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SIW NEWS BULLETIN
"STICKS IN THE WATER" PADDLERS
January 1, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO OUR AREA PADDLERS!
. A new year, a time to reflect on the failures & successes, losses & blessings of the past year. And, a time to make resolutions for the year ahead. Perhaps you want to be a better parent, grandparent, son, daughter, brother, sister? A better friend? A better friend of the environment, steward of the land? To be more healthy, more active, more involved? Within just the scope of paddling, maybe you want to become more experienced, more knowledgeable, more skilled, more encouraging to new paddlers? The canvas of 2010 is blank, waiting for you to convert your best intentions into a memorable masterpiece.
. Best wishes to Clara Swan & our paddling friends in the Elkader area. This picturesque river town sustained tremendous damage from the floods of 2008, but is making progress in its efforts to recover. The latest evidence is a recent news item that its new sewage treatment plant will go online in May 2010. Citizens will be footing a significant part of the bill through higher service fees, but it bodes well for the community and the river. How about a Volga float this summer?
. Guess I didn’t make Santa’s “Good List” this year; I never received that hoped-for 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. Any suggestions?
. Our 2010 Paddler Planning Calendar is already under development, and included in this SIW News Bulletin. Check out the entries we have, and please forward your additions or corrections!
. SIW is planning a General Meeting on Sunday afternoon, February 21. We’ll include some member presentations, discussion of plans for the 2010 season, and social time; more info coming soon.
. Sticks In the Water is looking for:
= Initiator(s) to organize a 3rd Annual SIW “Preseason Off-Water” event for April. We had our initial SIW kickoff meeting 2008, session on packing canoes & kayaks plus paddling Jones County in 2009, with a social component to both. How about some suggestions of what interests you for 2010???
= Initiator(s) to organize a 3rd Annual SIW “Ready, Set, Paddle” event for May. We met in Jones County in 2008, Johnson County in 2009. Is it Linn County’s turn in 2010?
. I’m currently planning to attend the 2nd Annual River Congress, sponsored by the Iowa River Revival organization, on Saturday, Jan 23, 2010 in Ames. Please contact me if you’re interested in carpooling to the event. Details in this SIW News Bulletin.
. I hope to see many of you at the 3rd Annual Indian Creek Nature Center Paddle Fest January 30, 2010. Emphasizing “local paddling opportunities,” the program will include “Paddling the Rivers of Eastern Iowa” by KCRG-TV9 Sports Director John Campbell, “Kayak & Canoe Fishing in Eastern Iowa” by Iowa DNR Fishery Biologist Paul Sleeper, and a discussion of “Developing a Cedar River Water Trail” led by ICNC Director Rich Patterson and myself. More detailed info is in this SIW News Bulletin. I’ll also be forwarding Word & pdf format promotion posters to SIW members shortly; your assistance in posting and circulating the posters, or any other efforts to help publicize and promote this event, would be greatly appreciated.
. For our most-hardy Iowa paddlers, this is just another paddling season, albeit with special precautions and equipment. For the rest of us, this is the season to spend planning future adventures while sipping a hot cup of whatever by the fireside, or working on our latest project in the shop while burning wood scraps in the stove. It’s also the season to attend events like the January ICNC Paddle Fest in Cedar Rapids, the February Canoesport Iowa Paddling Expo in Indianola, or the March Canoecopia in Madison. Hope to see you there! (Oh, & watch for info on Nick’s annual Pre-Expo Breakfast at Prairie Meadows on paddlingiowa.com.)

Gregg

IN THIS ISSUE:
= ICNC 3rd Annual Paddle Fest Coming January 30, 2010.
= IRR 2nd Annual River Congress Jan 23, 2010 in Ames.
= Iowa Paddling Expo Feb 12-14, 2010 in Indianola.
= Staying (getting) in shape for spring paddling.
= Jones County Maq River Water Trail Construction Update.
= Start of the 2010 SIW Paddler Planning Calendar.
= Updated DNR Water Trails website.
= Astronomy: Full Moon Jan 30, New Moon Jan 15; Quadrantid Meteor Shower Jan 1 - 5.
= Single link to all County Conservation Dept websites.
= Buy-Sell-Trade takes a break.
= Links to websites, newsletters, cleanups, other great "paddling stuff."

INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER 3rd ANNUAL PADDLE FEST:
1:00 PM, Saturday, January 30, 2010
Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids.
Admission $10. $7 for ICNC or SIW members.
Doors Open at Noon. Come early to register & visit with the exhibitors.

Door Prizes, Info Displays, 3 Great Presentations:

1:00-2:00 pm “Paddling the Rivers of Eastern Iowa”
KCRG Sports Director John Campbell will share video & commentary about area paddling, including the Yellow, Upper Iowa, & Maquoketa Rivers, & Whitewater Creek. John will also recount trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with his wife & canoe partner Mary, & their dog “Strider.” John began his career at WBAY-TV in Green Bay, & has been the KCRG-TV9 Sports Director since 1979. He is widely known for his “Great Outdoors” segments & “John’s Big Ol’ Fish.”

2:15-3:15 pm “Kayak & Canoe Fishing in Eastern Iowa”
Iowa DNR Fishery Biologist Paul Sleeper will provide suggestions on locations particularly suited to fishing from muscle-powered watercraft, drawing from his many years of experience as a biologist & successful angler in Eastern Iowa. Paul will also discuss the unique fishing & paddling opportunities to become available when Cedar Rapids opens the Cedar Valley Lake Urban Fishery to the public in 2010.

