Thursday, December 31, 2009

Chesaning Dam Project

A $1.3 million improvement project on the Shiawassee River ?

http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2009/08/rocking_the_river_13_million_p.html#comments

Several grants, including $900,000 from the state, have paid for the cost of this river improvement project

Sandy Verry of Grand Rapids, Minn.-based Ellen River Partners -- which designed the river terrain -- worked with excavator operator Aaron VandenBos of Pete's Contracting Inc. of Falmouth to place boulders and rocks.  "We're building a rock ramp in the water, and then we're building weirs across it to turn it into a rapids that fish can get up and canoeists can get down by traveling through the center of it," said Pete's Contracting owner Pete VandenBos.

http://www.recovery.gov/Transparency/RecipientReportedData/pages/RecipientProjectSummary508.aspx?AwardIdSur=49136&AwardType=Grants


CHESANING, VILLAGE OF


Replace a failed dam with a rock ramp / riffle structure to provide
fish passage to 37 miles of previously inaccessible river habitat.

Clarification of Codes



AWARD OVERVIEW

AWARD OVERVIEW
Award Number
30181RJ171
Funding Agency
Department of the Interior
Total Award Amount
$99,400
Project Location - City
Chesaning
Award Date
08/07/2009
Project Location - State
MI
Project Status
Completed
Project Location - Zip
486161098
Jobs Reported
12.00
Congressional District
04
Place of Performance Country
USA





Recipient Information (Grants)

Recipient Information (Grants)
Recipient Name
CHESANING, VILLAGE OF
Recipient DUNS Number
069823938
Recipient Address
1100 W BROAD ST
Recipient City
CHESANING
Recipient State
Michigan
Recipient Zip
486161006
Congressional District
04
Place of Performance Country
US
Required to Report Top 5 Highly Compensated Officials
No



Projects and Jobs Information

Projects and Jobs Information
Project Title
Shiawassee River Restoration and Dam Removal Project
Project Status
Completed
Final Project Report Submitted
Yes
Project Activities Description
None of the Above
Jobs Created
12.00
Description of Jobs Created
1 Foreman 6 Operators 5 Laborers





Purchaser Information (Grants)

Purchaser Information
Contracting Office ID
Not Reported
Contracting Office Name
Not Available
Contracting Office Region
Not Available
TAS Major Program
14-1610



Award Information

Award Information
Award Date
08/07/2009
Award Number
30181RJ171
Order Number

Award Type
Grants
Funding Agency ID
14
Funding Agency Name
Department of the Interior
Funding Office Name
Not Available
Awarding Agency ID
14
Awarding Agency Name
Department of the Interior
Amount of Award
$99,400
Funds Invoiced/Received
$99,400
Expenditure Amount
$99,400
Infrastructure Expenditure Amount
Not Available
Infrastructure Purpose and Rationale
Not Available
Infrastructure Point of Contact Name
Marlene Schultz
Infrastructure Point of Contact Email
villageadmin@villageofchesaning.org
Infrastructure Point of Contact Phone
989.845.3800
Infrastructure Point of Contact Address
1100 West Broad Street
Infrastructure Point of Contact City
Chesaning
Infrastructure Point of Contact State
MI
Infrastructure Point of Contact Zip
486161098



Product or Service Information (Grants)

Product or Service Information
Primary Activity Code
**Z
Activity Description
None of the Above



Sub-Awards Information

Sub-Awards Information
Sub-awards to Organizations
0
Sub-award Amounts to Organizations
$0
Sub-Awards to Individuals
0
Sub-Award Amounts to Individuals
$0
Number of Sub-awards less than $25,000/award
0
Amount of Sub-awards less than $25,000/award
$0
Number of payments to vendors greater than $25,000
0
Total Amount of payments to vendors greater than $25,000/award
$0
Number of payments to vendors less than $25,000/award
0
Total Amount of payments to vendors less than $25,000/award
$0










Location Information
Latitude, Longitude
43º 11' 10", -84º 7' 37"
Congressional District
04
City
Chesaning
County
Saginaw
State
MI
Zip
486161098







Sunday, December 27, 2009

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Paddle Sports grow larger

Outdoor Industry Foundation (OIF) is a non-profit foundation established  by Outdoor Industry Association to encourage active outdoor recreation.  OIF's charter is to increase participation in outdoor recreation and to support healthier active lifestyles.

