Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
January 2010 - A Winter Paddle on the Shiawassee River
Written by Doug Lanyk -
Great day all. Saturday Jan . 23rd '10 was a spectacular day to go for a paddle.
Jimmy, Kieth, Willi and I left Holly for Fenton just after noon. It was
a challenging start. Jimmy put his canoe near the launch and went back
for another load of gear. When he returned the canoe was down river.
The melting snow was quite slick. Willi was a nice guy and did a quick
recovery from his kayak.
Then I made a mistake involving Kieth (a novice).
We tried a controlled seal launch in my canoe. Oops!
Kieth went for a swim in the ice cold Shiawassee River at Waterworks Park.
He was worried that his sopping wet condition was going to screw up the
plans for the day. The cold water was quite the shock too. He never
imagined doing a polar bear plunge. 5 minutes later we had him in dry
clothes and were launching once again. What a trooper.
We saw quite a few water fowl, and a selection of other birds. The deer
were easily visible against the snow field, and one poor muskrat was
frustrated when he couldn't find his den. We chased him down the river
for 50 yards. The ice shelves were at multiple levels above the river.
I think that was evidence of several ice dams occurring in the past
couple of weeks.
There was 1 tree down forcing a short portage,
otherwise the river was clear. The low water levels did expose a lot of
bottom bumpers to give us many surprise jiggles. YeeHaw. The small
pond half way down the river was surprisingly clear of ice. We all
pitched in to break the ice blocking our way,.Many thanks to Willi and
Jimmy for cutting a path for the big green canoe.
Get out and paddle.Doug.
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Great day all. Saturday Jan . 23rd '10 was a spectacular day to go for a paddle.
Jimmy, Kieth, Willi and I left Holly for Fenton just after noon. It was
a challenging start. Jimmy put his canoe near the launch and went back
for another load of gear. When he returned the canoe was down river.
The melting snow was quite slick. Willi was a nice guy and did a quick
recovery from his kayak.
Then I made a mistake involving Kieth (a novice).
We tried a controlled seal launch in my canoe. Oops!
Kieth went for a swim in the ice cold Shiawassee River at Waterworks Park.
He was worried that his sopping wet condition was going to screw up the
plans for the day. The cold water was quite the shock too. He never
imagined doing a polar bear plunge. 5 minutes later we had him in dry
clothes and were launching once again. What a trooper.
We saw quite a few water fowl, and a selection of other birds. The deer
were easily visible against the snow field, and one poor muskrat was
frustrated when he couldn't find his den. We chased him down the river
for 50 yards. The ice shelves were at multiple levels above the river.
I think that was evidence of several ice dams occurring in the past
couple of weeks.
There was 1 tree down forcing a short portage,
otherwise the river was clear. The low water levels did expose a lot of
bottom bumpers to give us many surprise jiggles. YeeHaw. The small
pond half way down the river was surprisingly clear of ice. We all
pitched in to break the ice blocking our way,.Many thanks to Willi and
Jimmy for cutting a path for the big green canoe.
Get out and paddle.Doug.
-
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail - Holly Canoeing, Kayaking - Pure Michigan Travel
Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail
You can launch your canoe or kayak anytime from WaterWorks Park at 690 S. Broad Street in Holly and paddle to Strom Park on East Street in Fenton, seven river miles. This segment of the Shiawassee River is an adventure that takes about two and a half to three hours. The River here is shallow and slow moving but it has many twists and turns, an occasional beaver dam and changing scenery which add challenge and adventure to the paddling trip. The volunteer organization Headwaters Trails has added mile markers, interpretive signage, launch sites and trailhead parking. Restaurants and shopping beckon in the historic communities at each end of the river trail. Future development of this Heritage Water Trail will enable extended trips to the west through Fenton, Linden and Byron in Genesee County and then northward past Walnut Hills Campground and on to Owosso and Chesaning along the way to Saginaw Bay, a total distance of 110 miles. At present there is no livery serving this Pure Michigan adventure. Paddlers are requested to observe the "Leave No Trace" ethic, to share the resource with other river users and to take nothing but Good Memories.
