Friday, December 23, 2011

View dam alternatives

A perfect example of rocks put in a river is the Argo Dam bypass on the Huron River.
The project was begun at the end of the summer and the race re-opened about a week ago.
Some of the construction crew  took kayaks out on the water as soon as the stones were in place.
The water in the race can be controlled by increasing or decreasing water going over the Argo Dam.

In the spring an asphalt path along the river will be put in .
Renovation work on the river itself depends on DTE Energy.

The complete article can be seen here -
http://annarborchronicle.com/2011/12/15/argo-dam-bypass/

There is a slot - along with eddy's on the left and right .


















































Sunday, December 18, 2011

River paddling thru meanders

Understanding how water flows will enhance your paddling fun.
Getting hung up on sandbars and silt deposits can be annoying.

Staying on the ""outside"" edge of a bend will help a paddler
maintain momentum thru the twists and turns on the river.




















Helicoidal Flow : a corkscrew movement in a meander
This is what moves material from the Outside of a bend
and deposits it on the Inside of the next bend.

Next time out - pay attention to the flow.

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Calories burned while kayaking

This a very well done article going in depth to the issues of calorie expenditure,
kayaking, paddling, etc. Definitely worth a read and take your time, it's a lot to digest.

Calories_burned_while_kayaking.pdf (application/pdf Object)

A completely alternate view of it all is shown here :

http://www.paddlinglight.com/articles/how-much-food-should-i-pack/

There are numerous ways to keep in shape over the winter months.
Many things can be done in the comfort of your own home relatively cheaply.

Happy Holidays every one !

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Sunday, December 04, 2011

Northern Shiawassee River issues

Northern Shiawassee River group activities

http://lonetreecouncil.com/
Nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the
environment through action and education.

http://www.cleanwatershedcampaign.org/
Lone Tree Council’s web site dedicated wholly to Dow Chemical’s dioxin contamination
of 52 miles of river and the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron.




Saturday, December 03, 2011

Snyder notices Shiawassee River


 In a recent Q and A session Thursday with The Saginaw News,
 the governor of Michigan Rick Snyder addressed a wide-range of issues

"""Too often people get into this thing. There’s a silo for the environment, and there’s a silo for the economy, and that’s a flawed model. So I really want to communicate it’s a symbiotic relationship, that they co-exist, and how can we really make that partnership really work."""

"""A great model is the Nature Conservancy. I was on their board for a long time, here in Michigan. And they’re a good role model. They’ve had some good projects on the Shiawassee River in terms of innovations there."""


Published: Friday, December 02, 2011, 8:27 AM     Updated: Friday, December 02, 2011, 2:47 PM
 

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Kayaker Parade Float for Thanksgiving Weekend




























It's great to see Detroit have a kayaker float in among its many creations for the annual parade.

Saturday Nov 26, 2011 I had to chance to see all the floats up close and personal in the
warehouse storage facility in downtown Detroit off Mt. Elliot street.

 https://picasaweb.google.com/108590711667865641354/ParadeCompanyWarehouse2011#

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Dam Safety

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to conduct security reviews for 55 percent of critical dam

because participation in the risk management activity is purely voluntary for dam owners.


The DHS apparently has issues with dam owners fully cooperating.

http://bit.ly/DamSafe

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Wednesday, November 02, 2011

The only cell phone you'll ever need


Say goodbye forever to wimpy phones, this one wins all torture tests
Never worry about making a call from your kayak again.
Oh yeah, no special case needed anymore either. It doesn't need one.






Available in Michigan

Working Phones
1933 East Stoll Road
Lansing
48906
Phone 517-282-8773

http://www.workingphones.com/

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Wetland are vital to stream health

The Shiawassee River is indeed a unique resource of natural infrastructure
that needs continued support from those that appreciate it.
 
The following is taken from:

US Army Corps of Engineers
USACE – Detroit District 154
Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office
Sediment Transport Modeling Study
 
"Wetlands are very effective at improving water quality in streams, especially in reducing
pollutants such as nutrients and sediments. There is a cyclical relationship between the
health of wetlands and the water quality of the streams passing through them. The water
quality enhancing features of wetlands are only effective as long as the health of the
wetlands is maintained, including the geomorphic qualities and the vegetation. The key
properties of wetlands are primarily those that promote a prolonged travel time,
shallower flow and lower velocities.
Once these geomorphic and vegetative
characteristics are degraded, the flow accelerates, and the filtering mechanisms are no
longer effective."

"Urbanization often causes a shift in the flow patterns of a stream, and is
sometimes accompanied by increased presence of pollutants. The net result is the loss of
assimilative capacity of the wetland. It is possible to attain a balance such that the
wetland can effectively filter these pollutants without suffering adverse effects, as long as
the concentrations are in a manageable range for the given soils and vegetation."

When a developer drains an area of wetlands for new real estate development
- stop and think hard  about maintaining natural resource infrastructure.
With some forethought and pre-planning it is possible to create a win-win scenario for both sides.
I urge people to speak, write and communicate concerns to local, state and federal governments.
Once a natural resource is lost - it is next to impossible to rebuild it exactly,  as it once existed.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Kayak Clubs need Kayak Shop relationships s | Go Kayak Now!

