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SIW NEWS BULLETIN

"STICKS IN THE WATER" PADDLERS

February 1, 2010

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY SIW MEMBERS!!!

Sticks In the Water is now two years old, heading into its third “season.” Over 250 people/families have expressed interest in our efforts to increase paddling opportunities and requested inclusion on our email distro, but how many are willing to make a small commitment of time and energy? Determining how to continue building involvement & leadership will be a key element of our February 21 SIW Planning Meeting at Wickiup. Please plan to attend and participate.

It was great to visit with many of you at the 3rd Annual ICNC Paddle Fest. Special thanks go out to ICNC, the presenters, the exhibitors, & to SIW volunteers for making this another successful event for paddlers in Eastern Iowa .

Water Trails drew significant interest at the Paddle Fest, in the DNR and IRR exhibits and during the final discussion session of the day. Items on efforts in Benton County , Jones County , along with a general WT Update from the DNR are included in this News Bulletin.

Al Donaldson also earns our appreciation for organizing 4 January pool sessions in Cedar Falls and inviting SIW members to participate. Several took advantage of Al’s generous offer, perfecting their existing skills or learning new ones in a warm, clean, and safe environment. We’re pleased to share Christian’s joy at “getting his roll.”

The IRR Rivers Congress drew a good crowd in Ames, including folks from Dubuque, Jones County, Iowa City, Marion, & Cedar Rapids; details re the upcoming Annual IRR Conference will be announced soon.

The 2010 SIW Paddler Planning Calendar continues to develop, and needs your additions and corrections.

In addition to the Feb 21 SIW Planning Meeting, I hope to see some of you at “Nick’s Pre-Expo Buffet Breakfast” (7:15 am, Feb 13 at Prairie Meadows). Or the Canoesport Iowa Paddling Expo Feb 12—14. Or, maybe Canoecopia March 12-14.

--Gregg

IN THIS ISSUE:
= SIW Member Planning Meeting Feb 21 @ Wickiup.
= Iowa Paddling Expo Feb 12-14 @ Indianola.
= Report on Jan 30 ICNC 3rd Annual Paddle Fest.
= Report on Jan 23 IRR 2nd Annual River Congress.
= Benton County group working on Cedar River Water Trail.
= Jones County Maq River Water Trail Construction Update.
= DNR Water Trails Report.
= SIW 2010 Paddler Planning Calendar.
= Astronomy: Full Moon Feb 28, New Moon Feb 14.
= Single link to all County Conservation Dept websites.
= Buy-Sell-Trade takes a break.
= Links to websites, newsletters, cleanups, other great "paddling stuff."

SIW MEMBER PLANNING & SOCIAL MEETING:
DATE: Sunday, February 21.
TIME: 2:00 pm -- 4:00 pm, including social time.
PLACE: Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center (near Palo, Toddville)..
FACILITIES: Main meeting room of a modern building with an emphasis on green construction.
REFRESHMENTS: We'll provide coffee. Attendees are welcome to bring their own soft drinks, and cookies, snacks, etc. to share. It seems that there’s always plenty for everyone. Alcohol is prohibited.

AGENDA: We’ll keep it informal, with four simple goals:
1. Introduce everyone, share the latest developments regarding area paddling opportunities.
2. Generate paddling schedule events, locations, dates, and initiators. We won’t be much of a paddler organization if we don’t go paddling.
3. Enjoy a video photo show developed by SIW member Bill Schoon, highlighting some of the most scenic and interesting places he has paddled. Bill’s presentation will be from a cd, so if anyone else has a couple of photos they might want to share during the social period, please bring them on that format.
4. Socialize with other SIW members. Enjoy the snacks throughout our meeting, but we wanted to definitely set aside some time for “just visiting.”

If you can’t attend the meeting, please share your suggestions, concerns, or general thoughts on improving SIW with any of the following members of our Steering Committee: Joe DeLory, Nick Gaeta , Kent Kinion, Lisa Nagle, James Peters, Tom Sabotta, Bill Schoon, Kevin Stalnaker, Pam Stalnaker, Bill Thomas, Joe Trumm, or Gregg Stark.