3:15-4:00 pm “Developing a Cedar River Water Trail”
Indian Creek Nature Center Director Rich Patterson & Sticks In the Water Coordinator Gregg Stark will lead an informal discussion exploring a potential water trail along the Cedar River, Since 2008, Iowans have created 400 miles of water trails, with another 1,000 miles under development. What defines a water trail? How do you develop a water trail? Bring your questions, share your ideas.

Exhibits and Information Displays will include: “Commander,” a kayak-canoe hybrid from Seatasea Watersports, Water Trails & Dam Safety by the Iowa DNR Rivers Program, Sticks In the Water paddlers group, paddling program information from several area County Conservation Departments & area canoe & kayak outfitters/liveries.

Sponsored by Indian Creek Nature Center ( http://www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org/ ), Seatasea Watersports ( http://www.seatasea.com/ ) , & Sticks In the Water paddlers (email sticksinthewater@yahoo.com ).

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 515-202-7720 515-202-7720 515-202-7720 515-202-7720 515-202-7720 515-202-7720 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

IOWA PADDLESPORT EXPO FEB 12 THRU 14, 2010 IN INDIANOLA:
. Boats, paddles, paddling equipment on display and for sale. Factory reps to explain features and answer your questions. A schedule of 36 speaker presentation over 3 days, including topics of regional/national/international paddling, fishing, photography, navigation, & cooking. Held at two venues just off the SW corner of the town square, sponsored by Canoesports Outfitters. Full info on the Expo, presentation schedule, presentation descriptions, speaker biographies at:
http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/Iowa%20Paddlesport%20Expo.htm

STAYING (GETTING?) IN SHAPE FOR SPRING PADDLING:
. Looking for ways to keep your body in shape for spring paddling? Or maybe just some exercises to work off a couple of holiday pounds, something that is also paddling-related to give you that extra bit of motivation?
. Tony Kramer authored a series of articles in paddling.net which focused on strength and balance, utilizing a pilates ball and minimal equipment. Includes an intro article and additional articles by muscle groups or paddling movements: http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showAuthor.html?authID=32
. Kayak, canoe, & paddling exercises, part of Wilderness Sports Conditioning; highlight “Paddling,” then choose strength, flexibility, or injury prevention/training tips:
http://www.bodyresults.com/s1paddling.asp
. USA Canoe & Kayak in-depth article about how to help your shoulders “last your lifetime.” Physiology, injuries, flexibility, balanced strength, stretching, exercises to help your shoulders “last a lifetime.” http://documents.clubexpress.com/documents.ashx?key=7G52lH0%2FnTyQH%2FzUMSAszGTV322EsKSbRb7ldJLNJy8Jm7nfhhYnlw%3D%3D

JONES COUNTY RIVER TRAILS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
From Larry Gullet:
Update on Maquoketa River Water Trail Project: The snow and blizzard has shut things down for now. If the weather continues to moderate Taylor Construction will probably start back up. We stock piled enough materials before the snow storm to keep their crew busy for at least a month. They are about 40% done with the project.
. The ramp at Pictured Rocks is complete and we are placing outcrop rock on both sides of the ramp. We started the primary gathering area near the river just before the snow. The portage and boat ramp at Mon Maq is excavated and base installed. If the weather warms a little they are planning to get that poured this winter. We are also about done with the new latrine at Pictured Rocks and the pavilion only needs the roof installed. The pavilion roof is coming as a kit and is expected to be here about Christmas. If we're lucky in terms of the weather, we are still on schedule to be done by Memorial Day.
Update on Mon Maq Dam Study: Officials from the USACOE will begin mapping cross sections of the river and associated flood plain in late January and early February, weather permitting. After the data is collected, computer models will be developed that show the impact on options related to alteration of the dam to allow fish passage, navigation by paddlers and impacts on flooding.
Update on Eby's Mill Bridge - Maquoketa River: The bridge is complete and now open to the public. Passage for paddlers under the bridge is restored and a new parking area for river access is being developed on the downstream side of the bridge.
. Paddlers can follow the progress via our website (homepage) and scroll down to Maquoketa River Water Trail Project: http://jonescountyiowa.org/conservation.aspx
Larry Gullett, Director, Jones County Conservation

SIW 2010 PADDLER PLANNING CALENDAR:
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 John Campbell & Paul Sleeper, 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
February 13; Nick’s Annual Pre-Paddling Expo Breakfast at Prairie Meadows, watch for info on http://www...paddlingiowa.com/.
February 21; tentative SIW General Meeting; location tbd, member presentations, season planning, social.
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; 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 tbd; Volga River & Fayette County Cleanup.
April 10; CanoeSport Outfitters Spring Demo, Lake Ahquabi, Indianola, IA; http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/index.htm.
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.
April 30—May 2; CanoePam’s Annual UIR Trip, optional overnight camping Fri/Sat, potluck Sat.
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 18-19; 1st Annual Iowa Trails Summit, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, presentations re multi-use & shared trails, diversity & accessibility, development & funding, http://www,iowadnr.gov/trails/index.html .
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 309-737-9016 309-737-9016 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.
Date tbd; SIW Paddling Event, location tbd, promised by Bill, Greg, & Steve.
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 & INVOLVEMENT:
. 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 Jan 30, New Moon on Jan 15.
. The Quadrantid Meteor Shower is rated “above average,” with up to 40 meteors per hour. The shower usually peaks on January 3 & 4, but some meteors can be visible from January 1 - 5.
. On January 29, Mars (the red planet) will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view and photograph Mars.
. Source: http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy_calendar_2010.html

HAVE YOU MET 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" group site at http://groups.yahoo.com.
"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.

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