Keith Wikle wrote a great article concerning how shops need clubs and vice versa

Symbiotic Relationship Kayak Clubs and Kayak Shops | Go Kayak Now!

I love this quote

"""Clubs should be telling shops the gear that they want, and the shops should be fulfilling that need by stocking that gear.""""

People should support their local shops and not be afraid to provide feedback.

We really do rely on one another.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Owosso council ponders dams

Dams on Shiawassee River pose touch financial considerations

Owosso council ponders dams - The Argus-Press: Owosso

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Monday, October 17, 2011

Kayaking zone

Have not seen a sign for canoe paddlers ...yet

KAYAKING ZONE -Sign- novelty gift sport boat « Outdoors based

Perfect for that kayaker on your gift list - the holidays are quickly approaching
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Monday, October 10, 2011

Burns Grange on Shiawassee River

Established in 1873 on the banks of the Shiawassee River,
between the tiny villages of Byron and Bancroft,
the Burns Grange has operated continuously for 138 years.

Grange – the word is Latin for grain

The Grange is also credited for the advent of :
- Cooperative Extension Service
- Rural Free Delivery of mail.

NEW: Grange is still active, with new role in rural America - themorningsun.com

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Thursday, October 06, 2011

Keepers of the Shiawassee River group

Great picture of the autumn colors on the river
click on the link below :


Keepers of the Shiawassee River, Michigan

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Shiawassee River fall color celebration October 1, 2011

Celebrate the Shiawassee 2:00pm – 6:00pm in Fenton,MI at Bush Park
 
Try out a variety of kayaks from Summit Sports in Brighton
Free refreshments
  • hot dogs provided by Fenton Rotary
  • bottled water from Douglas Water Conditioning
  • additional refreshments from VG’s
Musical entertainment 
Kids’ activities
  • scavenger hunt
  • games
  • fishing instruction by Izaak Walton League volunteers
  • casting target practice
Dedication of Keepers of the Shiawassee and Rotary launches 4:00pm
Demos and instruction 
·       basic kayak skills 2:15pm, 3:15pm, 4:15pm  & 5:15pm
·       geocaching  2:45pm, 3:45pm, &  4:45pm
·       See how to load a kayak on a vehicle.
 
Headwaters Trails 7th annual Canoeing in Color
October 1-- launch time between 1:00pm -- 2:00pm
Waterworks Park, Broad St. Holly
****_____Bush Park is less than a mile "after the dam" from Strom Park _____******
 
If you have your own kayak or canoe:
  • arrive at Waterworks Park in Holly between noon and 1:00
  • drop off your boat and gear and purchase shuttle ticket @ $5 per vehicle
  • drive to Bush Park in Fenton entering from Lincoln St .(between the car wash and gas station on Silver Lake Rd. )
  • park your car and take the shuttle back to Holly
  • enjoy your paddle down the Shiawassee, portaging the dam in Fenton
    • you will have help getting out above and reentering below the dam
  • arrive at Bush Park where there will be free refreshments, music, etc.
  • if you do not want to portage the dam you may park your car at the city lot by the dam and catch the shuttle back
         
If you are renting a canoe or kayak from Heavner please call  
248-685-2379 to reserve your boat before October 1.
  • arrive at Waterworks Park in Holly between noon and 1:00
  • pay for your boat through Heavner and they will set it aside
  • drive to Strom Park in Fenton
  • park your car and take the shuttle back to Holly, shuttle fee included in rental
    • if there are no spaces left at Strom Park you can park in the lot near the dam and catch the shuttle
  • enjoy your paddle down the Shiawassee, getting out at Strom Park and returning your boat to Heavener’s
  • drive to Bush Park where there will be free refreshments, music, etc
 

Fall color tour scheduled along the Shiawassee River in Holly, Fenton | MLive.com

Fall color tour scheduled along the Shiawassee River in Holly, Fenton | MLive.com

Monday, September 12, 2011

October 1, 2011 Fall Color Tour Shiawassee River

FLYER
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/Fenton%20Be%20Closer%20Shiawassee%208.5x11PRESS.pdf

Latest UPDATES :



Saturday October 1 2011 Headwaters Trails and NOHLC will be sponsoring
our annual fall paddle down the Shiawassee. Come with us and enjoy the
fall colors while the water is still warm(ish). The paddle will be from
Waterworks Park in Holly, to Strom and or Bush Park in Fenton.

12 Noon until 1:00 we will be spotting participants vehicles at Bush
Park, giving people a ride back to their boats in Holly.
1:00 until 2:00 we all will be launching to go to Fenton.

Canoe Rentals will be available from Heavners Canoe Rental. Please
reserve one ahead of time at 248-685-2379.

Return rides will be available at the end from Strom Park. Those
continuing to Bush park can join the Be Closer to the Shiawassee
celebration.

2:00 until 6:00 Celebrate the Shiawassee sponsored by Headwaters Trails.
Fenton Rotary, SPLR, and Keepers of the Shiawassee. There will be food,
family activities, Kayak Demos, Geo-caching, and much more. Loads of fun
for the whole family.