Key Findings  

* Participation 17.8 million Americans ages 6 and older participated in
   - kayaking, canoeing, and rafting in 2008.

* 9.9 million Americans participated in canoeing in 2008.

* 7.8 million Americans participated in kayaking and 4.7 million in rafting.

* Paddling participants made 174 million outings in 2008,
    averaging 10 days per participant.

Kayaking

Kayaking has enjoyed steady growth since 2006,
climbing to 2.8 percent of Americans ages 6 and older in 2008.

* Recreational kayaking is the most popular type of kayaking followed
 -  by sea / tour kayaking and whitewater kayaking.

* 47 percent of kayakers get out 1 to 3 times per year.

Canoeing

Canoeing is the most popular type of paddling.
3.6 percent of Americans age 6 and older participated in canoeing in 2008.

* Canoeing participants make an average of 7 outings per year.
   Despite the activities greater popularity,
   canoers make fewer annual outings than kayakers
    - 77.4 million compared to 69.5 million.

For more information go to
http://www.outdoorindustryfoundation.org/
http://www.outdoorfoundation.org/research.participation.2009.html

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Monday, December 21, 2009

Real men wear skirts

Click on the link below to read more about it all :


Real men wear skirts



Saturday, December 19, 2009

Paddling themed Christmas ornaments

 Click on the link a variety of styles, colors, and themes for your Christmas tree


Paddling themed Christmas ornaments




Sunday, December 13, 2009

Friday, December 04, 2009

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Paddling Science

http://www.examiner.com/x-23194-Detroit-Kayaking-Examiner~y2009m12d2-Paddling-Science#

Click the link for the whole article

~ Kayaking is a sport that relies heavily on aerobic power.
A strong aerobic base will allow a kayaker to work longer, at higher intensity,
thereby delaying fatigue and improving recovery time.

The level of aerobic power is determined by measuring the rate at which the body can
breathe in oxygen to the lungs, transfer oxygen from the lungs to the heart, deliver the
oxygen through the blood to the working muscles, extract the oxygen from the blood to
the muscles, and then use the oxygen in the muscles for energy production.

Once the intensity increases beyond the aerobic threshold the body uses anaerobic
methods to produce energy. This causes lactic acid to be produced. ~

Meandering along a river

We all know that rivers run from higher elevaions to lower elevations with the assistance of gravity.
Most natural rivers have twists and turns in them, very long straight sections are quite rare.
As the seasons change, the flow of water varies and fluctuates along the various flood plains.

The surprising fact about a meandering rivers' creation is that the geometric shape is similiar
around the world despite the different geophysical conditions. Geomorphology gives a
clear, detailed explanation of the causes and the development processes of meanders.

A river continually picks up and drops solid particles of rock and soil from its river bed.
In areas where the river flow is fast, more particles are picked up than dropped.
Conversely, in areas where the river flow is slow, more particles are dropped than picked up.
Areas where more particles are dropped are called alluvial or flood plains, and the
dropped particles are called alluvium. Even small streams make alluvial deposits,

The speed of the current close to the bank is usually slower than the one in mid-stream,
because of the friction with the river bank. When a disturbance to the straight water flow occurs,
as a result of an obstacle or a change in soil conditions in different parts, the water detours
the obstacle and an arc is formed in the river bed. The water flow is accelerated
and as a result the alluvium process intensifies in the external side of the arc.

Deposition of sediment occurs on the inner edge as the river sweeps and rolls
sand, rocks and other submerged objects across the bed of the river towards
the inside radius of the river bend, creating a slip-off slope called a point bar.

Erosion is greater on the outside of the bend where the soil is not protected by deposits.
The current on the outside bend is more effective in eroding the unprotected soil.
The inside bend receives steadily increasing deposits of sand and rocks,
and the meander tends to grow forming a small cliff called a cut bank.

The meanders extend the watercourse of the river; creating a reduction of the overall
flowing speed in this part of the river. As a result, there is a gradual tapering off the
centrifugal force until it diminishes altogether. The curvature radius eventually stops growing.
When the curvature radius reaches its maximum size, the meander is called a mature meander.

The more one descends down stream, the intensity of the stream grows,
and therefore the meanders reach maturity when the curvature radius is larger.
The process of meander creation is one which creates a balance in the stream's speed.
Rivers tend to balance the current speed along the river bed.

