[GStarkCR]

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

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO PADDLERS! CELEBRATE 2009, PLAN FOR 2010!
. We have started another Paddler Planning Calendar for 2010. Check out the entries we have, and please forward your additions or corrections!
. Some of our more hardy paddling friends will continue to enjoy paddling throughout the winter, when Mother Nature paints from a black and white color pallet, accented by stands of conifers and punctuated by pinpoints of colorful berries or the flash of a passing cardinal. If you are properly prepared & outfitted, it can be another great time to be on the water. For those of you who have inquired about appropriate cold weather paddling gear, you may want to start with these info sheets on the NRS website:
http://www.nrsweb.com/hypothermia.asp?tn=132
http://www.nrsweb.com/cold_water_layering.asp?tn=131
. We are now in the holiday season, and SIW has much for which to be “thankful.”
= Thanks to all of you who contributed info and ideas to our 2009 SIW News Bulletins.
= Thanks to all of you who participated in our SIW organizing and planning meetings for the 2009 season.
= Thanks to the SIW volunteers who assisted with the 2009 ICNC Paddle Fest.
= Thanks to everyone who initiated paddling events throughout 2009.
= Thanks to Pam Stalnaker, Keith Garret, and Larry Gullett, our presenters at the April 19, 2009 “Getting It Together” event at Central Park.
= Thanks to the instructor & students of the Kirkwood Kayak Building Class, which welcomed our visit and many questions on April 25, 2009.
= Thanks to Dave & Janice Bell, assisted by Brad Freidhof, for hosting our very-windy May 16, 2009 “Ready, Set, Paddle” event at Kent Park.
= Thanks to Julie Ohde for hosting our May 30, 2009 Lake Odessa paddle and eagle-viewing.
= Thanks to Clara Swan for hosting our July 18, 2009 Turkey River Float and tour of the Motor Mill.
= Thanks to all you paddlers who joined us for our Wednesday Night Paddles.
= And thanks to everyone who paddled, encouraged others to paddle, and promoted safe paddling during 2009.
. The holiday “gifting season” is upon us, and this issue includes a list of ideas, large & small, from expensive to free, to receive or to give, including some really good reference books. Thanks to those of you who forwarded suggestions; I hope that many of you find the list to be interesting & helpful.
. What would I most like to receive for Christmas? An email or phone call from a local indoor pool manager, inviting us to hold some winter paddling sessions. I do believe that SIW members have the interest, and could meet requirements for leader certifications, boat sanitation, etc., but the pool access is the biggest challenge. Come on, Santa; we’ve been good.
. Please mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual ICNC Paddle Fest January 30, 2010. We’re looking forward to a program emphasizing “local paddling opportunities,” with two excellent presenters. Early info is in this SIW News Bulletin, more details coming soon.
. Extra Credit Question: December contains 2 full moons, so is one of these a “Blue Moon?” If so, which one? It’s all rather complicated, but you can check it out at:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/moon/3304131.html?page=2&c=y
. One of our (shy) SIW members forwarded this poem, written by Tacitus Hussey, a writer, poet, publisher, paddler, and general promoter of the Des Moines River in the late 1800s. The paddling folks in central Iowa have organized an annual weeklong camping/paddling trip to celebrate Tac’s love of Iowa rivers. Perhaps there was a similar character in the history of Eastern Iowa Rivers?

A River Idyll
"How sweet it is to idly float
On waters strange, in sun and dew:
To hear the wild bird's joyous note,
While cruising, in a staunch canoe.
What Joy to follow Nature's bent,
Where roses wild, perfume the air;
To mingle with grape blossoms scent,
And breathe in Nature everywhere!"
--Tacitus Hussey
(From his book, The River Bend and Other Poems, 1896.)
. December dates to keep in mind: Pearl Harbor Day Dec 7, Winter Solstice/First Day of Winter Dec 21.

