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SIW NEWS BULLETIN

"STICKS IN THE WATER" PADDLERS
September 1, 2009


IT’S SEPTEMBER . . . ALREADY:
. Isn’t September when we worry about low water levels, scraping boats on rocks, or having to drag boats over sand bars? It doesn’t seem to be the case this year. In fact, it may be more appropriate to reissue our spring paddler warning about being alert for fast current and new snags, sweepers, and strainers. Our next challenge may be forecasting this year’s fall color season. Whenever those leaves do change, it will be a great time to paddle the waterways of Iowa .
. Some of our SIW associates paddled in 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/. Bill Schoon forwarded a very entertaining report, but its size and photos would likely cause problems for many of you if we included it with the news bulletin. I will forward Bill’s complete report as a Word attachment to a separate email shortly.
. We really appreciate input from our members, but quite frankly have been a little disappointed by the limited response to:
= Requests for feedback on a possible 2009 area paddling race.
= Requests for input and suggestions to the Steering Committee.
. Items on each of these topics are being re-run in this issue in the hope that you SIW paddlers may have a bit more time in September to share your thoughts and ideas.
. My apologies for the short notice on the disabled veterans paddling event, but I sincerely hope that some of you can quickly respond and give them some assistance.
. Thanks to Carol Sweeting for the update on the Iowa River bridge construction blockage, and to Central Iowa Paddlers for reminding me about the annual Upper Iowa River Cleanup on Sep 26.
. Thanks to Nick for the report on a recent “Fireworks Float” on the Cedar River.
. Thanks to everyone who joined us at Pleasant Creek for a “Moonlight Paddle.”
. Not much remaining on the Paddling Calendar, but there is a Turkey River Cleanup Sep 12, an Upper Iowa River Cleanup Sep 26, and we’re looking forward to the Oct 10 Jones County Conservation Department “Fall Colors and Archaeology Canoe Float.” FYI, they do let kayakers participate.
. Now, let’s go paddling!

BR
Gregg

IN THIS ISSUE:
= Disabled Vets need paddler assistance Sep 7-11.
= Rejuvenated SIW Steering Committee seeks your input.
= Should SIW help organize a paddling race?
= Dedicating Iowa ’s longest Water Trail.
= Bridge construction river hazard cleared on Iowa River .
= Bridge construction river hazard remains on Maquoketa River .
= Report on Aug 22 “Fireworks Float.”
= Report on Aug 5 Wed Evening “Moonlight Paddle.”
= Report on Aug 15 R2G2 Cleanup.
= Report on Aug 21-23 Lower Wapsi Cleanup.
= Astronomy: Full Moon Sep 4, Oct 4. Start Autumn Sep 22.
= IOU website for the birds.
= IRR needs our help.
= 2009 Paddling Calendar.
= Jones County “Fall Colors & Archaeology” float coming Oct 10.
= 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."

KAYAKING EVENT FOR DISABLED VETERANS SEP 7-11:
. Hello – my name is Dave Goff and I represent the 2009 National Disabled Veterans TEE Tournament that will be held September 7 – 11, 2009 at the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort.
. There will approximately 175 disabled veterans from all over the U.S. taking part this year. Here is a link to our website: http://www1.va.gov/vetevent/tee/2009/default.cfm As a break from golfing all week, I have been asked to put on a kayaking event for some of the veterans. While we have kayaks, we are in need of volunteers and lifejackets for the event. Please contact me if you are able to help us with this matter. Thank you!
Dave Goff
Alternative Activities Director, National Veterans TEE Tournament
Federal Building 241E, Iowa City , IA (319) 351-1110 Ext. 7258