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Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail - Holly Canoeing, Kayaking - Pure Michigan Travel
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You can launch your canoe or kayak anytime from WaterWorks Park at 690 S. Broad Street in Holly and paddle to Strom Park on East Street in Fenton, seven river miles. This segment of the Shiawassee River is an adventure that takes about two and a half to three hours. The River here is shallow and slow moving but it has many twists and turns, an occasional beaver dam and changing scenery which add challenge and adventure to the paddling trip. The volunteer organization Headwaters Trails has added mile markers, interpretive signage, launch sites and trailhead parking. Restaurants and shopping beckon in the historic communities at each end of the river trail. Future development of this Heritage Water Trail will enable extended trips to the west through Fenton, Linden and Byron in Genesee County and then northward past Walnut Hills Campground and on to Owosso and Chesaning along the way to Saginaw Bay, a total distance of 110 miles. At present there is no livery serving this Pure Michigan adventure. Paddlers are requested to observe the "Leave No Trace" ethic, to share the resource with other river users and to take nothing but Good Memories.
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Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail - Holly Canoeing, Kayaking - Pure Michigan Travel
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
McCaslin Lake Road Canoe Kayak Launch
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Click on the map for a full screen detailed view of it all
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Argentine Township / Linden Community 5 Year Parks and Recreation Plan
Shiawassee River Water Trail --- Draft – January 2010 --- Gould Engineering, Inc.-
Advocating the use of the Shiawassee River as a recreational water trail is highly recommended.
Development of the water trail through Argentine Township is an expansion of the 10 mile water trail system already developed to the east from the Village of Holly through the City of Fenton and
City of Linden.
By continuing efforts through Argentine Township a total of 30 miles of water trail will be created from the Village of Holly to the Village of Byron in Shiawassee County and extending into Saginaw County. The Argentine Shiawassee River Clean Up Committee is a local volunteer group that has made tremendous strides to remove debris and clear areas for safe navigation of the river. They are considered stewards of the river and are strongly encouraged to continue their efforts of protecting and promoting safe and appropriate use of the water trail.
Currently, the McCaslin Lake Road canoe/kayak launch site provides the only access to
the 10 mile stretch between the City of Linden and the Village of Bryon. The
establishment of this unimproved launch is strictly the result of heavy use by local
canoeists and kayakers. Fortunately, the township recognized this growing population
and acquired land at this site for future improvements. However, additional land
acquisition may be needed depending on physical restraints of the present site. These
improvements will provide safe access to the water, nearby parking, improved staging
and traffic circulation, signage, benches and trash receptacles, with strong
consideration toward universal design.
The township also owns 10 acres on Oakwood Drive with access to the river and approximately 2 miles west of McCaslin Lake Road. This would provide another launch opportunity midway between the launches at McCaslin Lake Road and the Village of Byron. Important factors for establishing a water trail are the provision of safe and convenient access to a navigable waterway with unobstructed passageways. The water trail between McCaslin Lake Road and the Village of Byron is un-navigable in some locations. Therefore, other trail improvements should include removing litter, clearing log
jams for navigability, installing way finding and educational signs, and providing safe installing way finding and educational signs, and providing safe portage areas where needed.
Should it be necessary, narrow or low underpasses (i.e. small culverts or low bridges) should be replaced with larger openings. However, Bridges or overpasses are costly to reconstruct, therefore, an
alternative is to provide safe portage areas. A durable path should be provided for carrying
watercraft, which should consist of more natural, engineered facilities such as pervious pavers with
openings for vegetation to grow through to help retain the natural river bank appearance, along with providing proper roadside signage forewarning motor vehicle traffic of potential portage crossings. All construction along the river, within the floodplain and/or wetlands, is subject to approval by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE).
A detailed “Shiawassee River Water Trail Plan” would help officially designate and
delineate a Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail route, and identify trail-related
facilities that should be constructed and improvements that should be implemented to
establish a safe and navigable trail corridor for both recreational and educational
pursuits in an ecologically sensitive manner. The designation of an official water trail may
further instill a sense of trail stewardship among canoeists/kayakers to respect the quality
of the water and become good caretakers of the river.