Over time,  meanders migrate downstream, sometimes creating problems for
local municipalities attempting to maintain stable roads and bridges.

Rivers deserve respect and people need to understand their power. Please wear your vests !  
Paddling a swollen river from a recent rainstorm or large snowmelt can cause loss of life.
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-

Meandering along a river

Meandering along a river

Meandering along a river

Meandering along a river

Learn where to position your boat, inside or outside bends and why

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Canoe & Kayak Racing Magazine

Check out this link for amazing articles on technique, skills, training, etc.

Canoe & Kayak Racing Magazine



Saturday, November 21, 2009

Just in time for the holidays

Happy Turkey Day wishes to all you folks,

....Way back in the beginning of the paddling season on June 7th, 09
many of you attended the annual Shiawassee River Paddle Event in Holly

A new photographer took numerous awesome, highly-detailed images that are up to
12 megapixels in resolution, big. big files.

He now has a webpage and a way to offer those pictures as downloads for purchase in various resolutions.


Please visit the link : http://primalnature.smugmug.com/gallery/10303495_6iqkA 

Feel free to pass along this message to anyone that may have attended the event.


They may make a great gift for relatives around the holidays

Also visit the main site at:  www.primal-nature.com

Thursday, November 19, 2009

César's Bark Canoe






Click on the link to see the documentary of how this was made using no nails, no high tech adhesives - just simple items from the forest.

César's Bark Canoe

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Kayak flotation - not all kayaks float

Kayak flotation bags available from any decent, good, reliable kayak shop dealing with real kayaks



 


Since all kayaks do not float, these float bags are mandatory for safe paddling on lakes and rivers

Does your kayak FLOAT - are you sure ?

Float Bags make a great holiday gift !


Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Land and Water Conservation Fund



Senate Bill #2747 - $900 million to support state and local parks along with outdoor recreation

http://www.examiner.com/x-23194-Detroit-Kayaking-Examiner~y2009m11d10-Land-and-Water-Conservation-Fund#

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Monday, November 09, 2009

Keeping the Shiawassee River navigable for paddlers


Written by Doug Lanyk - Sunday , 11/8/2009

What a day! Steve H and I met at 10:30 to stage cars and clear the 3 portages and 2 other downed trees on the Holly to Fenton stretch of the river.
We hadn't even spotted my truck in Fenton When the kayaks started to roll in. The sunshine and the mid 60's had everyone out. Of course I was on a mission to cut dead trees so I was dressed to spend the day in 45 deg. water. I found it embarrassing having just had our grand opening and the river blocked up already. We set off from Waterworks park in good order planing to put the location tags on the emergency takeout sign at the wastewater plant as our first stop. I was going to put my 5mm neoprene chest waders on there. So much for good plans. There were multiple trees down behind the Holly Convalescent Center. Three trees were down requiring you to get out of your boat and 2 more low enough the it would be a challenge for most canoes. Steve was dressed to get wet but since it was looking like a long day in the water, we tried to keep him dry. The first of the kayaks passed us there. Finishing off the sign behind the WWTP we did have clear sailing
(or technically paddling) down to the Headwaters Trails property. 2 weeks ago we could scoot by on the left. Today it required getting out of the boat. It was a messy tree with lots of branches catching
everything else coming down the river.




Steve  worked from the bank pulling the debris up on the flood plain. That took another 15 minutes and it was starting to look like a long day. The next ten kayaks passed us there. The third set of kayaks passed us while I was breaking up the logjam just passed Fish Lake Rd. It was on the first sharp corner after the culvert. I wish I new how to fix that spot within the river clearing guidelines. It's a reoccurring problem. Another bunch of fine paddlers caught up to us while I was clearing the 3 blockages in and just passed the tornado zone. The first 2 trees weren't too bad beside the fact that the water was belly button deep. One of them was over 20" diameter. The next bunch was in a spot with a nasty portage.