Happy Holidays to All, and Best Wishes for Safe Paddling in 2010!
Gregg

IN THIS ISSUE:
= ICNC 3rd Annual Paddle Fest Coming January 30, 2010.
= Holiday gift-giving or gift-getting ideas for paddlers.
= Report on Nov 8 Maquoketa River paddle.
= Report on Nov 21 Cedar River paddle.
= Jones County Maq River Water Trail Construction Update.
= IRR 2nd Annual River Congress Jan 23, 2010 in Ames .
= Start of the 2010 SIW Paddler Planning Calendar.
= Updated DNR Water Trails website.
= Astronomy: Full Moon Dec 2 & Dec 31, New Moon Dec 16; Geminid Meteor Shower Dec 14 (one of the year’s best!).
= Single link to all County Conservation Dept websites.
= Buy-Sell-Trade takes a break.
= Links to websites, newsletters, cleanups, other great "paddling stuff."

ICNC 3rd ANNUAL PADDLE FEST COMING JANUARY 30, 2010:
. This year’s presentations will emphasize the “local Eastern Iowa angle” on paddling and paddling/fishing opportunities. A series of speakers and paddling displays will cover places to go, paddling, fishing, equipment, & more. Presenters will include Paul Sleeper, DNR Fishery Biologist Paul Sleeper and KCRG-TV9 Sports Director John Campbell. We hope to include updated info about the new urban fishery (and paddling area) created from the former sand and gravel pit off Otis Road, scheduled to open in 2010.
. More details will be coming soon, but please mark your calendars. The ICNC Annual Paddle Fest is a program of Indian Creek Nature Center , co-sponsored by Seatasea Watersports and Sticks In the Water paddlers.

HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING OR GIFT-GETTING IDEAS FOR PADDLERS:
. Paddlers can be quite “picky” about the gear they choose (they measure paddles by the centimeter, don’t they?), so gift certificates are often very popular with the group. If you’re looking for something more tangible or more unique, here are a few ideas to consider. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts and ideas.
= A container of preferred UV protectant (303, armor all, wax, or whatever).
= Gift certificate to use during the spring boat shows.
= Contribution to a favorite paddle-friendly organization.
= Membership in a favorite paddling group.
= Paddling-related book, video, or dvd; “EJ’s Rolling & Bracing?” “The Forgotten Skills?”
= Ornaments or lights shaped like canoes or kayaks.
= Boat; canoe or kayak; c’mon, just one more.
= Paddle; lots of materials, styles, lengths, and prices.
= Dry bag; variety of materials, sizes, & colors.
= Waterproof box for camera, phone, other electronics; Otter, Pelican, other brands.
= Compass; boat, hand, or wrist.
= Signal/rescue mirror, with instructions.
= Cockpit cover.
= Spray skirt.
= Throw bag.
= First aid kit.
= CPR/First Aid class.
= GPS unit.
= Multi-tool; many brands, functions, prices.
= Acrylic wine glasses; coffee press to follow?
= Water filter.
= Boat light; for full moon paddles.
= Personal headlamp.
= Almost anything with led’s.
= Subscription to Iowa Outdoor magazine; http://www.iowadnr.gov/magazine/index.html
= Paddling gloves, mittens, or pogies.
= Paddling booties or mukluks.
= PFD designed for paddlers.
= Paddling trip to Boundary Waters, Ozark Rivers , or other classic paddling/outdoor areas.
= Waterproof camera; maybe an Olympus Stylus Tough 8000?
= Donation of items on your County Conservation Department’s “Wish List.”
= Enrollment in a community college outdoor photography class, or membership in a local amateur photography club.
= Boatbuilding kit or boatbuilding class.
= Membership in the Cedar River Amateur Astronomers; individual or family, http://www.cedar-astronomers.org/.
= Enroll someone as a new member of SIW; still free, a tremendous bargain! Email sticksinthewater@yahoo.com
= Outdoor books recommended by DNR Naturalist John Pearson:
o== “Birds of North America: A Guide to Field Identification;” Robbins/Bruun/Zim, 1983, Golden Press.
o== “A Country So Full of Game: the Story of Wildlife in Iowa;” Dinsmore, 1994, U of Iowa Press.
o== “Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide;” Newcomb, 1977, Little, Brown & Co.
o== “Wildflowers of Iowa Woodlands;” Runkel/Bull, 1979, ISU Press.
o== “Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie;” Runkel/Roosa, 1989, ISU Press.
o== “Wildflowers & Other Plans of Iowa Wetlands;” Runkel/Bull, 1999, ISU Press.
o== “In Your Pocket” series of small, laminated guides from U of Iowa Press, including “Prairie In Your Pocket,” Mueller, 2000; “Woodland. .,” Mueller, 2002; “Butterflies. .,” Hendrix/Debinski, 2003; “Mushrooms. .,” Huffman/Tiffany, 2004; “Orchids. .,” Witt, 2006.
o== “Deep Nature: Photographs from Iowa;” Linda & Robert Scarth, 2009, U Iowa Press; Nature photographers from Cedar Rapids present 75 of their most interesting shots of the small things in nature, intro by John Pearson; available in book stores or via their webpage, accessible thru uipress.
= Outdoor books recommended by a variety of sources:
o== “Paddling Iowa;” (often referred to as “the hymnal” or “the bible”), by Nate Hoogeveen, Trails Books, first or second edition; becoming increasingly difficult to find, currently out of print.
o== “Oneota Flow: the Upper Iowa River & Its People;” David S. Faldet, 2009, University of Iowa Press, “moves through the history of life along the now-polluted Upper Iowa, always focusing on the ways people depend on the river, the environment, and the resources of the region.”
o== “Arthur Carhart: Wilderness Prophet;” Tom Wolf, 2008, University Press of Colorado; contemporary of Aldo Leopold, but a political maverick, “grassroots thinker in a top-down era.” (Leopold was born in Burlington, Iowa, Carhart in Mapleton, Iowa, but both did their most recognized work elsewhere.)
o== “The Emerald Horizon;” Cornelia Mutel, 2007, University of Iowa Press, “combines lyrical writing with meticulous scientific research to portray the environmental past, present, and future of Iowa.”
o== “Where The Sky Began;” John Madson, 1982/2004, University of Iowa Press, “landmark publication, introduced readers across the nation to the wonders of the tallgrass prairie, sparking the current interest in prairie restoration.”
o== Outdoor books by Tacitus Hussey, historical Des Moines paddler/promoter during the late 1800’s. According to John Wenck, “Technically, there is nothing in print from Tac Hussey. However, you can get a copy of his book by print to order for around $18.00. The quality might suffer. If you’re looking for just a copy or two, check out www.alirbris.com or www.abebooks.com You can usually snag a vintage copy of one for under $30.”

