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SIW NEWS BULLETIN
"STICKS IN THE WATER" PADDLERS
October 1, 2009

IT’S OCTOBER . . . ALREADY:
. While we were on a short vacation, our hummingbirds apparently left without saying goodby. Seems rather ungrateful, considering how well we fed them all summer.
. The calendar informs us that fall is here, and Mother Nature has reinforced the message with some relatively cool nights. For further evidence, try cruising scenic route Hwy 64 between Anamosa and Sabula. Morning and evening shadows maximize the effect of driving through a Grant Wood painting.
. Not much remaining on the 2009 Paddling Planning Calendar, but we’re looking forward to the Jones County Conservation Department Oct 10 “Fall Colors and Archaeology Canoe Float.” FYI, they do let kayakers participate.
. Thanks to Joe DeLory for the report on the Sep 7-11 Disabled Veterans Paddle at Riverside. We’ll definitely be working with Dave Goff and the Iowa City Vets to include this event on our 2010 Paddling Calendar.
. Thanks to Melisa Jacobsen for the enclosed report on the Aug 21-23 Lower Wapsi Cleanup, and my apologies for accidentally omitting it from our Sep issue.
. Now, let’s go paddling!

BR
Gregg

IN THIS ISSUE:
= Jones County “Fall Colors & Archaeology Float” coming Oct 10.
= IRR searching for “River Town” for 2010 Conference.
= Report on Disabled Vets paddling event Sep 7-11.
= Bridge construction hazard yielding benefit on Maquoketa River.
= Report on Aug 21-23 Lower Wapsi Cleanup.
= Astronomy: Full Moon Oct 4, Nov 2; Orionid Meteor Showers Oct 20-22
= IOU website for the birds.
= 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."

JONES COUNTY “ANNUAL FALL COLORS & ARCHAEOLOGY” FLOAT OCT 10:
From Michele Olson:
Saturday, October 10; Wapsipinicon River.
Put in 9:00 AM at Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa
Take out at Newport Mills Access (8.6 miles).
. Join the Jones County Conservation Board staff on a stretch of the Wapsi known for its rugged cliffs and limestone formations. We’ll pass under several bridges including the newly moved and restored “Hale Bridge”.
. This year’s trip will include a short introduction to the “Sticks in the Water” paddling group with guest speaker, Gregg Stark. As we enjoy our lunch we’ll also learn about the Native Americans who lived along this river and how the river helped them survive.
. Participants should bring a sack lunch, snacks, beverages, camera, aquatic footwear, dry-bags, extra clothing, etc. Paddlers can bring their own canoes or contact Lou Lou’s Landing at (319)484-2829 to inquire about canoe rentals.
. Please contact Michele at (319) 481-7987 or at naturalist@co.jones.ia.us to pre-register. Participants should closely monitor river levels and call prior to the float to make sure the event is held as scheduled in the event of high water.

DEDICATION OF Des Moines River Water Trail campsite oct 2:
From John Wenck:
. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will designate a water trail campsite on the Des Moines River Water Trail at Yellow Banks County Park Friday, October 2nd. The Des Moines River in Polk County was designated as a state water trail earlier this spring, but the idea of a paddle-in/paddle-out campsite came as an addendum.
. “It became apparent to us that there was a lack of suitable camping opportunities for paddlers along the Des Moines River between Saylorville and Red Rock,” said Loren Lown, Polk County Conservation natural resources specialist. “Yellow Banks seemed like an ideal place” he said. The campsite is within 150 feet of the river and includes fire rings, picnic tables, and a shelter area. Reservations for this campsite will soon be available online through www.mycountyparks.com.
. The dedication will take place at 6PM at the campsite, but Robin Fortney, founder of Central Iowa Paddlers, will be leading a paddling excursion from Pleasant Hill Access (north side of river at HWY 65 and Vandalia Rd.) to arrive at the campsite in time for the dedication. If you’re interested in floating this 4-mile stretch of the river, meet at the Pleasant Hill Access at 1PM—you must have your own canoe or kayak. “This is probably my favorite stretch of the water trail,” said Fortney, “it’s beyond the city limits and offers greater opportunities for wildlife viewing.”
. “Primitive campsites accessible from the river are very popular amenities on our water trails” said John Wenck, DNR river programs outreach coordinator. “It offers paddlers greater solitude and the opportunity for multi-day tripping without the need for daily shuttles.”
. For more information on Iowa water trails, see www.iowadnr.gov/watertrails/.
John Wenck
River Programs Outreach Coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
515/ 281-8969 john.wenck@dnr.iowa.gov