Directions to Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center from NW Cedar Rapids:
Proceed west on Blairsferry Road toward Palo,
Watch for Wickiup county conservation sign, first turn will be to right.
Follow signs to Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, 319-892-6485.

Directions to Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center from I-380:
On I-380 north of Cedar Rapids, take the Toddville Exit.
Go Northwest on County Home Rd/CR-E34 toward Cora Mai Lane, continue to follow CR-E34, 1.2 mile.
Turn Left onto 1st St/CR=E34, continue to follow CR-E34, 1.3 mile.
Turn Left onto Feather Ridge Rd/CR-E34, 1.5 mile.
Turn Right onto Morris Hills Rd, 1.4 mile.
End at 10260 Morris Hills Rd, Toddville, IA 52341.
Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, 319-892-6485.

IOWA PADDLESPORT EXPO FEB 12 THRU 14, 2010 IN INDIANOLA:
Admission is FREE! Boats (new & used), paddles, paddling equipment on display and for sale. Factory reps to explain features and answer your questions. A schedule of 36 speaker presentations over 3 days, including topics relating to regional/national/international paddling adventures, gear selection, paddling skills & techniques, fishing, photography, navigation, & cooking. Great opportunity to visit with other paddlers from around Iowa . American Legion snack bar on site, plenty of restaurants around the square or around the town. Held at two venues just off the SW corner of the Indianola town square, sponsored by Canoesports Outfitters. Did we mention that admission is FREE!

Full info on the Expo, presentation schedule, presentation descriptions, speaker biographies at:
http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/Iowa%20Paddlesport%20Expo.htm

REPORT ON 3rd ANNUAL ICNC PADDLE FEST:
Over 80 people attended the 3rd Annual ICNC Paddle Fest January 30 in Cedar Rapids.

KCRG Sports Director John Campbell shared some beautiful video & interesting commentary about area paddling, including trips on the Yellow, Upper Iowa, & Maquoketa Rivers , & Whitewater Creek. John also devoted part of his time slot to whetting our appetites for paddling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area as he & his wife have done for many years.

Iowa DNR Fishery Biologist Paul Sleeper provided insight into Eastern Iowa 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 also discussed the fishing & paddling opportunities to become available when Cedar Rapids opens the Cedar Valley Lake Urban Fishery to the public in 2010, along with some other unique and relatively unknown “fishing holes.”

Indian Creek Nature Center Director Rich Patterson & Sticks In the Water Coordinator Gregg Stark led approximately 30 people in an informal discussion exploring potential water trail development in Eastern Iowa . Since 2008, Iowans have created 400 miles of DNR-designated water trails, with another 1,000 miles under development. Participants discussed what attributes define a water trail and how to develop a water trail. A highlight was the sharing of information by several groups currently involved in developing water trails in Jones County , Benton County , and other areas of Eastern Iowa .

Exhibits and information displays included: “Commander,” a kayak-canoe hybrid from Seatasea Watersports, Water Trails & Dam Safety by the Iowa DNR Rivers Program, Iowa Rivers Revival, Iowa Valley RC&D, & Sticks In the Water paddlers.

Our thanks go out to ICNC’s Rich Patterson and Jan Aiels for their commitment to this annual paddling-related event, to John Campbell and Paul Sleeper for excellent presentations, to the exhibitors for their time and effort, and to our SIW volunteers for helping things run smoothly. The Paddle Fest was sponsored by Indian Creek Nature Center, Seatasea Watersports, & Sticks In the Water paddlers.

RIVER CONGRESS SUMMARY FROM THE IRR STAFF:
“Iowa Rivers Revival’s 2nd River Congress was another great success with a turnout of 70 delegates who were engaged and ready to advocate for Iowa’s rivers. It was so much fun to have so many people caring about our rivers and a candid reminder of the work we have to accomplish. Despite a logistical hitch (a power outage at McFarland Park) we were very grateful for the last minute accommodations offered by the Unitarian Fellowship, Helen Gunderson and Erv Klaus in Ames and the flexibility and understanding of those who participated in the program.