Specific trail improvements and support facilities that should be identified on the plan may
include providing parking facilities, restrooms, handicapped access, and picnicking areas; removing litter and fallen trees for navigability; installing way finding and educational signs; and improving underpasses or providing safe providing safe portaging areas with durable paths and crossing signs.
http://argentinetownship.com/section%207-Action%20Program.pdf
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Click on the map for a full screen detailed view of it all
-
Argentine Township / Linden Community 5 Year Parks and Recreation Plan
Shiawassee River Water Trail --- Draft – January 2010 --- Gould Engineering, Inc.-
Advocating the use of the Shiawassee River as a recreational water trail is highly recommended.
Development of the water trail through Argentine Township is an expansion of the 10 mile water trail system already developed to the east from the Village of Holly through the City of Fenton and
City of Linden.
By continuing efforts through Argentine Township a total of 30 miles of water trail will be created from the Village of Holly to the Village of Byron in Shiawassee County and extending into Saginaw County. The Argentine Shiawassee River Clean Up Committee is a local volunteer group that has made tremendous strides to remove debris and clear areas for safe navigation of the river. They are considered stewards of the river and are strongly encouraged to continue their efforts of protecting and promoting safe and appropriate use of the water trail.
Currently, the McCaslin Lake Road canoe/kayak launch site provides the only access to
the 10 mile stretch between the City of Linden and the Village of Bryon. The
establishment of this unimproved launch is strictly the result of heavy use by local
canoeists and kayakers. Fortunately, the township recognized this growing population
and acquired land at this site for future improvements. However, additional land
acquisition may be needed depending on physical restraints of the present site. These
improvements will provide safe access to the water, nearby parking, improved staging
and traffic circulation, signage, benches and trash receptacles, with strong
consideration toward universal design.
The township also owns 10 acres on Oakwood Drive with access to the river and approximately 2 miles west of McCaslin Lake Road. This would provide another launch opportunity midway between the launches at McCaslin Lake Road and the Village of Byron. Important factors for establishing a water trail are the provision of safe and convenient access to a navigable waterway with unobstructed passageways. The water trail between McCaslin Lake Road and the Village of Byron is un-navigable in some locations. Therefore, other trail improvements should include removing litter, clearing log
jams for navigability, installing way finding and educational signs, and providing safe installing way finding and educational signs, and providing safe portage areas where needed.
Should it be necessary, narrow or low underpasses (i.e. small culverts or low bridges) should be replaced with larger openings. However, Bridges or overpasses are costly to reconstruct, therefore, an
alternative is to provide safe portage areas. A durable path should be provided for carrying
watercraft, which should consist of more natural, engineered facilities such as pervious pavers with
openings for vegetation to grow through to help retain the natural river bank appearance, along with providing proper roadside signage forewarning motor vehicle traffic of potential portage crossings. All construction along the river, within the floodplain and/or wetlands, is subject to approval by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE).
A detailed “Shiawassee River Water Trail Plan” would help officially designate and
delineate a Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail route, and identify trail-related
facilities that should be constructed and improvements that should be implemented to
establish a safe and navigable trail corridor for both recreational and educational
pursuits in an ecologically sensitive manner. The designation of an official water trail may
further instill a sense of trail stewardship among canoeists/kayakers to respect the quality
of the water and become good caretakers of the river.
Specific trail improvements and support facilities that should be identified on the plan may
include providing parking facilities, restrooms, handicapped access, and picnicking areas; removing litter and fallen trees for navigability; installing way finding and educational signs; and improving underpasses or providing safe providing safe portaging areas with durable paths and crossing signs.
http://argentinetownship.com/section%207-Action%20Program.pdf
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Monday, January 18, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The new DNRE - Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Perhaps the new director of Natural Resources and Environment
will look kindly upon the Shiawassee River ?
Rebecca Humphries
- began her Department of Natural Resources career in 1978 .
- resource specialist in the Land and Water Management Division,
- a habitat biologist at the Shiawassee River State Game Area,
- a district wildlife biologist in Grand Rapids,
- Wildlife Division chief.
Rebecca Humphries
Director of the new Department of Natural Resources and Environment
(DNRE), effective January 17, 2010.
