need Your Help – TODAY!!
IRR continues to make progress in 2009 – new achievements give us the momentum to keep us on course, but we need financial support to keep us afloat. With your contribution we will be able to launch our River Rascals program this summer, we will be able to continue working to influence public policy which is essential to improving river quality and continue our efforts to connect communities within each watershed to strengthen Iowa’s river network and conservation practices. Each Board member has provided financial support to the organization this year and has now pledged to match your contribution, dollar-for-dollar, on the first $2,500 received by August 15, 2009. Please consider making a tax-deductable donation as we work together towards our mission of helping Iowans restore, protect and enjoy our rivers. We need your support today, for clean rivers tomorrow.
Contributions may be sent to: Iowa Rivers Revival, PO Box 72, Des Moines, IA, 50301 or by PayPal to: rlehman@iowarivers.org. Thank you for your continued support in improving and preserving the quality of Iowa’s rivers.
Rosalyn Lehman, Executive Director, Iowa Rivers Revival, PO Box 72, Des Moines, IA 50301, 515-202-7720 rlehman@iowarivers.org | www.iowarivers.org

HAVE YOU BEEN LOOKING FOR A SNAPPING TURTLE RECIPE?
The latest edition of the Naturally Louisa County Newsletter is now available.
In this issue you’ll find:
How to forage for wild food (page 11)
Information on the Flaming Prairie Makeover (page 3)
Lots of summer and fall activities (pages 8 & 9)
How to cook and clean a snapping turtle (page 6)
And much more!
Because there is so much information and lots of pictures, it’s a pretty big file. So, we are letting you download it instead of clogging up your email:
Download NLC Newsletter (pdf format ~980 KB)
To read the PDF, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not already have this software, it is available free at http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep2.html
You can also find the newsletter as well as a wealth of other information at: http://www.NaturallyLouisaCounty.com
Mallory Smith, Director, Tri-Rivers Conservation Foundation, www.tri-rivers.org
Julie Ohde, Director, Louisa County Conservation Board, 319-523-8381, www.lccb.org
Naturally Louisa County, Wapello, IA, www.NaturallyLouisaCounty.com

OPPORTUNITIES TO BUY, SELL, OR TRADE PADDLING GEAR:
Is there anything in your garage that needs to be set free? A unique boat that someone might help you locate?
Canoe for Sale; 2006 Wenonah Prism, Kevlar Flex-core, Alaskan Ivory Gelcoat, black aluminum trim, foot brace, tugeyes, grab loops, wood web seat with backrest, spare kevlar bucket seat, $1400, Des Moines, Dick Howard at 641-223-0088 cell, rhow@dwx.com.
Solo Canoe for Sale; Dagger Impulse, 13’, red ABS Royalex hull, not currently outfitted, but have minicell pedestal, old air bags,and thigh straps for it. Knee pads if you want them too. Great solo canoe for Iowa's moving water rivers, but will do whitewater to class 3-4 with proper owner skills!. $350 firm. Cedar Falls. Contact Max at 319-277-5945 or email dimwittedmoose@cfu.net.
Kayak for Sale; Bliss-stick Huka, WW creek boat, red, excellent condition, $745 OBO, Ankeny, email Kayak035@yahoo.com for info & pictures, paddlingiowa.com.
Kayak for Sale; Old Town Loon, canary yellow, $450, 319-821-1382, on paddling.net.
Accessories for Sale on paddlingiowa.com include a 240 cm Aqua-Bound kayak paddle, 2 sets of Yakima Bowdown kayak racks, & 2 sets of Thule Hull-A-Porter kayak racks.
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

SIW 2009 PADDLER PLANNING CALENDAR:
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
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.
April 18; CanoeSport Outfitters Spring Demo, Lake Ahquabi, Indianola, IA; http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/index.htm.
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/.
April 24; Earth Day.
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. (completed)
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 (completed)
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. (completed)
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, Lake MacBride. (completed)
June 12-15; ***CANCELED***"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, Pleasant Creek SP. (completed)
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, Lake MacBride. (completed)
June 27 ***CANCELED***; 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; ***CANCELED***; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle.
July 4; ***CANCELED***; "Evening Fireworks Paddle" on Cedar River at Cedar Rapids; initated by Joe DeLory. Canceled due to fireworks moved to Kirkwood CC.
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, possible full moon paddling, Lake MacBride (completed).
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 11; Paddlefest at Kinnick-Feller Park, Adel, IA, river races, food, music, canoe & kayak display, swap meet, photo show, environmental displays & presentations, www.northraccoon.org
July 13-14; Lower Wapsi Channel Clearing, Melisa Jacobsen 309-737-9016, http://www.lowerwapsicleanup.org.
July 15; ***Canceled*** SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.
July 18; "Turkey River Float," Elkader to Garber, with a tour of Motor Mill along the way; options for 6 or 18 miles; pages 136-137 in "Paddling Iowa" book; initiated by Clara Swan (319-321-3032), assisted by Larry Stone. (completed).
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; ***Canceled*** 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; ***Canceled*** SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, location TBD.

August 5; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddle, 6:00 pm-dark, Pleasant Creek SP.
August 8-9; Wapsi River Clearing," in anticipation of the Aug 21-23 cleanup, Melisa Jacobsen 309-737-9016, http://www.lowerwapsicleanup.org.
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"; Melisa Jacobsen 309-737-9016, http://www.lowerwapsicleanup.org.
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 22; ***CANCELED***River Float Suitable for Novices, initiated by Kevin & Pam Stalnaker, location TBD.
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/
September ***CANCELED***; Wapsi River Float, Linn County Cons. Dept, route & date TBD.
October 10; Jones County Conservation Dept "Fall Colors Float", route TBD.
Possible Full Moon Paddles, 2009 full moon dates May 9, Jun 7, Jul 7, Aug 6, Sep 4, Oct 4.

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/

CENTRALIZED WEBSITE TO ACCESS ALL COUNTY CONSERVATION DEPARTMENTS:
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 sticksinthewater@yahoo.com .

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.
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