“Program organization made the last minute changes feasible- Roz did a fantastic job of organizing and made this success possible. Robin and Susan’s introduction about the organization and goals of the program started the meeting off great. Kent Sovern with the Iowa Parks Foundation led the group in a large group discussion on river issues helping inform IRR about interests and providing direction for legislative and program priorities. Charlotte Hubbell, Iowa Environmental Protection Commission chair and Representative Donovan Olson led a policy discussion to inform us on agency roles and process. Liz Garst, currently on the Natural Resources Commission and past chair, also attended and added to the dialogue. Diane Ford, IA DNR legislative liaison, provided a nut-n-bolts advocacy training to convey importance and effectiveness of citizen advocacy. Elizabeth Hill took careful notes of the discussion to develop a summary of outcomes (see attached). We were especially excited to meet the group of Unitarian Universalist Iowa City high school students who came to get behind our bill-we welcomed their support and energy. Robin Fortney, Larry Gullet, Susan Heathcote, Elizabeth Hill, Mike Smith and Jerry Peckumn represented IRR at the River Congress.

"Outcomes and action from the River Congress are being drafted and will be shared as soon as they are available. We identified participants from 9 different watersheds: Beaver Creek, Boone River, Cedar River, Des Moines River, Iowa River, Little Grant-Maquoketa River, Middle Des Moines, North Raccoon River, Saylor Creek, South Raccoon and South Skunk.

Editor: IRR is working on plans to host their 2010 annual conference in early May, somewhere in Eastern Iowa. We hope to have full details in next month’s SIW News Bulletin. For more info on IRR, contact Rosalyn Lehman, Executive Director, Iowa Rivers Revival at rlehman@iowarivers.org or www.iowarivers.org

BCRTA WORKING ON A BENTON COUNTY WATER TRAIL:
We received a very nice email from Tami Stark in Vinton:
“How nice to be in touch with fellow Cedar enthusiasts! I very much look forward to hearing from and hopefully working with you on future endeavors.
“The official name of our committee is: "Benton County River Trails Advocates" = BCRTA....We are a committee that formed by interest from our Benton Co. Conservation Board, our Chamber of Commerce and private citizens, all interested in enhancing the use and knowledge of our Cedar River - which we all agree is underutilized and underappreciated. Members of our group would be available to come to CR to meet with you, or we would also like the opportunity to host you here, in Vinton. Evening hours would be best, but I am confident that we will be able to make anytime work. This is very exciting, and we are thrilled to learn that our neighboring county is working to enhance the use and popularity of our Cedar River in the same ways that we are!”
Tami Stark, email: star4ia@aol.com

Editor: We had the opportunity to meet Tami and another member of the group at the ICNC Paddle Fest. If you live in that area, paddle that section of the Cedar River, or just want to lend a hand to developing a water trail, please contact Tami. With 7 accesses on the roughly 40 mile stretch of the Cedar, they already have a great start. We’re also hoping that some of their group will be able to attend our SIW Meeting on Feb 21 at Wickiup.

JONES COUNTY RIVER TRAILS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
From Larry Gullet:
Update on Maquoketa River Water Trail Project: The winter weather has shut down most of the outdoor work for now. Progress has continued on the pavilion at Pictured Rocks, which may be completed by the time you read this. We have also been working on finalizing engineering and design details for when the weather breaks, hopefully within the next month. Really, not much has happened, but we are chipping away at it.

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

DNR WATER TRAILS REPORT:
Special thanks for this report to Todd Robertson, who is assuming new duties as River Programs Outreach Coordinator.

“It’s been a brutal winter, weather wise, and although it’s been tough the last month to get out in the field, much has been accomplished over the summer and fall and many projects are currently underway. We’re nearing completion, and main focal points for 2010 include the finishing touches on the portage trail around the lower dam on the Upper Iowa River and the project at Steamboat Rock on the Iowa River. Steamboat Rock is expected to be finished early spring and the lower dam portage trail will be completed as soon as water levels and weather permit. The location at the lower dam on the UIR is a magical place. The trail will provide a much needed portage that will finally allow boaters the opportunity to canoe/kayak a portion of the UIR that hasn't been explored much due to the lack of an egress. There is also a beautiful area for primitive camping there with road access as well. To see some pictures of the project and our crew in action (which also included volunteers), go to Lower dam portage report and stay tuned!