We can use volunteers for setup, tear.down, manning booths, and helping
with demonstrations, e.g. How to dress for paddling, geocaching...

headwaterstrails@comcast.net
http://headwaterstrailsinc.org/
Headwaters Trails Inc on Facebook.


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Preliminary info


Saturday, October 1 -Headwaters Trails 7th annual Fall Color Tour on the Shiawassee River
with departure from Holly's Waterworks Park between 1:00 & 2:00.

Never paddled the Shiawassee in Oakland and Genesee County ???? ---- C'mon out and join us !
This year participants with their own boats will have the choice of stopping at Strom Park in Fenton or continuing on to Bush Park .

We will have people by the Fenton dam to help you safely portage around it for the final leg of your journey.

**** ___Paddlers renting from Heavner’s will still exit at Strom Park to get a ride back to their cars in Holly. ____***

Registration forms and more info will soon be updated at www.headwaterstrailsinc.org
The tour is continuing to Bush Park for the first annual Celebrate the Shiawassee Festival.

This event is sponsored by Fenton Rotary, SLPR, Headwaters Trails and Keepers of the Shiawassee.

 The festival is from 2:00 to 6:00 and is open to the public.

Fenton Rotary will provide free hot dogs, SLPR will have entertainment and a variety of family activities.

Keepers of the Shiawassee/ Headwaters Trails will have an information tent and a display of the work their volunteers have done.

The non-paddling public can learn about kayaking and try out a kayak from Summit Sports at their free kayak demo;
going from the Keepers launch to the Rotary launch.

 Look for updates www.slpr.net ---
Keepers of the Shiawassee facebook
and www.fentonbecloser.com


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Thursday, September 08, 2011

River monitoring cuts could stop crucial data flow to river regulators / Michigan River News

A bad sign for conservation and ecology efforts :

River monitoring cuts could stop crucial data flow to river regulators / Michigan River News

This truly bites for paddlesports in Michigan - if anything more data is desired !

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Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Holly, Michigan is a Playful City USA top pick

Holly, Michigan selected by the KaBOOM! organization 
as a Playful City USA for 2011 ! 

A most prestigious designation granted to only 150 communities nationwide
and Holly is the first of two communities in Michigan to be a Playful City USA .

KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to children's outdoor play
and designated the Holly community as one of the best for offering
children access to vital play space.

 I have no doubt that paddlesports via canoe and kayak on the Shiawassee River 
contributed a great deal to getting Holly, Michigan selected in 2011.
The ability for families to share outdoor time together on the water paddling 
the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail is a precious resource.







































The Holly Outdoor Recreation Coalition
submitted an application to KaBOOM!, where it had to lay out
an action plan to improve the area’s parks.
The coalition is a non-profit organization that promotes
outdoor recreation, health, conservation of natural resources
and small-town community building in Northwest Oakland County.

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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Billion dollar sewage boggle « Red Run

This article relates to many communities all across Michigan

Billion dollar sewage boggle « Red Run

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Monday, August 29, 2011

Upcoming group paddles Fall 2011


Keepers of the Shiawassee
September/October Paddling

Saturday 3rd            Downtown Linden to Argentine (Shiawassee River) 9:30 am

Monday 5th             Byron to Geeck Rd. Park (Shiawassee River) 10:00 am

Monday 12th                Moonlight Paddle, (Linden Mill Pond) 6:30

Tuesday 20th               Fisherman’s Landing Mott Lake (Flint River) 6:00

Friday 23rd                    Richfield Park to Mott Lake (Flint River)
 
Saturday 24th            Bush Park to Linden Autumn Festival (Shiawassee River) 12:00

Saturday Oct. 1st    Headwaters Trails annual Color Tour from Holly to Fenton 1:00

Saturday Oct. 15th  Heavner’s Moonlight Paddle Proud Lake in Milford 7:00 

Sunday Oct 16th     Sandhill Cranes on Lobdell 1:00  
                                                
Trip Details
Saturday 3rd. Downtown Linden to Argentine (Shiawassee River)
9:30 Meet in the parking lot behind Down the Hatch Pub to spot vehicles. We’ll paddle to Argentine’s Mc Caslin Lake Rd. Bridge. This is about a 3 hour paddle with one portage around a farm bridge. All other obstructions were cleared August 28th. The water is at a great paddling level and has a good flow. If you haven’t done this beautiful stretch join us or make sure you fit it in sometime this fall. Boat rentals through Fairbanks 810-287-9618.

Monday 5th Byron to Geeck Rd. Park near Bancroft (Shiawassee River)
10:00 Meet at the Byron HS athletic/ball field on Bath Rd. to launch and spot vehicles. We’ll paddle to Walnut Hills Campground to pick up/drop off paddlers then continue on to Geeck Rd. Park at the corner of Exchange Rd and Geeck Rd near Bancroft. Each section is about 2 hrs paddling. You can do the entire trip or get out or join us at Walnut Hills ($1 parking fee). Kayak rentals are available at Walnut Hills through Cheff’s Canoe Rental 989-288-7067. Call early since this is a holiday weekend. We should be at Walnut Hills around 12:30.