REPORT ON NOV 8 MAQUOKETA RIVER FLOAT, CANTON TO ROYERTOWN:
From Pam Stalnaker:
. Five SIW paddlers (Pam S, Kevin S, Joe T, Terri S, Mary Jean B) met at Canton at noon, ran a shuttle to Royertown, and were on the water by 12:45. One tandem canoe and three solo kayaks had a wonderful, though way too short, trip. The weather was incredible, in the upper 60s, and we all marvelled at having such a lovely day this late in the year.
. About half way through the trip we came upon a large group of eagles, both mature and immature. For the rest of the trip they would fly downriver at our approach, do lazy circles in the updraft or sit in a tree, and then repeat the trip downriver as we got close. At one point we counted at least 15 eagles, all within the narrow confines of the river - what an amazing sight! We also saw a number of deer in the woods, and heard a number of other animals in the rustling leaves that we couldn't see.
. There was a family group that launched a number of kayaks just as we were arriving with kids and dogs. Just before we reached Buzzards Roost area we saw them on top of the bluff, waving to us. We knew it was them because we saw the boats pulled up at the access a few minutes later.
. This was one of Terri's first river trips, and she seemed to enjoy herself. I hope she posts some of her pictures (hint, hint!). It was muddy getting on the river and even more muddy getting out, but the river itself was just a bit more murky than it normally is. Obviously it had been in flood recently, based on the look of the vegetation, but it was moving swifly and smoothly when we were there.
. We didn't stop for lunch, and most of us paddled most of the way (rather than just floating along). We ended up at the exit around 3:00. The canoe (Pam and Kevin) went first to the narrow take out, and then Kevin helped the kayakers up the steep hill while Pam took MJ back to her car. Sigh. Way, way too short of a trip. However if the weather holds for next weekend, one of the attendees (who shall remain nameless until he/she speaks up) is hoping to set up another river trip giving those of us without dry suits another day of enjoyment before the hard-water season.