The new department’s mission implements an ecosystem-based strategy
for resource management, effectively using natural resources in a sustainable manner,
and providing for continuous improvement in Michigan’s air, water and soils
while facilitating and encouraging economic growth.
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr
will look kindly upon the Shiawassee River ?
Rebecca Humphries
- began her Department of Natural Resources career in 1978 .
- resource specialist in the Land and Water Management Division,
- a habitat biologist at the Shiawassee River State Game Area,
- a district wildlife biologist in Grand Rapids,
- Wildlife Division chief.
Rebecca Humphries
Director of the new Department of Natural Resources and Environment
(DNRE), effective January 17, 2010.
The new department’s mission implements an ecosystem-based strategy
for resource management, effectively using natural resources in a sustainable manner,
and providing for continuous improvement in Michigan’s air, water and soils
while facilitating and encouraging economic growth.
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Local kayaking classes
Winter/Spring 2010 Class Schedule
Expanding Horizons Kayaking
http://www.expandinghorizonskayaking.com
Email: taylorrj AT ameritech DOT net
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. Kayaks, paddle, and life jacket are available to rent for $25 for the duration of the class.
Participants under 16 must be approved in advance by the instructor.
Jan. 21st – Feb. 11th,
Thursdays (4 weeks), 7:45-10pm (7-10pm 1st night), Brighton HS, $145/person Register at www.brightoncommunityed.com or (810) 299-4130
Mar. 11th – Apr. 1st,
Thursdays (4 weeks), 7:45-10pm (7-10pm 1st night), South Lyon HS, $145/person Register at www.slrec.com or (248) 437-8105
Mar. 9th – 30th,
Tuesdays (4 weeks), 7-9pm (7-10pm 1st night), $127/person Fenton HS, Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105
QuickStart Your Kayak:
QuickStart is a brief, three-hour introduction to paddling a kayak. Students are presented with basic information on dressing to paddle safely, potential hazards and simple rescues. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water. While designed as a stand-alone, introductory course, QuickStart students often progress (strongly recommended) to the Beginning Kayaking course to acquire greater paddling skill through significantly more guided, on-water practice time. Minimum 14 years of age.
Sunday, April 18th, 3-6pm,
Ann Arbor Mack Pool, $60/person.
All gear provided.
Register at
www.a2gov.org/government/communityservices/ParksandRecreation/Pages/default.aspx
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. Kayaks, paddle, and life jacket are available to rent for $25 for the duration of the class.
Thursdays (2 weeks),
February 18th & 25th, 8-10 pm,
Brighton HS, $80/person
Register at www.brightoncommunityed.com or (810) 299-4130
Tuesdays, (2 weeks),
April 13th & 20th, 7-9 pm,
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. Kayaks, paddle, and life jacket are available to rent for $25 for the duration of the class.
Sunday, January 17th, 9:00-11:30 am,
Brighton HS, $30/person
Register at www.brightoncommunityed.com or (810) 299-4130
Saturday, January 23rd, 12:30-3:00 pm,
Fenton HS, $32/person
Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105
Saturday, February 13th, 12:30-3:00pm,
Fenton HS, $32/person
Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105
Sunday, February 21st, 9:00-11:30 am,
Brighton HS, $30/person
Register at www.brightoncommunityed.com or (810) 299-4130
Saturday, March 27th, 3:00-5:30 pm,
South Lyon HS, $30/person
Register at www.slrec.com or (248) 437-8105
Saturday, April 17, 3:00-5:30 pm,
South Lyon HS, $30/person
Register at www.slrec.com or (248) 437-8105
Tuesday, May 4th, 7:00-9:30 pm,
Fenton HS, $32/person
Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105
Tuesday, May 11th, 7:00-9:30 pm,
Fenton HS, $32/person
Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105
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Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Monday, January 04, 2010
DANGER - Kayaking over stuff
DANGER - Kayaking over stuff
To gain a better understanding of what really happens when
water rushes over obstacles in the river, click on the links below
http://bit.ly/RocksWaterFlow
http://serc.carleton.edu/details/files/19075.html
http://serc.carleton.edu/details/files/19076.html
To gain a better understanding of what really happens when
water rushes over obstacles in the river, click on the links below
http://bit.ly/RocksWaterFlow
http://serc.carleton.edu/details/files/19075.html
http://serc.carleton.edu/details/files/19076.html
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Kayaking Rapids on Shiawassee River ?