Saturday 10th Heavner’s Moonlight Paddle Proud Lake in Milford
7:00 For more information and pre-registration call Heavner Canoe Rental at: (248) 685-2379 or go to http://www.heavnercanoe.com/proud-lake

Monday 12th Moonlight Paddle, (Linden Mill Pond)
Meet us 6:30 for dinner in the Crow’s Nest in the Linden Hotel. (Full menu with a $.75 Coney dog special) We’ll launch at the mill pond around 8, paddle up to Lake Ponemah then back to town. Bring lights & PFD’s Boat rentals through Fairbanks 810-287-9618.

Tuesday 20th Fisherman’s Landing Mott Lake (Flint River)
6:00 Join the East Coast Paddlers for a nature filled paddle on Mott Lake. Meet at the DNR fishing launch on Genesee Road south of Stanley Road.  See Bald Eagles, cormorants and a variety of ducks.

Friday 23rd FRWC (Flint River)
Join the Flint River Watershed Coalition for their Fall Equinox Paddle. Come enjoy the last days of summer and the colorful hints of fall as they paddle along the Flint River from Richfield Park 6322 N. Irish Road, Davison, MI 48423 to Mott Lake. For more information, contact Sue Lossing at slossing@flintriver.org
Saturday 24th Bush Park to Linden Mill Pond (Shiawassee River)                          Meet 12:00 at the Keepers launch in Bush Park (off Lincoln St.) We’ll paddle to the Linden Autumn Festival to enjoy some music and a "Taste" of food and beverages from different civic groups and restaurants. We will be crossing Lake Ponemah and Tupper Lake so there may be some boat traffic. You must wear a PFD for this crossing.

October

Saturday 1st Headwaters Trails annual Color Tour from Holly to Fenton       Launch time 1:00, $5 fee for spotting vehicles. You will paddle from Holly Waterworks Park to Fenton’s Strom Park or portage the dam and continue on to Bush Park for the Shiawassee River Festival. The festival will be from 2:00 – 6:00 and open to the public. There will be food, water related demonstrations, exhibits and the dedication of the two new launches at 4:00. 

Saturday 15th  Heavner’s Moonlight Paddle Proud Lake in Milford
7:00 For more information and pre-registration call Heavner Canoe Rental at: (248) 685-2379 or go to http://www.heavnercanoe.com/proud-lake
 
Sunday October 16th Sandhill Cranes on Lobdell                                                   1:00 launch from Navistar on Silver Lake Rd in Argentine.  We’ll paddle into Bennett and Hoisington lakes to see the sandhill cranes gather for migration. We’ll then paddle back to Navistar for an early dinner.

Join Keepers of the Shiawassee on facebook or yahoogroup/fenton-area-paddlers. For more info on the color tour go to www.headwaterstrailsinc.org, for the Linden Autumn Fest www.fentonchamber.com and the Shiawassee River Festival www.slpr.net or call Maggie @ 810-735-9570
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Continued progress on Shiawassee River

Groups went out this weekend August 28, 2011 and continued making the Shiawassee River passable.

One group went to Bird Road to work toward the Byron Mill Pond
and the other started at Bridge Street in Linden.

The Bird Road group discovered that with the lower water level,
there were some pretty big trees that emerged and required clearing.
They didn't make it all the way to Duffield and returned to Bird Road mid afternoon.


The Linden group also worked diligently making it to McCaslin Road..

It's tough work slogging around in the river and many calories were burned..
Pizza was available at Maggie's house with her usual hospitality for volunteers.

Punching all the way thru to Byron will have to wait till next year,
with great progress being made along the river once again in 2011
These efforts simply don't happen without volunteer effort and all who participated
are sincerely appreciated and applauded by those that recreate in and along the river.


Headwaters Trails has its Fall, Canoeing in Color tour coming up October 1, 2011.
A perfect opportunity to get out on the river and enjoy all its splendor.
Details will be posted in the near future .

Consider stopping by a meeting of  Headwaters Trails Inc.
These are normally held the first Wednesday of each month,
meeting in the Holly Village Council chambers at 7:00 pm 


Monday, August 22, 2011

River maintenance Sunday August 28, 2011

There is a river cleanup this coming Sunday August 28, 2011

Meeting at 9 am at the parking lot just west and south of Bridge road and the river.

Fallen trees will be cleared, miscellaneous debris out of the river.
Please come prepared to get wet, standing in 4 to 5 feet of water.
Gloves and sturdy shoes that can get wet and muddy are recommended.

The goal for that weekend is to clear from Bridge Road in Linden to Bird Road near Argentine.
As water levels fluctuate, different logs become visible and are easier to work upon.
Mother nature always seems to knock down a tree or two during heavy thunderstorms as well.

Click on the map link below to see where the next focused cleanup effort will occur.
Zoom in and out as needed to see the roads and river in detail.


View Shiawassee River - Bridge Rd to Bird Rd. in a larger map

The river is fairly good shape from a prior clearing
between Bird Road and Duffield Road on August 7, 2011.

Clearing from Duffield Road  to the Byron Mill pond will eventually occur as well,
perhaps next spring/summer in 2012. People will keep chipping away at it.
 

Friday, August 19, 2011

Comments, suggestions, feedback, etc.