The start of the marsh had the ground soggy and no good spot to land. 5 trunks had come down on top of each other. It was blocking so much river there was a buildup of water on the up stream side. This was a dicey piece of cutting. No mater how I cut each trunk it wanted to pinch my blade. The kayakers were patient and cheered me on. Giving me a captive audience to sell all the good works done by Headwaters Trails. While I whittled down the trees, Steve put up the Shiawassee logo on milepost 3. Eventually it was cut through and we bid the last of the groups adieu. It still took another 15 minutes or so to finish cutting up the trees. The river was mostly clear after that. Although I did end up cutting several more trees that made the river more of an adventure than it needed to be. Our last task was mounting the logo on milepost 5. There we saw the last of several fishermen that had come up from Fenton by canoe. We slogged our tired butts up to my truck about a quarter after 4:00.

Happy Trails Doug.

Friday, November 06, 2009

Feathered paddles - The Offset

As far as I can tell - there is no right and wrong paddle set-up,
only what works well for you on any given day upon the water.

Feathered paddles - The Offset


Need a scientific study to make up your mind
- http://bit.ly/OffsetPaddles

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Plumb Bow Kayaks

These types of kayaks have some unique advantages

Plumb Bow Kayaks

Worth a look to know what your options are

Friday, October 30, 2009

Kayak Classes



Beginning Kayaking: These classes are an excellent complete beginner's course held in the safe and warm confines of an indoor pool.  The class is a series of four weekly two hour sessions.  The first session, be dressed for the pool session and at poolside one hour before the scheduled pool time for a safety/orientation session.  Attendance at the first day is mandatory.  This course will focus on basic kayaking strokes that are applicable to both sea kayaking and white water kayaking.  We will also work on self and assisted rescues, recovery strokes, sweep strokes and the beginning elements of self-rescue techniques.  Students should bring swimming goggles, nose plugs and a towel along with swimming apparel. Participants under 16 must be approved in advance by the instructor.  

 11/3-11/17, 12/1, Tuesdays (4 weeks), 7:45-10pm, $127 person

Fenton HS, Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105

11/19, 11/31-12/17, Thursdays (4 weeks), 7:45-10pm, South Lyon HS, $145 person

Register at www.slrec.com or (248) 437-8105




Kayak Rolling Classes: This class will focus on the elements of hip snap development, high and low bracing and the Kayak Roll.  Either the "C to C" or Sweep Roll will be taught depending upon student's capabilities.  Strength is not important in learning to roll… it's all about boat fit, flexibility, and most importantly, proper technique. So if you are ready to learn to roll that boat, here's your chance.  The class will be scheduled for four hours, but please arrive 30-60 minutes in advance to be outfitted with gear.  

Sunday, 11/15, 8:30am-12:30pm, Brighton HS, $80/person

Register by calling Rob Taylor @ (810) 355-6381

Tuesdays, (2 weeks), 12/8 & 12/15, 7-9pm,

Fenton HS, $82/person

Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105

 "Over Easy" Open Pool Sessions: Here's a chance to practice all that you've learned in the Basic Kayaking and Rolling classes in the friendly environment of the Brighton High School pool.  Perfect all those different strokes, practice rescues, and work on that "bomb-proof roll" or just come hang-out with other paddlers and swap war stories.  Certified instructors will be on hand to provide pointers if needed.

Sunday, 11/29, 3-5:30pm, 

Brighton HS, $30/person

Register by calling Rob Taylor @ (810) 355-6381




Thursday, October 29, 2009

Technique matters

Technique matters

Think "feet first" - initiate the stroke by first engaging your foot with the foot peg of the kayak.
Engaging the lower body just a nanosecond ahead of the paddle's entry into the water yields a big payback in moving the kayak forward efficiently.

Increasing the strength you apply to the paddles to go faster will only result in quick exhaustion.
By attempting to minimize the lag time between strokes, you'll increase speed and be more efficient.
The trick is all in the rhythm and cadence, also known as "spinning" the paddle.
Try to get one, continuous, fluid motion of the paddle going slowly at first and then pick up the pace.
Keep the paddle constantly moving, minimizing the lag between strokes.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Blue Infrastructure

Blue Infrastructure

BLUE has now become the new "green"

The OS Systems Spirit Drysuit

The OS Systems Spirit Drysuit

I own the Spirit drysuit and have used it to extend my paddling season to all 12 months of the year here in Michigan.
Since absolutely NO water gets in via latex wrist and neck seals , you stay nice and toasty warm inside.
The breathable fabric isn't insulated, so you'll need to wear a baselayer like Capilene or PolarTech underneath.