REPORT ON NOV 21 CEDAR RIVER FLOAT, PALISADES TO SUTLIFF:
From Joe DeLorey:
. I headed down to the Swisher exit on I-380 for our 9 AM rendezvous. I was expecting to meet with about 3 other paddlers but I was pleasantly surprised to have 6 show up then I got a call that there would be 1 more meeting us at the put-in. We had 2 others that had to cancel (We missed you Mark & KJ.) We caravanned to Sutliff where we shuffled the boats , left a couple vehicles
at the take-out, then headed to Palisades-Keppler State Park .
. Not knowing who all would show up I had planned our put in for the boat ramp below the old dam. In retrospect, with the levels of experience we had we could have launched upstream and run the breach. I have done it several times at comparable levels and flows. (Flow by the gage in CR; 6000 cfm, depth 5.2 ft, water temp 42 deg, air temp 44 deg.)
. We launched about 10:45 AM to calm wind and a good swift current with a light fog or mist. About noon we did turn into a headwind , but it was only about 8-10 mph (not enough to create any swells) and the current was strong enough to overcome the wind. Our flotilla consisted of 5 kayaks and 2 canoes. Paddlers were 9 Apologies that I don't remember all the last names
and hometowns); Al Donaldson and Bill Denton from Waterloo/Cedar falls area, Joe from Independence , Gary Stone from Des Moines , John Holzmueller, Don, Steve and me. The float was uneventful but quite enjoyable.
. As for animal/wildlife, all we saw were a few eagles and heard a few dogs. I think the deer have gone into hiding during this season, not that I blame them. We reached the take out around 2:15. The first ones out were able to get into the Tavern Cafe just in time to catch the conclusion of the Hawkeye victory over the Golden Goofers..... .. OOPS I mean Golden Gophers
. We had done about a 20 minute lunch break, and stopped a couple times to regroup.
Total distance was 8.4 miles, moving time 3 hrs, max speed 7.2 mph (per GPS).
. I could have stayed home and watched the game but I would have squandered the opportunity for a great float. When I have the choice of a float or a bike ride or a game on TV, well the game can go on without me.

MAQUOKETA RIVER TRAIL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
From Larry Gullet:
. Lot's of work underway at Pictured Rocks and Mon Maq Access in Monticello . Pictured Rocks is closed now every night and on the weekends due to continuously running generators and sump pumps in the coffer dam at the Pictured Rocks ramp. Hopefully, by this Friday or next Monday (Nov 30) the ramp will be finished and coffer dam removed, providing access again. The new boat ramp at Mon Maq Access, upstream from the dam, should be finished within a week or so. Construction at the site will continue all through the winter. The access road to the area will be closed all winter after the first accumulating snowfall.
. The Eby's Mill Bridge is scheduled for opening in mid December. It is done enough that people are now walking across it, but no vehicular traffic will be allowed until the approaches are done in mid December. Paddlers can now probably make it canoeing past the site, but access at the bridge is still limited.
. In case your members are interested, they can also follow the progress via our website (homepage) and scroll down to Maquoketa River Water Trail Project.
http://jonescountyiowa.org/conservation.aspx (With a little patience, each photo will reveal a slide show of multiple photos, or you can click through.—ed.)
. Thanks for thinking of us. Orlan Love may have an article about the project in this week’s Gazette (Nov 27—ed.).
Larry Gullett, Director, Jones County Conservation