Been posting on this blog for years - almost never get any feeback.

Are there things I've missed,  you're interested about,  need additional info,
--- let me know if I can be assistance.

With almost the archives going back to Thursday, April 20, 2006
there is quite a bit of stuff I've posted over all those years.

Use the search feature - built into the blog - to find stuff
Here is how the web page looks to me at home - can you find the search feature ?
If not, drop me a comment




 

 

 

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Sunday, August 14, 2011

Another genius drowns - No Vest


A completely trained and badge carrying New York Police Department cop is DEAD
because he simply did not wear a vest on the water. His son watched him die !

Eight feet of water killed this genius - Eight feet of regular water at 70-degrees

His body was recovered with his NYPD shield and revolver still on him

Drowned NYPD cop Patrick Luca's five-year-old son recounts kayak horror: 'Wake knocked us over' - NYPOST.com


PLEASE wear your vests while on the water---- even when it's """"not deep""" and even when the water is """"warm""""

There are literally dozens of these stories every week in the United States - let's not read about you or a friend in Michigan
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Saturday, August 13, 2011

Plastic rotomolded kayak fix

For a small pinhole in the rear of the kayak :

A.)  Use razor to slice slivers a few inches long
from the inside of the cockpit coming

B.)  Use a heat gun to briefly heat the area of the hole
holding the slivers in there ( needle nose pliers )

C.)  Slice off some excess with the razor when cool

P.S. - the cockpit coming is the lip where the spray skirt snaps around








Thursday, August 11, 2011

Open river from Holly to Owosso ????

There is a strong possibility of getting the Shiawassee River cleared from Holly to Owosso in 2011
- enabling paddlesports recreation via kayak or canoe along almost 50 miles of waterway.

----- Forwarded Message -----
Fenton Area Paddlers Yahoo Group

From: Chuck Julian
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 8:12 AM
Subject: River cleanup success

The river cleanup on August 7, 2011 was a big success.  The group starting at Waterworks Park cleaned up all the downed trees between Holly and Fenton's Strom Park.  The group starting at Bird Road was able to push on to Duffield Road.  Recent rains have caused the river level at Bird Road to come up substantially from the levels two weeks ago.  We ended up taking out some overhanging trees that were not a problem in the lower water, in the area previously cleaned.  The high water also means that we will probably need to take out more trees that are currently under water, at a later date.  We passed over some that our boats only barely cleared, but were too deep to saw out.  After pulling out of the river, most of us ate a lovely meal, courtesy of Maggie Yerman and Debbie McCarty, at Maggie's house.

The day was warm and sunny for most of the day.  The water was nice and warm.  We did get a few minutes of hard rain as we were taking our stuff out of the river but the rain was warm and a good time was had by all.  If you have never participated in one of these events, you are missing out.  The people are fun to be with, they work together and it almost seems as though this was a pool party going down the river with river cleaning being one of the party events.

The next and last major river cleanup for the year will be Sunday August 28.  We will meet in Linden just below the dam at Bridge Street and the river.  We want to clean from Linden to Duffield Road again to make sure that that stretch is still open.  We will cover a lot of ground in that group, so you will need to ride in a boat.  We have a report of a few trees being down and a few others being low enough to be a problem.  This cleaning will be maintenance cleaning, clearing trees and picking up trash.  If we get in some scouting reports before then, we may only need to send a few people down each stretch and have the remaining people go from Duffield to the Byron Mill Pond.  This will be a great achievement.  The river will be open all the way to Owosso at that point.

If you will be attending the next cleanup, please let me know in advance, especially if you will need to borrow a boat.  If you are willing to host a group of tired and hungry volunteers after the cleanup, that also would be much appreciated.  Let me know as soon as possible so that I can tell potential participants.

I want to thank the people who helped with these last two cleanups.  They include:
Doug Lanyk
Dave and Sue Lossing
Maggie Yerman
Debbie McCarty
Jimmy Manning
Willi Guttmann
John Macbeth
Rex Mathewson
Dennis Terry
David Spaine
Wendy Pinter
Chuck Gosh
Steve and Shae Hoffman
Burt and Jasmine Bilbrey
Karen Monetta
Bruce Allen
Ricky Ostrowski
Joetta Zalewski
David Spencer
Doug and Kristy Fairbanks
Terry Bretzlaff
Carol (don't know last name)
Sue Julian

Your participation and effort are greatly appreciated by me and by the growing number of people who love the Shiawassee River as a recreational destination.  It is time to get out there and enjoy the river.  Much of the Shiawassee has fewer houses per mile than better known rivers like the Boardman River in the Traverse City region.  There is a lot to see and the river is fun to paddle.

If you helped and I didn't mention your name or if you recognize yourself as the one that I don't know the last name of,
or if, heaven forbid, I misspelled your name, please contact me.

Chuck Julian

Links to the organizations that make this all possible - much of it done by volunteers !!!!