Saturday, October 17, 2009

Heritage Water trail

By Liz Shaw | Flint Journal   October 16, 2009, 2:55PM

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/10/new_signage_marks_heritage_wat.html

heritage6.JPG 
View full size            Elizabeth Shaw | Flint Journal 

Canoeists and kayakers prepare to launch at the annual Canoe in Color tour of the Heritage Water Trail on the Shiawassee River from Holly to Fenton
HOLLY and FENTON, Michigan — Not even a gray and rainy sky could dampen spirits at the annual Canoe in Color paddling tour of the Heritage Water Trail along the top of the Shiawassee River from Holly to Fenton.
On Oct. 3, about 60 hardy souls launched a flotilla of canoes and kayaks from Waterworks Park in Holly for the 2.5-hour paddle along the seven-mile route to Strom Park in Fenton.
The day’s only incident was a brief jam-up of kayaks trying to maneuver through a trio of tubes under the railroad tracks, largely thanks to the efforts of a hardworking crew of volunteers who cleared the river of obstacles earlier in the week.
Many were the same die-hard enthusiasts who sawed logs and cleared brush for weeks after a 2007 tornado blocked the route with dozens of broken and uprooted trees.

heritage3.JPG 
View full size           Elizabeth Shaw | Flint Journal 

Doug Lanyk, vice-president of Headwaters Trails
“Rumor had it that there were two trees interfering with easy passage. Turned out that a wind storm ... knocked down several more,” said Doug Lanyk, vice president of Headwaters Trails, a nonprofit dedicated to building a land-and-water trail network throughout northwestern Oakland County’s headwaters region, where the Shiawassee River begins.
“We ended up cutting six trees out of the way, as well as trimming a bunch of face-slapping branches. Some slobs had put a bag of garbage in the river that we fished out, (too).”
The group also erected the new interpretive signs, mile markers and emergency posts along the route.
“The water has cooled down quite a bit. Working in shorts with water up to my belly button was invigorating,” joked Willi Gutmann, another Headwaters Trails volunteer.
Funded by a $25,500 grant from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network, the new signage marks the climax of years of dreams and hard work by Headwaters Trails and others.
Many credit that success to Headwaters Trails president Sue Julian and husband Chuck, longtime champions for restoring the waterway and increasing its recreational opportunities.
Fenton Area Paddlers founder Maggie Yerman likened the Rose Township couple to John Muir, the legendary naturalist who founded the Sierra Club to foster and protect the fledgling national parks system in the early 1900s.
Like Muir, the Julians have a wider goal that reaches far beyond that one seven-mile stretch, said Yerman.
heritage5.JPG 
View full size    Elizabeth Shaw | Flint Journal 

Headwaters Trails volunteer Willi Guttman helped organize Canoe in Color
“They do not let the lack of volunteers stop them from completing the goals of Headwaters Trails. They have contributed money, time, tools and talent, often being the only ones out there in the pouring rain installing signs or spreading gravel,” Yerman said. “Their vision is not limited to the Shiawassee River from Holly to Fenton but all the way to the Saginaw Bay.”
Indeed, the group has worked with government agencies and other public and private agencies to foster a comprehensive plan of recreational land-and-water trails linking the village of Holly and the townships of Groveland, Holly, Rose and Springfield, Seven Lakes State Park, Rose Oaks County Park and the city of Fenton.
The hope is that a maintained and signed river trail will eventually continue along the Shiawassee to Linden, Byron and through Shiawassee County en route to Saginaw County and the Saginaw Bay.
Sue Julian even has her eye on ways to foster camping and other accommodations along the river route, drawing paddlers from all over the region for extended river trips.
“It’s all part of the master plan,” said Julian, chuckling. “It’s going to take a lot of cooperation with the other communities downstream from here but we’re hopeful we can make it happen.”
Most of the interpretive signs were created by Lapeer Township illustrator Gayle Vandercook, a freelance residential designer. 
heritage2.JPG 
Elizabeth Shaw | Flint Journal 

Headwaters Trails president Sue Julian (right) 
explains signs created by Gayle Vandercook (left) and Kristen Wiltfang (center) 