IOWA RIVERS REVIVAL 2ND ANNUAL RIVER CONGRESS JAN 23, 2010 IN AMES :
From Roz Lehman:
Saturday, January 23, 2010, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Story County Conservation Board, 56461 180th St, Ames, Iowa
No Cost. Link for the AGENDA
RSVP: Rosalyn Lehman, rlehman@iowarivers.org; 515-202-7720
. “Iowa Rivers Revival will host a 2nd River Congress to continue to build upon the interest and success from last year’s Congress-over 70 people attended and identified key river concerns and priorities and created a River Bill of Rights. The purpose of the 2nd Congress is to continue to expand the statewide network of river supporters who are willing to communicate with their legislators about the importance of water quality and river conservation, discuss current river issues and concerns, participate in a legislative discussion and a workshop on effective advocacy.
. “We continue to hear from Iowa legislators and Iowans alike that there is no voice for Iowa’s rivers – with your help, we can change that! Click here to view the full agenda for the afternoon – the River Congress is free and open to anyone interested in attending.
. Please share this invitation – the outcomes from the River Congress should reflect a range of river perspectives and experiences from across the state: River Advocates • Conservationists & Environmentalists • Watershed Groups • Farmers • Anglers • Hunters • Recreationists • Students • Teachers • Wildlife Observers • Concerned Citizens-anyone interested in water quality and river stewardship.
Rosalyn Lehman, Executive Director, Iowa Rivers Revival
rlehman@iowarivers.org | www.iowarivers.org

SIW 2010 PADDLER PLANNING CALENDAR:
January tbd; SIW Planning Meeting, date & location tbd.
January 23; Iowa Rivers Revival Congress, Ames ; http://www.iowarivers.org/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx.
January 30; Indian Creek Nature Center 3rd Annual Paddle Fest" featuring Paul Sleeper, John Campbell, cosponsored by Seatasea & SIW. www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org/.
February 2; Groundhog Day.
February 7; NFL Super Bowl.
February 8; BSA Celebrates 100 Years.
February 12-14; Iowa Paddling Expo at CanoeSport Outfitters Indianola, IA, exhibits, presentations; http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/index.htm
March 12-14; Canoecopia at Madison , WI , world’s largest paddling show; http://www.rutabaga.com/canoecopia/page.asp?pgid=1001.
March 14; Daylight Savings Returns.
March 20; Vernal Equinox, First Day of Spring.
April tbd; CanoeSport Outfitters Spring Demo, Lake Ahquabi , Indianola , IA ; http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/index.htm.
April tbd; SIW "Indoor Paddling," event, topic, date, location tbd.
Apr tbd; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30–7pm, location tbd; http://www.seatasea.com/.
April 15; Taxes Due.
April 17, Water Trail Dedication and Wapsi River Float, Walnut Grove Park, Toronto, IA, Clinton CCD, http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Clinton.aspx
April 22; Earth Day.
May tbd; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30–7pm, location tbd; http://www.seatasea.com/.
May tbd?; Iowa Rivers Revival Annual Conference; http://www.iowarivers.org/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx.
May 9; Mothers Day.
May date tbd; SIW "Ready, Set, Paddle" event, Date, Time, Location tbd. Spring exercise for boats and paddlers, informal test paddle swaps for the willing, potluck lunch; initiated by tbd.
May 15, Rock Creek Water Trail Float, Rock Creek Park , Camanche , IA , Clinton CCD, http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Clinton.aspx
May 15; Armed Forces Day.
May 31; Monday, Observe Memorial Day.
June-July-August; SIW Wednesday Evening Paddles? tbd
June tbd; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30–7pm, location tbd; http://www.seatasea.com/.
June dates tbd; 23rd Annual Disorganized Cedar River Canoe Float, dates & route tbd, coordination of vehicle transport, campsite fees and meals by individuals, some SIW members participate annually. Jlhughes@myclearwave.net.
June 14; Flag Day.
June 19, Mississippi Bluffs Float, South Lake Park, Sabula, IA, Clinton CCD, http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Clinton.aspx
June 20; Father’s Day.
June 21; Summer Solstice, 1st Day of Summer.
July tbd; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30–7pm, location tbd; http://www.seatasea.com/.
July date tbd; 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 date tbd; Annual Lower Wapsi Cleanup, Melisa Jacobsen 309-737-9016, http://www.lowerwapsicleanup.org.
July 17, 2010; Paddle & Portage Race, Madison , WI , http://www..badgerstategames.org/node/329.
July 4???; "Evening Fireworks Paddle?" tbd
July 10-17, 2010; DNR Project AWARE, annual week-long cleanup, East & West Nishnabotna Rivers. www.iowaprojectaware.com.
July 10-11, 2010; Annual Canoe Van Buren, weekend float/camp from Selma to Farmington on the Des Moines River ; http://villagesofvanburen.com/canoe-vb.htm.
July 17; Pool 13 Float, Thomson Causeway ( Thomson , IL ) to Fulton Marina ( Fulton , IL ), Clinton CCD, http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Clinton.aspx
July 31-Aug 7, 2010; Great River Rumble, Route tbd, weeklong paddle/camp on the Mississippi River, coordinated meals, campsites, transportation of gear, some SIW members participate annually; http://www.riverrumble.org/.
August tbd; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30–7pm, location tbd; http://www.seatasea.com/.
August 21; Isles of the Mississippi float #1, 19th Ave Boat Ramp ( Clinton , IA ) to Swan Slough Boat Ramp ( Camanche , IA ), Clinton CCD, http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Clinton.aspx
September, date & location tbd; VA disabled veteran paddle event.
September 6; Labor Day.
September 18, Isles of the Mississippi Float #2, Swan Slough Boat Ramp (Camanche, IA) to Rock Creek Park (Camanche, IA), Clinton CCD, http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Clinton.aspx
September 23; Autumnal Equinox, 1st Day of Autumn.
October date tbd; Annual Jones County Conservation Dept “Fall Colors Float”, route tbd.
November 7; Daylight Savings Ends.
Possible Full Moon Paddles, 2010 full moon dates May 27, Jun 26, Jul 26, Aug 24, Sep 23, Oct 23.