HeadWatersTrails Inc.
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Keepers of the Shiawassee
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Friends of the Shiawassee
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Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
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Stream barrier removal monitoring guide

 Perhaps helpful to those projects where a weir or dam is removed or planned for removal

Stream-Barrier-Removal-Monitoring-Guide-12-19-07.pdf (application/pdf Object)

http://www.sustainabletechnologies.ca/Portals/_Rainbow/Documents/NCD%202%202009.pdf


LinkedIN has a group that discusses projects involving water flow and habitat :

""""The Dam Removal and Fish Passage Network"""

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Monday, August 08, 2011

Increasing navigable waterway on the Shiawassee River trail

Chain Saw crews went out in 2 locations on the Shiawassee River increasing navigability.
One crew started in Holly at Waterworks Park and cleared debris toward Fish Lake Road.
Another crew went north to Argentine / Byron at Bird Road and cleared 2 miles to Duffeld Road.
This should greatly increase paddling enjoyment among neighboring communities as temps cool off a bit.


View Shiawassee River at Bird Road in Argentine in a larger map



Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Ducks Unlimited Receives $1.5 Million For Shiawassee

The funds will  restore emergent wetlands to 940 acres of land
currently in agricultural use at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.
 
Ducks Unlimited Receives $1.5 Million For Shiawassee

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Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Sediment and Michigan water quality standards

Perhaps useful info when dams along the Shiawassee River are removed in the near future,

Water Quality Standards

The water quality standards in Michigan pertaining to sediment do not
include any numeric values to serve as a benchmark for assessing the
amount of sediment in a water body.

Example taken from Clinton River watershed plan numeric sediment target
Suspended solids provide an estimate of the potential magnitude of sediment
Huron-Erie Lake Plain ecoregion  90th percentile TSS values
• Headwaters (< 20 square miles): 50 mg/L
• Wadeable (20 < 200 square miles): 65 mg/L
• Small Rivers (200 < 1000 square miles): 75 mg/L

Total suspended solids is a measurement usually abbreviated as TSS
The TSS target value presented above serves as the numeric goal for
suspended solids in the subwatershed. To determine if the current
amount of sediment entering the subwatershed will meet or exceed the
TSS target value, it is necessary to estimate the current amount of
sediment entering the subwatershed from a variety of sources.
This amount is referred to as the current sediment load.

In addition to determining the current load, it is also necessary
to identify the target load– the amount of sediment that sources
can contribute without exceeding the TSS target value for the watershed.
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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Genesee County District No. 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

Genesee County District No. 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

http://www.wadetrim.com/services/wrs_wwt_prj1.htm
This $14 million expansion increased treatment capacity by 50% to accommodate growing demand in three nearby communities. The design addressed operational, hydraulic and system problems and enables the facility to meet restrictive summer effluent limits in their NPDES permit. The expansion was constructed in four phases to minimize operational impacts and reduce costs. The 22 MGD maximum flow plant features new preliminary treatment, additional secondary clarifiers, a new ultraviolet disinfection, and improved solids handling and biological treatment.

Wade Trim
313.961.3650
500 Griswold Avenue,
Suite 2500,
Detroit, MI 48226

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Red Run

I've started a new blog concerning the Red Run which is literally "in my backyard"
Perhaps one day I'll actually paddle it when they clean up the input from the sewer drains.

http://redrundrain.wordpress.com/

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Monday, July 25, 2011

Summary of CleanUp from Sunday July 24 2011

The cleanup of the Shiawassee River on Sunday July 24 went really well and all had a great time.
The river was in far worse shape than anticipated.
Volunteer workers went from log jam to log jam all day.
They started at Bird Road,  managed to get to Bruce Allen's house on the river,
a distance around 1/2 way to Duffield Road on the river.

You can see photos of the people and the cleanup at the Keepers of the Shiawassee facebook page,

http://www.facebook.com/groups/111552015554058?closeTheater=1.

Maggie fed the helpers really well afterward at her house, where all relaxed and talked after a long day.

Many, many, thanks to all the people from Headwaters Trails and Keepers of the Shiawassee
who participated plus new participants who found us on the web.
This project is not possible without all the volunteer help received.

Another cleanup is scheduled for Sunday August 7, 2011 at 9am,
planning to meet at Bird Road and the river again.
If the rest of the river is a bad as this section, hopefully making it Duffield Road or beyond is possible.
The groups do not have a place to meet yet afterward to eat and relax for this event
---If you live near there and are willing to offer a deck,patio,backyard ,
perhaps hosting some sort of a potluck late afternoon evening, it would be appreciated.

Headwaterstrails Inc and Keepers of the Shiawassee are on Facebook - take a look




Sunday, July 24, 2011

Pictures from Keepers of the Shiawassee River Cleanup 7/24/11

A huge number of supporters came out and cleared woody debris

Check out pictures by clicking on the link below :

Keepers of the Shiawassee River Clean-up 7/24/11

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Saturday, July 23, 2011

River Cleanup Sunday July 24, 2011 Argentine Township

SUBJECT: River Cleanup Sunday July 24, 2011

Don't forget that we are having the Shiawassee River cleanup
Sunday July 24, 2011, starting at 9am at the intersection of
the river and Bird Road in Argentine Township. 


http://bit.ly/BirdStart

 We have trash to pickup, plus trees to saw and anchor to the bank to
protect the banks and create fish habitat.
Chuck Julian is bringing 4 chain saws, a bunch of cables, a cooler full of drinks.