DEDICATION OF IOWA ’S LONGEST WATER TRAIL SEP 2:
From John Wenck:
. On Wednesday, September 2nd the IDNR will designate the North Raccoon River Water Trail in Sac, Calhoun, and Carroll counties, making it the longest state designated water trail since the program started in 2006. The North Raccoon River in Greene and Dallas counties was designated last fall. “The trail stretches 163 miles from Vogel access in Sac County to Booneville Access in Dallas County ,” said Dan Towers , Greene County Conservation Manager, and coordinator for the water trail.
. The event will kickoff at 2PM with a six mile paddle on the North Raccoon River from Jackson Access to Rainbow Bend Access in Calhoun County . Those interested in paddling should arrive at Rainbow Bend Access at 2PM—paddlers and boats will be shuttled up to the put in. Six tandem canoes are available for use—contact Carroll County Conservation to reserve a canoe: 712-792-4614. The dedication ceremony will start at 5:30PM at Rainbow Bend Access. If you’re one of the first 25 to arrive at the ceremony you will receive a free IDNR 2009 Water Trails t-shirt.
. “The water trails program has been very popular as more and more are starting to discover the beauty of Iowa ’s rivers,” said John Wenck, river programs outreach coordinator for the IDNR. “We now have nearly 400 miles of dedicated water trails with nearly 1,000 miles being developed” he said. More dedications will be forthcoming this fall, including one for the Des Moines River Water Trail in Boone County on September 19th, and one scheduled for the Middle and South Raccoon River Water Trail on October 10th.
. 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

RIVER HAZARD ALERT:
Bridge Construction Hazard CLEARED On The Iowa River :
Hi Greg,
. Please let paddlers know river side construction on the bridge is complete and that the cable has been removed from the Iowa River between the Sturgis Ferry boat ramp in Iowa City and the Hills Access boat ramp. Happy Paddling.
Thanks,
Carol Sweeting, Public Works Public Information Coordinator, City of Iowa City 319-541-2385

Bridge Construction Hazard REMAINS 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 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

REPORT ON AUG 22 “FIREWORKS” FLOAT ON CEDAR RIVER AT CEDAR RAPIDS:
From Nick Gaeta :
. THANKS to Christian, Joey, Fred, Bikenjoe & Quentin for all joining me on this fabulous evening float. Five boats & six guys; guys night out. Sorry, gals I'm sure you've had your night without the guys. I just love these last minute “show up & have a great time” floats, that sping up from a passing suggestion. Fred; you instigator you, thanks.
. We put in ~ 7 PM; ~ 1.5 miles upriver from Edgewood Road Bridge & got past the "launching stage" before they started the Power Boat Parade.
. GUMMIE BEARS! GUMMIE BEARS! SOMEONE STOP ME! Ask one of the other guys about gummie bears!
. We all had our 360 lights, properly mounted. I anchored off as the ballast boat. Then, the finest display of fireworks illumunated the sky, ~ 9:15 PM. All the spectators commented on how nice of a show it was.
. Wrapping the show up, we pulled up anchor & headed downriver to our takeout @ the park on river right, just past the RR bridge, ~1.5 mile away.
. Getting off the river, we were met by Freds'dad. As we loaded up, everyone was glad to have made this trip. Close to home, short float, great entertainment. The sights & sounds were almost as good as the company we provided each other. Thanks again, guys! Next time some of you gals need to join us. Good evening, & keep getting the bottom of the boat wet.

REPORT ON AUG 5 “MOONLIGHT” PADDLE AT PLEASANT CREEK:
From Gregg Stark:
. It was a particularly calm and clear evening at Pleasant Creek SP, north of Palo. Paddlers began gathering at the east-side paddler beach around 6:00 pm, but seemed in no particular hurry to hit the water, content to introduce each other and catch up on some of summer’s paddling adventures.
. Eventually, we launched 10 boats and 11 paddlers for some leisurely paddling across the lake and along the shoreline. A couple of paddlers managed to include some kayak rolling—practice for them, entertainment for everyone else.
. Some of the paddlers rafted up in the center of the lake to await the moonrise, which caught us by surprise, appearing just above the silhouettes of trees while it was still quite light. As the sunset faded, shadows shifted across the lake, the moon rose and appeared brighter, maintaining sufficient light to easily see everyone in our group. We activated our white navigation lights and proceeded south along the western shore, enjoying the sounds and sights of the evening.
. On the way back to the put-in, the moon provided a flickering light show across the few available ripples, accompanied only by the sound of boats and paddles cutting through the dark water. I can’t imagine a more pleasant way to spend a summer evening.