“At first it was a little overwhelming. I’d never even been on the river,” Vandercook said. “Sue filled me full of notes and photos. She was great for guiding me and checking on the correctness of the science and wildlife.”
The theme of two of the signs, “Share the Resource,” illustrates all the ways the waterways are used by various recreationists, from hikers and anglers to boaters and birders.
Others illustrate the wildlife found along the river, or historical points of interest in the connected towns.
Kristen Wiltfang of Oakland County Planning and economic Development Services provided colorful graphics of the Saginaw Bay Watershed on another of the kiosks.
The signage also includes emergency posts and mile markers, and a bulletin board of events and amenities in the community.
“We want people who come here to know they’re close to all kinds of shopping and restaurants here in Holly,” said Suzanne Perreault of the Holly Downtown Development Authority. “We really can see the value of how this river and trails can attract visitors to our community.”
heritage7.JPG 
View full size         Elizabeth Shaw | Flint Journal 

The Heritage Water Trail's seven-mile take-out at Strom Park in Fenton

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Shiawassee River - State Heritage Water Trail - Michigan Waymark

Waymarking the Shiawassee River - Launch Site
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member WaterWarlock


N 42° 47.172 W 083° 37.565
17T E 285205 N 4740417

Quick Description:
Start of the Top of the Shiawassee River State Heritage Water Trail in Holly, Michigan

Location: Holly, Michigan, United States


Waymark Code: WM7CJB


Parking/put-in/launching information:
Plenty of parking at WaterWorks Park at 690 Broad Street in Holly, MI.
Easy launching of kayaks and canoes into the Shiawassee River.


Paddling conditions to be expected :
Gentle current most days making for a generally easy paddle at 2.5 mph for approximately
a 3 hour paddle covering the 7 miles until the take out at Strom Park in Fenton.


Difficulty of the trip :
Suitable for beginners with some paddling skills to avoid the natural terrain in the river.


Length of trip : 7 miles ~ 3 hour paddle at 2.5 mph ~ easy leisurely pace


Waymarking is a way to mark unique locations on the planet and give them a voice.
While GPS technology allows us to pinpoint any location on the planet, mark the location,and share it
Waymarking is the toolset for categorizing and adding unique information for that location.
-

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Shiawassee River State Heritage Water Trail





Even on a windy rainy Saturday morning October 3, 2009 a large group of approximately 50 paddlers
in 38 kayaks and canoes came out to celebrate the opening of a new Heritage Water Trail
in Oakland County along 7 miles of the Shiawassee River from Holly to Fenton.

Various dignitaries came out to help kick things off that day

Marsha Powers - Village Manager in Holly

Sandra Kleven  -  Village Council in Holly

Suzanne Perrault  - Executive Director - Holly Downtown Development Authority

Gayle Vandercook – Artist for the kiosks displayed at various launch and landing sites

Kristen Wiltfang   -- Oakland County – Planning & Economic Development
GIS mapping technical assistance &  Environmental Stewardship

Elizabeth Shaw - The Flint Journal

HeadWatersTrails, Inc. is based in northern Oakland County, Michigan, and dedicated to the
development of a trail network in the northwest headwaters region.

With grant support, Headwaters Trails, Inc has developed a signage program for the Shiawassee River.
The funding allowed installation signage and kiosks to be installed from Holly, MI in Oakland County  to Fenton, MI in Genessee County.
It is hoped that signage will be developed and installed along the Shiawassee River all the way to Saginaw Bay.

Several types of signage have been proposed for the Shiawassee River :

Wayside Interpretive Exhibits – large signs and kiosks help visitors learn about the Shiawassee River and natural history.

Mile Posts – mile markers are placed between Holly and Fenton for the 7 mile trip.

Emergency Access Posts – negotiated with landowners and the North Oakland Fire Authority,
these posts are for emergency landings and ambulance services if needed.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Canoe in Color - 12:00 - NOON

Canoeing in Color - October 3 - 12:00 NOON


Beautiful fall paddle endorsed by Governor's Council on Physical Fitness

 
WaterWorks Park, 690 S. Broad Street, Holly.

Dedication of the Shiawasee River Heritage Water Trail followed by raffle drawing.

Canoe/kayak rentals on site with prior registration from Heavner Canoes 248-685-2379.

Questions? 248-634-3513; sjulian@provide.net.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Friday, September 04, 2009

Shiawassee River Map, Inter-Active Map, Google Map

New link Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail http://www.umflint.edu/resources/pdf/outreach/shiawasse-river-trail-map.pdf






















Interactive map of the Shiawassee River - Google Map of the river

Click on the Map - It's interactive with your mouse.
All the buttons function - Zoom, Pan, Satellite, Hybrid, etc.