We are hoping to "get-er-done" and go all the way to the Byron mill pond.

Afterward, Maggie Yerman has graciously offered
to feed people at her house. All help is welcome and appreciated .
This will be a big effort. Plan to work, rain or shine.

Monday, July 04, 2011

Schultz Outfitters: The Shiawassee's BACK!

Established in 2003, Schultz Outfitters is Southeastern Michigan's
only full-time, four-season fly-fishing guide service.
 
Schultz Outfitters: The Shiawassee's BACK!

Email
mike@schultzoutfitters.com
Website

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Kayaking the Shiawassee | This Chapter

A fresh new blogger on the scene - complete with her own video's and comments 

Kayaking the Shiawassee | This Chapter

Now you can see the Shiawassee River from a different perspective than just mine .

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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Pushing the trail north


Keepers of the Shiawassee River, Michigan

Saturday, June 18
Linden/Argentine River Cleanup
Meet 8:00 Argentine Twp Hall for free pancake breakfast and to get assignments
 
Time
Saturday, June 18 · 8:00am - 11:00am

Location
Argentine fire hall for breakfast


Register at Argentine Twp. 810-735-5050 or Linden City 735-7980
Variety of jobs for all ages:
Join teams in Linden or with Hope Lutheran @ Hogan Rd 
or Bird Rd working up river or McCaslin Lake Rd or working down river to Bird Rd.

Clean launch area roadways

River walkers trim overhanging branches, haul out tires, trash, etc.

Flat bottom boats and/or canoes for hauling out trash appreciated

Please bring your own tools if you have them such as chainsaws, loppers, handsaws and trimmers

Friday, June 10, 2011

WRCA: Clearinghouse for Dam Removal Information

WRCA: Clearinghouse for Dam Removal Information

Shiatown dam info  all in one place for easy access for all

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Sunday, June 05, 2011

Oakland County has 5 Rivers , ony 1 race canceled

Shiawassee River race had weak attendance - bad press

Perhaps this article jinxed the attendance numbers :

"""Lingering effects of excessive rain have cancelled an annual Oakland County canoe and kayak race. ""
"""Fast and high water in the Clinton River forced the cancellation of the third annual Paddlepalooza,
scheduled for Saturday in Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills. ""


The annual Shiawassee River race on June 5th, Sunday went off without a hitch still drawing
about 75 participants - BUT we had hoped for 200 + paddlers on such a nice day.

Oakland County needs to do a better job promoting the Shiawassee River

Willi G. Gutmann
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Sunday, May 22, 2011

June 5, 2011 Shiawassee River

Shiawassee River Paddle Event on June 5, 2011

Enter the Race for competition
OR -- join us for the Pleasure Paddle

Register


Canoes available for rental thru Heavners Livery
Shuttle transport all day long until 6pm

June 5th, 2011 - Join over 100 local paddlers for a day of fun

http://www.goracego.com/Search/event.aspx?event=6343d4bf-da49-4313-b270-b939310a1ce2.aspx

Shiawassee River Paddle Event on June 5, 2011

Water Trail Map


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

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

Start : WaterWorks Park in Holly, Michigan
End : Strom Park in Fenton, Michigan
Distance : 7 scenic miles of twists and turns

Schedule :
10:30 am : On-site registration WaterWorks Park
11:30 am : Introductory Ceremony
11:45 am : Experienced Canoeists Start
12:15 pm : Novice/Youth Canoeists Start
12:45 pm : Kayak/ Single person canoeists Start
***1:15 pm : Leisure/fun paddle Start *****
6:00 pm : Final river sweep completed

Canoes available for rental thru Heavners Livery
Shuttle transport all day long until 6pm

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

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Flood stage water on Shiawassee River

2011.05.19 Shiawassee River Flooding from John Vanderlaan on Vimeo.

After almost a week of rain, starting with the 2011 Durand Railroad Days, the Shiawassee River exceeded flood stage.



A few things mentioned about safe kayaking during high water - listen carefully
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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Shiawassee River at flood stage in Owosso Michigan

The Shiawassee River is at flood stage , over it's banks,  and pouring into streets

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Map of Shiawassee River for canoe or kayak

New Link
Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail
http://www.umflint.edu/resources/pdf/outreach/shiawasse-river-trail-map.pdf
Map of the river starting in Oakland County
































Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Helpers needed EARLY on June 5th for event

June 5 Race Day tasks
PLEASE consider helping us
It is an ALL volunteer effort

We are now in our 7th Year as an Annual Event on the Shiawassee River

If you would like to help a few hours,  a half day,  a full day - all help is welcome

Contact one of us :
Sue Julian 248-388-1313
Maggie Yerman 810-922-8627
Doug Lanyk 248-303-9495
Willi Gutmann 586-215-6387


Saturday--move supplies to WaterWorks building

SUNDAY
8am -- set up
traffic signs, set up tables and tents, hang banner, set up kayak corral,
place buoy, set up start line, connect sound system, begin registration

9am -- volunteer check-in for remaining volunteers
work/job orientation; final river check team departs