On November 1, the Village of Chesaning had Mayor Pro-tem Damion Frasier and River Restoration Committee member
Neil Pullman maneuver kayaks over the newly created rock fishway to celebrate its dedication.
As the year ended, Mayor Joe Sedlar, Jr. had received word that the
U.S. Fisheries & Wildlife had requested use of the video Deana Sedlar recorded ,
showing Frasier and Pullman floating gently over the rock fishway to celebrate the project’s completion.
FREE EXPOSURE FOR CHESANING – The U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife will be promoting Chesaning
on their external affairs web site, according to Chesaning Village Mayor/President Joe Sedlar, Jr.
According to Sedlar, his wife Deana had recorded the Nov. 1 dam dedication where Doug Pullman
and Damion Frasier charged kayaks over the newly constructed rock fish ladder in the Shiawassee River.
The short film had been posted on YouTube, but the U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife liked it so much,
they requested an original copy to post on their web site.
As a result, U.S. Fish and Wildlife will be identifying/promoting Chesaning on their web site,
Mayor Sedlar told the Chesaning Village Council during their Dec. 15 meeting.
Video available here :
http://recovery.doi.gov/press/bureaus/us-fish-and-wildlife-service/alpena-national-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-office/
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NEW Video - right from the DNR
http://recovery.doi.gov/press/bureaus/us-fish-and-wildlife-service/alpena-national-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-office/
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A 300 ft. structure with natural waterfalls, the u-shaped drops are very, very close
to one another making maneuverability for play boating almost impossible.
I'm told it was done for the old timers nostalgic for the Chesaning Showboat.
A ""social issue"" for the impoundment waters for the riverboat in Chesaning.
Somehow I just don't see some ancient ol' riverboat ride that great a thing in 2011.
This is near Cole Park in Chesaning, Michigan
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=43.185035,-84.111859&spn=0.003704,0.006539&t=h&z=18&msid=111387343905039436857.00047c496acdb50628848
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Neil Pullman maneuver kayaks over the newly created rock fishway to celebrate its dedication.
As the year ended, Mayor Joe Sedlar, Jr. had received word that the
U.S. Fisheries & Wildlife had requested use of the video Deana Sedlar recorded ,
showing Frasier and Pullman floating gently over the rock fishway to celebrate the project’s completion.
FREE EXPOSURE FOR CHESANING – The U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife will be promoting Chesaning
on their external affairs web site, according to Chesaning Village Mayor/President Joe Sedlar, Jr.
According to Sedlar, his wife Deana had recorded the Nov. 1 dam dedication where Doug Pullman
and Damion Frasier charged kayaks over the newly constructed rock fish ladder in the Shiawassee River.
The short film had been posted on YouTube, but the U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife liked it so much,
they requested an original copy to post on their web site.
As a result, U.S. Fish and Wildlife will be identifying/promoting Chesaning on their web site,
Mayor Sedlar told the Chesaning Village Council during their Dec. 15 meeting.
Video available here :
http://recovery.doi.gov/press/bureaus/us-fish-and-wildlife-service/alpena-national-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-office/
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I MAY BE WRONG - but I didn't see a vest or PFD, any emergency crew for Ice Cold Water Immersion
throw ropes, swift water rescue, etc., etc. and this is what they want to promote ???????
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NEW Video - right from the DNR
http://recovery.doi.gov/press/bureaus/us-fish-and-wildlife-service/alpena-national-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-office/
-
A 300 ft. structure with natural waterfalls, the u-shaped drops are very, very close
to one another making maneuverability for play boating almost impossible.
I'm told it was done for the old timers nostalgic for the Chesaning Showboat.
A ""social issue"" for the impoundment waters for the riverboat in Chesaning.
Somehow I just don't see some ancient ol' riverboat ride that great a thing in 2011.
This is near Cole Park in Chesaning, Michigan
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=43.185035,-84.111859&spn=0.003704,0.006539&t=h&z=18&msid=111387343905039436857.00047c496acdb50628848
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Friday, January 01, 2010
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