Just click and it works ! --Satellite view shows the river well.




Click on Map for full size Shiawassee River
--
the river follows along near Grand Trunk Westen Railroad tracks
--the river dips slightly south near Wilson Lake
--the river enters into Fenton
Mill Pond (Genessee County) from the East
--the river exits the Fenton Mill Pond and flows North past Bush Park in Fenton




A basic fairly easy 7 mile paddle can be had with these locations


PUT-IN
-WaterWorks Park -
690 South Broad St, Holly, MI 48442-1674



TAKE-OUT
--Strom Park--
299 South East Street, Fenton , MI
near the East Street Bridge.



Link to other maps and info Shiawassee River

http://shiawasseeriver.org/images/Canoe_Guide_Edit_Copy_11_10.pdf

http://shiawasseeriver.org/images/BrochureMapAdobe.pdf

They did an excellent job compiling a lot of info on the website listed above.
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-Google Earth link
http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=812608&filename=20090811200302-4a8230e6d0c3d4.39463446.kmz
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How to Find WaterWorks Park in Holly, Michigan

WaterWorks Park is located next to the Millpond on the south edge of the Village of Holly. Although it doesn’t have an address itself, if you do a web search for directions to the nearest residence, 602 S. Broad Street, you will find a map.

The Village of Holly is located in northwest Oakland County in the triangle created by I-75 and US-23. Three exits from I-75 lead into Holly: North Holly Road, Grange Hall Road and East Holly Road. One exit from US-23—Owen Road—takes you east through Fenton to a dead end at LeRoy Street, where you have to make a jog because the Shiawassee River and its wetland block a straight through route. For further specific directions, see below.

From the North (Grand Blanc area):
Take North Holly Road south for 8 miles. Saginaw Street is the name of the main north-south road in the village limits of Holly and it is the same road as North Holly Road. So if you arrive via North Holly Road, proceed straight through the village going south. Jog one block east on Maple Street and then left on Broad Street directly before the railroad tracks. One-third mile on Broad Street and you’re there.

From the East on Grange Hall Road (Holly State Recreation area):
Take Grange Hall Road into Holly, a distance of about 4 miles. Turn left at Saginaw Street and proceed south as in the directions given above.

From the East on East Holly Road (I-75 or Dixie Highway):
Take East Holly Road into Holly, a distance of about 3.5 miles. At the railroad tracks, make an immediate left onto Broad Street. In one-third of a mile (past the fire station) you will come to WaterWorks Park.

From the South via Milford Road:
Milford Road can be picked up off I-696 or off M-59. It is basically a north-south road although it jogs here and there. It changes its name just outside Holly in northwest Oakland County, and that’s the junction you want to look for. CSX Railroad tracks angle across the road at a three-way stop light, just after a hard left curve. Take the road to the right (north). In half a mile you are at the Millpond and WaterWorks Park is on your left.