A number of planned dam mitigation projects
1) Vernon Spring Dam to Rapids conversion (Turkey River, Howard County)
2) Charles City Whitewater Course (Cedar River, Floyd County)
3) Klondike Dam Removal and Rapids Conversion (Big Sioux River, Lyon County)
4) Ames 13th Street Dam to Rapids Conversion (Skunk River, Story County)
5) Yellow River Ford Removal (Yellow River, Allamakee County)

Statewide planning update
Along with Iowa State University’s Landscape Architecture Department, Iowa DNR has made significant progress in developing a statewide plan for water trails and low-head dams. The results will be set standards and directions that can be used by the program for years to come. Examples include a water trails development manual with illustrated guidelines for various access types, parking areas, signage, and dam to rapids conversions, strategies for prioritizing dam removals and rapids conversions, and project components that can help restore rather than diminish ecological functions to Iowa’s rivers.

Dam warning signs
Dam warning sign design and construction is in high gear with the layout for Steamboat Rock approved and completed, and now we are just waiting for the signs to arrive! Also in the works, and simply awaiting approval, are warning signs for the UIR and Palisades dams.

Environmental
Currently we are working on completing the Boone River Protected Water Areas Management Plan, which is a completed draft at this point. Completed are surveys for the Klondike Dam Modification project in NW Iowa, the Ames 13th street Dam, the Story City Dam and the Webster City Dam. All of these projects are ongoing and will hopefully be completed within the year. Upcoming projects include The Littleton Dam and the Boone Water Works Dam.

Mapping and data
Work was just completed on the statewide GIS coverage of low-head dams, which also includes any other river obstructions such as rock dams.

Also in the works is a GIS coverage that uses Mussel data along with fish data to determine possible reestablishment sites for Mussels, particularly mussels that are species of greatest conservation need (SGCN). Various maps and brochures for both print and for online use are currently being focused on. The newest to arrive and ready for distribution is the Big Sioux River and Rock River expedition and river guide. Another project in the works is a water trails enthusiasts booklet that will give a quick outline of what exactly water trails are, what goes into developing one, and why they can be beneficial.

Project Aware 2010
The 8th Annual Project AWARE is scheduled for July 10-17 on the Nishnabotna Rivers in southwest Iowa. Check all the current information at Project AWARE 2010

ASTRONOMY FOR PADDLERS:
Websites tell us to expect a Full Moon on Feb 28, New Moon on Feb 14.
Feb 9: Asteroid 2009 UN3 is almost a kilometer in size and will pass within 14.5 times the distance between the earth and moon, visible with moderate or larger telescopes.
Feb 16: Jupiter & Venus in conjunction, above & left of setting Sun. Source: http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy_calendar_2010.html

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; SIW Member Meeting; 2:00-4:00 pm, Wickiup Outdoor Learning Center , near Toddville, 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.
March 27; “Paddle Smart” Seminar, Four Rivers Sail & Power Squadron, 1:00-2:30 plus discussion, Kirkwood Transportation Center Rm 102, 364-5161 or bschoon5@msn.com.
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 17-24; Prairie States Canoeists 6th Annual Week of NE Iowa Rivers, day trips on a variety of rivers, dependent on river levels, intermediate level paddling, not “float trips”; Al Donaldson alandonaldson@cfu.net .
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 1, location tbd; Iowa Rivers Revival Annual Conference; http://www.iowarivers.org/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx.
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 9; Mothers Day.
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 29—June 5; Tacitus Hussey Memorial Paddle Trip, Upper Iowa River, 125 miles, camping or “motelling” options, first 2 days intermediate, balance advanced beginner; Al Donaldson alandonaldson@cfu.net .
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, 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, Dubuque to Muscatine, 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 13-15; Annual Lower Wapsi Cleanup, 23 miles Anamosa to Jungletown, camping at Central Park , http://www.lowerwapsicleanup.org/.
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.

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 Todd Robertson,
River Programs Outreach Coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources. todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov

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 Ornithologists’ Union , bird info, sightings, etc.:: http://www.iowabirds.org/
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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