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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE A COMPLETE COPY of the latest SIW News Bulletin, subscribe to future issues, or learn more about Sticks In the Water, please email: sticksinthewater@yahoo.com.

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

FEBRUARY ALREADY!
Say what they will, my hope is that Punxatawney Phil emerges portaging a canoe or kayak—that would definitely have to be a good sign for paddlers..

I’ll keep this intro brief because there is plenty of news for area paddlers— a great turnout for our Jan SIW Planning Meeting, a developing 2009 SIW paddling event schedule, ICNC Paddle Fest Feb 27-28, further development of the Iowa River Water Trail, latest info from the DNR, area paddling shows, and more.

Please watch for another SIW email in the next few days. It will include a soft copy letter-size poster about the ICNC Paddle Fest, which we hope all of our members will help distribute.

BR, Gregg

IN THIS ISSUE:
= 2nd Annual ICNC Paddle Day Feb 28.
= Successful SIW Planning Meeting Jan 25.
= Developing SIW Schedule of Events 2009.
= We have issues: SIW support of Iowa River Water Trail.
= We have issues: SIW update re CRANDIC bridge in CR.
= Cedar Falls Pool Sessions.
= Carpe Diem to present at Canoecopia.
= Iowa Water Trail report.
= News from the DNR.
= Want to build a boat? Kirkwood class starts Feb 14.
= Buy, Sell, or Trade boat & equipment listings.
= Astronomy: Full Moon Feb 9, New Moon Feb 24.
= Dreaming: First Day of Spring March 20.
= Links to websites, newsletters, cleanups, other great "paddling stuff."
= Pam’s guide to joining the Sticksinthewater Yahoo! Group.

INTERESTED IN A MORE INTERACTIVE SIW EXPERIENCE?
Then please consider joining the Sticksinthewater Yahoo! Group, which facilitates the exchange of info, paddling invitations, last minute plans, etc. between participating members. To join in the fun, just follow the steps in Canoe Pam’s guide to joining the group, always included at the end of each SIW News Bulletin.

SUCCESSFUL SIW PLANNING & SOCIAL MEETING SUNDAY, JAN 25, AT WICKIUP HILL OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER:
Special thanks to Naturalist Gail Barels and her volunteer, Sarah, for helping arrange our meeting at this beautiful facility. Thanks to everyone who brought snacks and helped arrange/replace chairs and tables. Good hosts and good guests make a nice combination. Wickiup is not that far from the Cedar River, so we may be back in the neighborhood in the future.

Seventeen SIW members attended, with a good mix of those who attended our November meeting along with some new members, including folks working with the Iowa River Water Trail and the Project AWARE cleanup. Briefings, discussion, and decisions moved our schedule forward, helped define interest, and confirmed our support for the Iowa River Water Trail, Project AWARE, and ICNC Paddle Fest. More details on each of these events is included elsewhere in this SIW News Bulletin.

SIW PADDLING EVENT SCHEDULE FOR 2009 IS DEVELOPING:
January 25; SIW Planning Meeting[/u], 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 (SIW breakfast/lunch gathering or carpooling?). http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/index.htm
February 27-28; SIW co-sponsorship of the Indian Creek Nature Center "Paddle Fest."
March 13-15; Canoecopia at Madison, WI, world’s largest paddling show (SIW lunch gathering or carpooling?) http://www.rutabaga.com/canoecopia/page.asp?pgid=1001.
April (date TBD); Tentative SIW "Indoor Event," of interest to range of paddlers, new to experienced. Exploring "Packing Your Boat," displays/demos, day trip vs. week trip, canoe vs. kayak, (plus a bit of preseason socializing, of course). Seeking input, advice, and leadership on this one.
April 18; CanoeSport Spring Demo, Lake Ahquabi, Indianola, IA. http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/index.htm
Dates TBD; Seatasea Watersports Monday Night Free Demo Paddles, watch for 2009 schedule at: http://www.seatasea.com/
May 1-3; Canoe Pam’s Annual Camping/Paddling Weekend, Upper Iowa River, Hruska’s Campground, shuttle coordination, outdoor cooking, organized by Pam Stalnaker.
May 16; SIW "Ready, Set, Paddle" event, Johnson County Kent Park, spring exercise for boats and paddlers, informal test paddle swaps for the willing, potluck lunch, initiated by Dave and Janice Bell.
May 31-June 6; Tacitus Hussey Memorial Trip, weeklong paddle/camp, Turkey River, organized by Alan Donaldson.
June 12-15; SIW 100 Mile Paddle/ Camp Trip, Anamosa to Princeton, IA on the Wapsipinicon River. Organizational meeting May 17, Iowa City Public Library, initiated by Mark Hartstack.
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, SIW members planning to participate.
June 20; Possible Pre-AWARE Cedar River Cleanup through downtown Cedar Rapids, could be combination of land and water based cleanup, will need local support and organization.
June 20-27; support of the week-long annual DNR Project AWARE cleanup, Cedar River, North Cedar Natural Area (NW Linn County) to Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area (Muscatine County).
July 4th; "Evening Fireworks Paddle" on the Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, initated by Joe DeLory.
July 11-12; Annual Canoe Van Buren, weekend float/camp from Selma to Farmington on the Des Moines River.
July 18-19; Paddle & Portage Race, Madison, WI.
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.