From the West (Fenton or Linden area):
Take Owen Road east to where it ends at a three-way light in the historic section of Fenton. Turn right (south) on LeRoy Street and proceed three blocks to South Holly Road. Turn left (east again) and travel 3+ miles to the three-way light at the CSX Railroad Tracks. Turn left (north) and go ½ mile on Milford/Broad Street. You’ve reached the Millpond and WaterWorks Park is on your left.-
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Strom Park, located on Fenton Mill Pond at Elizabeth St, has a boat launch and parking on site. Nice place to paddle when you do not want to spot vehicles. Go up the river towards Holly and you may run into a beaver dam. When you paddle back it is an easy walk to Dibbleville restaurants and stores.
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Fenton Community Center on S. Leroy in the center of historic Fenton. Plenty of parking and a short walk to the river. Many city events take place at this location including a Farmers Market from August through mid-September. This section is usually shallower than further downriver.
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Bush Park located on N. Leroy St. across from Dewey Automotive. Public restrooms, easy parking. Launch across the bridge at shallow area. You can also enter the park from Adelaide or Lincoln St. and take road to furthest parking in the south-east corner of the park. Launch by the old concrete bridge. It takes an hour plus to paddle to the DNR launch on Lake Ponemah from the Leroy St. bridge. This section is shallow in late July and August. There are sand and gravel bars in the center so stay to the outside of the curves. Volunteers of the most recent cleanup cut narrow paths through the fallen trees so you will need some skill to maneuver through the openings.
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DNR launch for Lake Ponemah located on North Rd. You can continue to Linden paddling around the lake, entering Tupper Lake and back on the river. If you paddle the lake clockwise you’ll come to Tee Bonez. You can leave your boats on/near the docks while you enjoy refreshments. This lake is windy and choppy much of the time. Conditions worsen with the jet skis and power boats so be careful and stay close to shore, especially if you have a recreational kayak with a large, open cockpit.
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Linden Mill Pond located by the Historic Linden Mill on Tickner St. You can park in the Sharp Funeral Home or library lot. There is a launch on the pond for easy in and out. Paddle up river to the lakes and back to town. Restaurants and unique shops are just a block away. Free concerts are at the gazebo Wednesday evening at 7:00 during the summer. Farmers market downtown during September.
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Bridge Street, Launch the river is downhill from the north side parking lot behind the Bridge St. businesses. The water can be fast moving when the dam is open. Lots of twists and turns, some sections are shallow, wetlands area can be choked in weeds late in the season. Short ride (1 – 1 ½ hrs) to Hogan Rd. Longer paddle (3 – 4hrs) to McCasslin Lake Rd.
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Hogan Road , Bridge just 1 ½ miles from downtown Linden by road but a hour plus paddle by river. Possible future site of public launch but difficult to get out in and out now. Look out for poison ivy.
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McCaslin Lake Road , Final takeout for the Fenton to Linden to Argentine stretch. Parking on either side of the road. Fairly easy in and out. When paddling from Linden stay to the right when approaching Hatt (Shiawassee) Lake. You can continue to Byron but may have to portage over fallen trees.
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Canoe in Color - Oct 3rd, 2009 - 12:00 - NOON

As seen in US Canoe News

http://www.uscanoenews.com/Event.cfm?EventID=291


Canoe in Color - 12:00 - Noon
--Paddle in canoe/kayak

Chance for people to paddle the Shiawassee River in SouthEastern Michigan
and experience the wonderful fall colors

Start Date - 10/03/2009  - 12:00 - NOON
End Date - Single Day Event


**__Canoes available for rental thru Heavners Livery__**
Shuttle transport available

Questions ?
Call Sue Julian, 248-634-3513 or email sjulian @ Provide dot Net
Call Doug Lanyk 248-634-4551 or email dslanyk @ Comcast dot Net
Call Willi Gutmann 586-215-6387 or e-mail Willi_H2O @ Yahoo dot Com

Location Information
-Shiawassee River - Oakland/Genesee County in Michigan

Type Of Water
-Gentle moving river with plenty of tight twists and turns,
making it fun for novice and experienced paddlers.

Start Location 12:00 NOON

WaterWorks Park - 690 Broad Street
Holly, Michigan
United States

WaterWorks Park in Holly,MI On the old mill pond location with a historic horizontal water wheeel.

Finish Location
Strom Park - 299 S East St
Fenton, Michigan
United States


Fees and Costs- It is FREE - Headwaters Trails is offering 3 great prizes in a raffle drawing on October 3 at WaterWorks Park in Holly, when everyone is invited to turn out for our Fall event Canoeing in Color. Tickets are $5 each (4 for $20). First prize is a beautiful blue Walden Kayak and accessories, valued at $1000. Second prize is a three day stay at a furnished home on the Old Mission Peninsula. And third prize is $100 cash.


HeadWatersTrails Inc.
Contact Sue Julian
Contact Address P.O. Box 33
Holly, Michigan 48442
United States
Phone 248-388-1313
Email sjulian@provide. net
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org
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Sunday, August 23, 2009

Discussion Page on Disqus.Com

Trying something new here , setting up a discussion board for the free flow of ideas, topics, concerns, etc.

For starters I listed some launch and take out sites near the Head Waters of the Shiawassee River.

Perhaps you know some more, have a favorite, wish something were different................


http://shiawassee.disqus.com/kayak_and_canoe_launch_sites_along_the_shiawassee_river/

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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

GPS data analysis Fenton,MI - Linden,MI kayaking trip





















( click on images to see in full screen mode )

Map of actual path traveled in kayaks along Shiawassee River