SIW STEERING COMMITTEE SEEKS YOUR INPUT:
. We'll be using the cooler months to regroup, schedule some informal member meetings, and plan for paddling in 2010. 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.

IOWA DNR RIVER PROGRAMS WEBSITE UPDATED:
. You can find paddler resources, maps & brochures, instruction programs, rental services, safety & regulations, boater education, a map of dam locations, grant applications, a water trail toolkit, river cleanup plans, and more on the updated Iowa DNR River Programs website: www.iowadnr.gov/riverprograms/index.html
. Please feel free to offer suggestions or comments to John Wenck,
River Programs Outreach Coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
515/ 281-8969 john.wenck@dnr.iowa.gov

ASTRONOMY FOR PADDLERS:
. Websites tell us to expect a Full Moon on Dec 2, New Moon on Dec 16, & another Full Moon Dec 31. The Winter Solstice/First Day of Winter will occur Dec 21; The Winter Solstice is the shortest daylight period of the year.
. Watch for the Geminid Meteor Shower Dec 14: “With an average of 100 meteors per hour radiating from near the bright star Castor, this end-of-the-calendar shower is usually one of the year’s best. For this year's performance, the Moon will be new, so its light won't wash out the faint ones. Better still, you don't have to stay up until the wee hours to see them — at mid-northern latitudes, the radiant is well up in the sky by 9 p.m. Geminid meteors come from 3200 Phaethon, an asteroid discovered in 1983.” Quoted from info on 2009 meteor showers at: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/36787804.html

HAVE YOU BEGUN TO MEET YOUR IOWA WINTER 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 (at least 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:
. There aren’t many used boats being bought or sold at this time of year, so we’ll give our list a “rest” this month. 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

CENTRALIZED LINK 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. Use this convenient, centralized website to access conservation department information & websites for all 99 Iowa counties: www.mycountyparks.com.

LOTS OF LINKS TO GREAT IOWA PADDLING INFO:
Real Time Levels and Flow Rates for Iowa Rivers , USGS, http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt
"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" 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/.
Skunk River Paddlers http://www.skunkriverpaddlers.org/.
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/riverprograms/index.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.
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/.

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. 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.

~~~/~~~/~~~