Date TBD; Joint Event(s) with Central Iowa Paddlers, possibly other Iowa paddling clubs, currently under discussion as the groups develop their schedules.
Date TBD; SIW Turkey River Float, tour of Motor Mill, initiated by Clara Swan, assistance by Larry Stone.
Date TBD; Johnson County Iowa River Water Trail, need Initiator, will coordinate with Johnson County Naturalist Brad Friedhoff.
Date TBD; Odessa Water Trail, likely early season, dependent on Mississippi River level, Initiated by Gregg Stark.
Dates TBD; Weekday Paddle Floats, likely initiated by our retired members.
Date TBD; Boatbuilder Gathering.
Dates TBD; Weekday Evening Paddle Sessions, 6:00 pm till dark, Gregg will initiate a schedule of mixed days of the week at places like Pleasant Creek, Mohawk park, Ellis Park, Cedar Lake, Prairie Creek (Linn County). Would like to initiate similar paddles in Johnson and Jones Counties.

POOL SESSIONS UNDERWAY IN CEDAR FALLS:
Not structured training, but Prairie Rapids Paddlers members will assist participants with general paddling questions, along with skills in any type of paddling you'd like...basic strokes, bracing, rolling, self rescue, assisted rescue, etc. Four sessions scheduled, first was Jan 3, next is Feb 22. Each session lasts 3 hours, pool fee is $10 per session. For more info:
http://scgrahamfoto.com/prp/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=309.
or http://www.paddlingiowa.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=2199.

2ND ANNUAL INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER PADDLE FEST FEB 27-28:
(Please watch your email for an event poster, in pdf and Word format, suitable for posting on your refrigerator, employer bulletin board, local sports store, vehicle window, anywhere it can reach folks with an interest in paddling, wildlife, photography, and outdoor adventure.)

We are honored that ICNC asked SIW to help sponsor the 2009 ICNC Paddle Fest, along with Seatasea Watersports. We are also pleased to announce that ICNC is offering their member discounted Paddle Fest event price to SIW members. Please mention your SIW membership when you pay your fee at the door. SIW membership will be confirmed based on the names of folks on our email distro.

This year’s Paddle Fest will include 3 events:
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Friday, Feb 27, 7:00-8:00 pm at Seatasea Watersports
6545 Fourth Street SW, Cedar Rapids Admission Free
Enjoy an informal reception and discussion with author/photographer Michael Furtman, and a chance to check out some new boats and paddling gear.
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Saturday, Feb 28, 9:30 am at Indian Creek Nature Center
6665 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids
Admission $8. $5 for ICNC or SIW members. Discount for combined am & pm sessions.
9:30-10:30 am "Fishing the Boundary Waters"
Michael Furtman will share techniques for successfully fishing the
Boundary Waters Canoe Area and other waters in northern Minnesota.
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Saturday, Feb 28, 1:00 pm at Indian Creek Nature Center
6665 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids.
Admission $15. $10 for ICNC or SIW members. $3 discount for combined am & pm sessions.
1:00-1:45 pm "Canoeing the Cedar After the Flood"

Join Orlan Love, award-winning outdoor writer for the Cedar Rapids Gazette,
for an entertaining and informative photo tour of the post-flood Cedar River.
2:00-3:30 pm "Paddling to Pictographs"
Michael Furtman, a nationally-recognized professional photographer, author, and wildlife expert, will guide our photographic paddle trip in search of pictographs, wildlife, fishing, and more. Furtman will share tips for successful paddling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico.
3:30-4:00 pm "Essential Paddling Gear"
Staff members from Seatasea Watersports will discuss the gear you need
to ensure a safe and enjoyable paddling experience. Bring your questions.
More info: http://www.gazetteonline.com/section/yearoftheriver , www.michaelfurtman.com, http://www.seatasea.com/, http://www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org/.
ICNC Paddle Fest 2009 is sponsored by Indian Creek Nature Center,
Seatasea Watersports, & Sticks In the Water paddlers.