IRR SEARCHING FOR NEXT RIVER TOWN FOR 2010 CONFERENCE:
From Roz Lehman:
. Iowa Rivers Revival is in the process of choosing a community and location for our next Annual Conference and we are reaching out to many of Iowa’s river groups to solicit interest and availability. . IRR is seeking proposals from Iowa river communities who are interested and have the capacity to host an annual conference. IRR’s Annual Conference is an opportunity to feature and promote one of Iowa’s many rivers and river towns. Interested communities must return a proposal to IRR by close of business, Friday, October 30, 2009. A Request for Proposal form is attached to this e-mail.
. IRR is the statewide river organization working with Iowans to protect and preserve one of our most precious natural resources – our rivers and streams. Each year IRR organizes an annual conference to engage individuals, organizations, communities and our government leaders in river awareness, responsibility and enjoyment in an effort to improve and enhance the condition of Iowa’s rivers and streams.
. Please call or e-mail me for questions or clarification about this process. We look forward to hearing back from you and about your river!
Rosalyn Lehman, Executive Director, Iowa Rivers Revival
515-202-7720, rlehman@iowarivers.org | www.iowarivers.org

REPORT ON KAYAKING EVENT FOR DISABLED VETERANS SEP 7-11:
From Joe DeLory:
. We all love our chosen sport of paddling. The reasons vary widely from exercise, the solitude found by immersing ourselves in the natural/outdoor environment, the challenge of a new river or stream or rapids, whatever our reasons we love to paddle. We all remember the things we had to learn and master as novice paddlers and had to master as we advanced from novice to intermediate or advanced level paddlers. Now imagine trying to learn these skills without the benefit of sight or with mobility issues such as paraplegia, upper or lower body protheses or balance issues.
. I was interested in the event as much out of curiosity as I was interested in it because it presented me an opportunity to help my fellow vets. When this request for help was posted I figured "why not", as I am currently unemployed, scheduling was not an issue for me. The short notice and the fact that this occured during the week was probably a factor that prevented some from volunteering. One other paddler that many of us know, Don Wahl (Piper's dad) showed up to help.
. Wenonah/Current Design provided 20 solo boats ("Kestrals") and a couple tandems, several sets of removable pontoons and adaptive seats with adjustable (higher seat backs/supports. They had a team that travels to these events all over the country. There were also a couple local corporations that sent teams of shore volunteers down as well. The VA sent paramedics, a doctor, and several mobility coaches (physical therapists) to help. Don and I were used to provide "on the water instruction and safety duties,” including a couple of open water recoveries/rescues.
. Not all of the paddlers used pontoons, and several of the visually impaired participants did not elect to paddle a tandem. It was neat to see them make all the necessary maneuvers under the voice directions of a shaddow in another boat. All were thrilled to have an opportunity to try something they never would have dreamed of.
. Was it worth my time and effort? YOU BETCHA!! Based on the excitement and enthusiasm of the participants, they expect more vets next year.
. This was just one part of a week-long Tee Time Tournament at the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, drawing vets from all over the Mid-west. It is held Labor Day week every year, though this was the first time they had the kayaking.
. I'm already planning to help next year. I'm hoping some others can mark their calendars. I promise you will enjoy it to. It also helps us to put our own aches and pains and infirmities in perspective.
Joe

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION HAZARD REMAINS ON THE MAQUOKETA, BUT LOOKING FORWARD TO AN IMPROVED CARRY DOWN ACCESS:
From Larry Gullet:
. Just wanted to let SIW members know that the Eby's Mill bridge replacement is going full steam right now. It is not a good situation for paddlers. I spoke to the County Engineer and he said it will probably not be safe until next spring sometime.
. The County Engineer is improving the carry down access at the site as part of the bridge replacement project, so it will be worth the wait.
Larry Gullet, Jones County Conservation Director
. 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 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.

REPORT ON JUL 25-AUG 1 GREAT RIVER RUMBLE:
. Some of our SIW associates paddled in this year’s Great River Rumble weeklong paddle/camp down the Mississippi from LaCrosse, WI to Dubuque, IA, http://www.riverrumble.org/. We forwarded Bill Schoon’s very entertaining report as an attachment to a separate email last month, since its size and photos could meet with capacity restrictions or spam filters. If you didn’t receive a copy, send an email to sticksinthewater@yahoo.com and we’ll try a re-send.