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.

REPORT ON JUL 25-AUG1 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/. Bill Schoon forwarded a very entertaining report, but its size and photos would likely cause problems for many of you if we included it with the news bulletin.
. We will forward Bill’s complete report as a Word attachment to a separate email shortly. Watch for it in your email; if you don’t see it, you may want to check your spam folder.

REPORT ON AUG 21-23 ANNUAL LOWER WAPSI CLEANUP:
. We would appreciate hearing from any SIW members who participated.

REPORT ON AUG 15 DES MOINES RIVER GARBAGE GRAB (R2G2):
. We would appreciate hearing from any SIW members who participated.

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 COMING SOON; 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/

IOWA DNR URGES COMMON SENSE WHEN ENCOUNTERING WILDLIFE:
Posted: August 13, 2009
. DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Public Health and the Department of Natural Resources remind Iowans that the safest way to enjoy wildlife is from a safe distance.
. A highly unusual case of a squirrel testing positive for rabies this week is a reminder that animals can also pose a health risk.
. "No matter how tame a wild animal appears it is still wild and should be viewed from a distance and left alone," said Dale Garner, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Bureau. "We usually remind people in the spring when young animals are found seemingly helpless that people should stay away and not intervene because the mother is likely hiding nearby until the coast is clear. That advice is relevant all year - use common sense and keep your distance."
. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, there have been 24 reports of wildlife, domestic animals and livestock testing positive for rabies this year. Following these simple recommendations in respect to wildlife may decrease your chances of coming in contact with a rabid animal.
. Do not feed or handle wild or stray animals. Avoid sick animals or those that act strangely.
. Do not touch or handle dead animals.
. Cover garbage cans and keep pet food indoors, so not to attract wild animals.
. Do not keep wild animals as pets, which is often illegal as well as dangerous.
. Never handle bats. A bat bite or scratch may be small and go unnoticed. People who awaken to find a bat in the room or children awake or asleep with a bat in a room should consult their healthcare provider as they may require rabies treatment.
. When people encounter young or injured animals the first instinct is to help; however, this is not in the best interest of the animal or the person.
. Most wild animals are healthy. Hunters who harvest an animal exhibiting normal behavior, and handle the animal properly, can safely enjoy this healthful source of protein.

REMINDER: 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.
. 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

OPPORTUNITIES TO BUY, SELL, OR TRADE PADDLING GEAR:
. Is there anything in your garage that needs to be set free? Do you need assistance locating a unique boat?
. 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 ; Dagger Agent 6.2, playboat, orange, $495, on paddlingiowa.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.
. Craigslist Cedar Rapids currently has several canoes & kayaks listed for sale or wanted, including a $550 Old Town canoe in Palo, a $400 16’ aluminum canoe in Belle Plaine, a $1,000 vintage 18’ wood canoe in Farmington, a $350 15.5’ Mackinaw canoe in Cedar Falls, two $450 (each) Hobie SOT kayaks in Palo, two $490 (pair) Rec kayaks in Cedar Rapids, and someone who wants to trade a rowboat for a kayak. They come and go too quickly to justify listing all the details here, but they may be worth your time to take 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:
September ***CANCELED***; Wapsi River Float, Linn County Cons Dept, route/date TBD.
September 7; Labor Day Holiday.
September 12; Turkey River Cleanup, Fayette County, home of Upper Iowa University, Katherine McCarville, (563) 425-5233, mccarvillek@uiu.edu
September 14; Seatasea Watersports Free Demo Paddle, 4:30-7pm, Robins Lake, CR; http://www.seatasea.com/
September 22; Start Autumn.
September 26; Upper Iowa River Cleanup, Chimney Rocks Campground, (563) 735-5786, http://www.chimneyrocks.com/events.html.
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.

COMING OCT 10; “ANNUAL FALL COLORS & ARCHAEOLOGY CANOE FLOAT:”
Saturday, October 10
Put in at 9 AM, Wapsipinicon River , 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 club 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. http://jonescountyiowa.org/Documents/Fall%202009%20Final.pdf.

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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