PRE IOWA PADDLING EXPO BREAKFAST AT PRAIRIE MEADOWS:
SIW member Nick Gaeta is busy organizing the "Umpteenth Annual Pre Iowa Paddling Expo Breakfast at Prairie Meadows," scheduled for Saturday, Feb 14, 7:15 am.. Hope that some Eastern Iowans will be willing to get up early and join us on their way to Indianola. Let Nick know that you’re coming at: http://www.paddlingiowa.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=2220.

CARPE DIEM PADDLER TO PRESENT AT CANOECOPIA 2009:
Cedar Rapids native Mark Schoon, owner of Carpe Diem Outfitting in Maine, and one of the paddlers pursuing the Scandinavian Circumnavigation, will be a presenter at this year’s Canoecopia. He is listed in the event schedule, and we will try to provide more details as the March 13-15 event approaches. More info at: http://www.carpediemkayaking.com/expedition.htm. and http://www..rutabaga.com/canoecopia/page.asp?pgid=1001.

IOWA WATER TRAIL UPDATE:
IWT Director Nate Hoogeveen recently issued a report that we will forward to all SIW members, but here are a few quick highlights.

The statewide Iowa Water Trail Plan development process kicked off in September with five regional meetings conducted by Mimi Wagner and Rachel Van Daalwyk of ISU’s Landscape Architecture Department, and will continue moving forward with surveys, reviews of statewide plans from other states, and gathering of historical documents.

Updated paddling info, including ACA certified courses, links to the updated "Recreation Map," new "Expedition and Fishing" guides to five river systems, and an updates list of paddling liveries.

NEWS FROM THE DNR, EMPHASIS FROM THE SIW EDITOR:
Are you up to date? Iowa 2008 hunting and fishing licenses expired on Jan 10. Renewal fee for each 2009 license is $17.50, unchanged from previous years.

Tax time is time to think of your wild friends. Iowa’s non-game wildlife rely mainly on the generosity of Iowa citizens through the Chickadee-Check Off. Begun in 1981, the fund eventually reached a high of 16,000 people donating $200,000, but that has dropped closer to $100,000 in recent years. The funds go to the Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Program, in charge of the 80 percent of our Iowa wildlife that is not hunted, fished or trapped, which includes more than 500 species. Come on people—check that box!

FREE Outdoor photos for computer wallpaper are available from the DNR: http://www.iowadnr..gov/news/09jan/wallpaper.html.

SIW HAS ISSUES: IOWA RIVER WATER TRAIL THROUGH IOWA CITY:
SIW supports grant applications submitted to the Iowa DNR to sign and publicize the Iowa River Water Trail from Iowa City Waterworks Park to Sand Lake Recreation Area. This project would include a portage trail at the Iowa River power Co. dam, put-ins at Sand Lake and Waterworks Park, and various directional and interpretive signs. Iowa Water Trail grant applications will be scored March 3. SIW looks forward to opportunity to assist with volunteer efforts in support of the Iowa River Water Trail.

SIW HAS ISSUES: CRANDIC BRIDGE REPLACEMENT OVER CEDAR RIVER IN DOWNTOWN CEDAR RAPIDS:
Last fall, SIW paddlers experienced the challenge of paddling upstream on the Cedar River against the powerful flow of a channel constrained by rock in the river at the site of the old bridge which became a casualty of the Flood of 2008. Reconstruction of the bridge has been announced for completion by late June 2009. SIW members discussed the situation during our Jan 25 meeting, with concern expressed that this section of the river eventually be returned to "paddleable" status. Researching the issue with the Iowa DNR, we have learned that the construction permits for removing the old bridge and constructing the new one include requirements for removal of the "rock ramp" or "causeway" at the end of the project.

SIW members are clearly aware of the economic value of reconstructing the CRANDIC bridge and fully support timely renewal of this vital link for CRANDIC service to Penford, ADM, and other rail customers. If any of our members are directly involved with this project or the involved parties, we would be open to discussion of anything we can do to assist.

ASTRONOMY FOR PADDLERS:
Websites tell us to expect the next Full Moon on Feb 9, next New Moon Feb 24. Full Moon Mar 10, First Day of Spring Mar 20, New Moon Mar 26.

EDITOR’S NOTES:
"Sticks In the Water" is an informal paddling network, centered around Johnson, Jones, and Linn counties in Eastern Iowa, working to provide area paddlers with expanded opportunities to enjoy a lot more time on the water, in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. For more info, email 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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