REPORT ON AUG 23-24 LOWER WAPSI RIVER CLEANUP:
(Apologies from the editor for accidentally omitting this item last month.)
From Melisa Jacobsen:
. The Lower Wapsipinicon River Cleanup Project, a canoeing- and camping-based river cleanup event, took place for its fourth year August 23-24, 2009. Twenty-six volunteers removed an amazing 3.03 tons of trash from 12 miles of the Wapsipinicon River, its backwaters, and nearby sloughs on the Mississippi. The section of river covered weaves through Clinton and Scott County, from McCausland Landing to the Mississippi River. Of the trash collected, 52% was recycled. The grand total removed from the river over the last four years is a whopping 23.6 tons.
. “I am continually amazed and touched to see people from all over Iowa and Illinois – many returning from previous years - to give of themselves in such a way to improve the health and beauty of our local river,” stated coordinator Melisa Jacobsen “It’s in these small steps that we hope to increase awareness and help affect larger changes with respect to our waterways used by so many individuals and families for recreation. ”
The program provided free canoes, free camping, and low-cost meals, as well as an evening Mississippi River eco-cruise on the Blue Heron led by a Clinton County Conservation Board Naturalist.
. Sponsors for this event included: Clinton County Conservation Board; Friends of the Wapsi Center, Inc., Dixon, IA; BEHR Metal Recycling, Clinton, IA; G. Baker Distributing, Clinton, IA; Allied Waste Services, Clinton, IA; Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency, Jones Optical, Champaign, IL; Active Endeavors, Davenport, IA; Paul’s Discount, Clinton, IA; Mid-American Energy; KA Screen Printing, Davenport, IA and Target, Clinton, IA
. The Lower Wapsipinicon River Cleanup Project is a grassroots organization with a twofold purpose: To remove trash from the river and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner; and to educate the public about the environment and the importance of caring for natural resources.
. They will be cleaning up on a different section of the Lower Wapsipinicon each year in late August. For further information, or to get on a mailing list for next year, please write to LWRCP, 2740 160th Avenue , Calamus , IA 52729 , email coordinator@lowerwapsicleanup.org or visit the website at http://www.lowerwapsicleanup.org
. 2009 LWRCP Fact Sheet, Trash by the Numbers: Recyclables – 3,160 lbs. (1.58 tons) total; 120 lbs. glass and plastic; 1,140 lbs. tires; 1,900 lbs. mixed scrap metal; Hazardous waste - 51 lbs.; Dump material- 2,840 lbs. (1.42 tons).

ASTRONOMY FOR PADDLERS:
. Websites tell us to expect a Full Moon on Sep 4, New Moon on Sep 18, Full Moon on Oct 4. Autumn starts Sep 22. The next meteor shower won’t be until the Orionids visit Oct 20-22, peaking on the 21st. For more info on 2009 meteor showers: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/36787804.html

FALL MIGRATIONS UNDERWAY; GREAT RESOURCE TO ID IOWA BIRD “VISITORS”:
. 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/

OPPORTUNITIES TO BUY, SELL, OR TRADE PADDLING GEAR:
. Is there anything in your garage that needs to be set free? Do you need space for “winter toys?”

. BIG Canoe for Sale; Pelican Square Back, Ram-X hull material, 16'3", 43" wide, flat bottom, tri keel, 123 lbs., capacity 1100 lbs, 53 cu ft cargo, motor mount on transom, rated for 5 hp, $750, Webster City, Cornboy on paddlingiowa.com.
. OLD Canoe for Sale; 1952 Old Town Wood & Canvas, good paddling shape or restore it, includes sail & leeboard, 2 paddles, asking $1,000 OBO, Des Moines, on paddling.net (not paddlingiowa.com).
. Canoe for Sale; 1964 Herter's Fiberglas Square Back, restoration project, reasonable offer, Cornboy on paddlingiowa.com.
. Accessories for Sale; Castle Craft Stabilizer Floats, telescope to 6 ft spread, attach without tools, $100, cornboy on paddlingiowa.com.
. 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.
. Kayak for Sale ; Pyranha H2 Zone C1, river-runner/creekboat, $350, more info/pics on paddlingiowa.com.
. Kayak for Sale; Dagger Agent 6.2, playboat, orange, $450, on paddlingiowa.com.
. Canoe Trailer for Sale; lightweight multiple canoe trailer with covered box for gear storage, 1 7/8" ball hitch, $400, Iowa City, on http://cedarrapids.craigslist..org/
. Craigslist Cedar Rapids currently has several canoes & kayaks listed for sale, including a $350 Perception Swifty 9.5' kayak in CR, $450 Perception Prodigy 10' kayak in Iowa City, $700 Pelican elite 12' kayak in Decorah, $180 Shell Lake fiberglas 16.5' canoe in Anamosa, a $1200 Grumman "Iowa Hawkeye" canoe in Iowa City, a $400 Old Towne Guide 16' canoe in North Liberty, Check them out at: 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:

October 10; Jones County Conservation Dept "Fall Colors Float", Wapsipinicon River from Anamosa to Newport Mills. http://jonescountyiowa.org/Documents/Fall%202009%20Final.pdf.

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 Fall Newsletter:
http://jonescountyiowa.org/Documents/Fall%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 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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