9:30am -- greeting public starts (they insist on coming early!)
info table up and running; box lunch orders taken, parking attendant working,
Heavner Canoe rental on site

10:00am -- registration starts
set up awards display, time results board, site for photographing winners

11:00am -- downstream set up
Strom Park timers and greeters; safety spotters get situated

11:30am -- Introduction to the Race;

11:45am -- Experienced teams start with lap around Millpond
12:15pm -- Novice/youth teams start with lap around Millpond
12:45pm -- Single/kayak paddlers start on Shiawassee River
1:00 pm -- Timing Results start;
Heavner is on site in Strom Park for first returns;
awards and photos as people return

1:15 to 2:00pm -- Pleasure paddlers depart; photographer downstream

2:00pm -- Sweep boat leaves
Timing results and awards continue; box lunches distributed
Additional help needed with return transportation

5:00pm -- Pizza for volunteers at WaterWorks Park

5:30pm -- Final clean-up

With a little luck we should be done with it all by 6pm

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Shiawassee River and Wildwood Cemetery in Chesaning

The Shiawassee River is eroding the banks, causing landslides near a Chesaning cemetary.
People are concerned the cemetary is at risk of sliding into the river.

Action becomes critical as Shiawassee River threatens Wildwood Cemetery | tricountycitizen.mihomepaper.com | The Tri County Citizen

http://bit.ly/Cemetary
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Thursday, May 05, 2011

Linden sign dedication on May 16 for Shiawassee Heritage Trail

Linden Sign Dedication on May 16 Marks First Full Moon Paddle of the Season


What: Linden Shiawassee River Sign Dedication & Full Moon Paddle
Where: Linden Mill Pond Beach, Linden Michigan
When: Monday, May 16, 2011,

5:00pm Sign Dedication,
6:30pm Full Moon Paddle


View Linden Mill Pond in a larger map

Join the City of Linden and Keepers of the Shiawassee May 16 at the Linden Mill Pond for the Shiawassee River sign dedication and full moon paddle. Friends and fellow paddlers will meet at the Mill Pond in Linden at 5pm to dedicate the new interpretive sign. Light refreshments will be served. Linden is the latest location to have signage installed along the Shiawassee River following a sign installation at Bush Park back in April. The mill pond is currently used as a kayak/canoe launch for paddlers who seek to paddle upstream to Tupper and Ponemah lakes.

The sign dedication ceremony will be followed by the first full moon paddle of the season, organized by Keepers of the Shiawassee. Interested paddlers are asked to meet at 6:30 p.m. at the mill pond for an hour long paddle up to Lake Ponemah and back to the mill pond. The group will end the evening at the Linden Hotel for dinner. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent from Fairbanks Canoes and Kayaks, LLC 810-287-9618 who will be at the event.

The sign was illustrated by Gayle Vandercook of Lapeer and was made possible through a generous grant from the Florence Michelson Fund and the Adams Fund to Benefit the Fenton Natural Environment, both associated Funds of the Fenton Community Fund. Since 2009, the Fenton Community Fund has lent their support to the River by advising a grant to University Outreach at the University of Michigan - Flint to create interpretive signage, a brochure, and develop a canoe launch. “Linden has supported the development of the Shiawassee River for years through their annual cleanups and festivals along the river and fishing tournaments. Developing the River into a recreation destination for paddlers seemed like a logical next step to boost local tourism and strengthen community identity” said Sara McDonnell, program coordinator at UM-Flint.

The Shiawassee River, the liquid ribbon that flows through Holly, Fenton, Linden and Argentine all the way to the Saginaw River and eventually to Saginaw Bay, is the focus of the Keepers of the Shiawassee. Keepers of the Shiawassee is a volunteer group that is developing the Shiawassee river as a paddling trail by organizing cleanups, installation of signage, and canoe/kayak launches. “The Shiawassee River is one of our greatest resources and has the opportunity to provide recreation and economic development to our region” stated Maggie Yerman an advocate for the Shiawassee River and key organizer of Keepers of the Shiawassee.
Keepers of the Shiawassee has grown out of efforts started by Headwaters Trails, Inc in Holly that created a paddling trail along the river from Holly to Fenton, and who organize an annual canoe race. Though local river cleanups occur in Fenton, Linden and Argentine, there has not been an organized effort to link volunteers in Genesee County to develop and promote the river. The Keepers of the Shiawassee hope to establish the water trail with safe and legal launch and landing sites and facilities every 4 to 6 river miles for novice and recreational paddlers.

Find Keepers of the Shiawassee on Facebook or Visit www.keepersoftheshiawassee.com for upcoming river events and to download the Shiawassee River Trail Guide.

CONTACTS
Sara McDonnell
University Outreach, UM-Flint
(810) 424-5489
smcdonne@umflint.edu

Maggie Yerman
Keepers of the Shiawassee
810-735-9570

Dave Lossing
Mayor, City of Linden
(810) 515-4359

CLICK on signs to see in more detail

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Monday, May 02, 2011

Michigan laws regarding dam safety

The DNR - Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the safety of dams.

The department has the power to regulate the construction, reconstruction, repair,
alteration, removal, abandonment, and operation of dams.

The department may in an emergency take any necessary actions, including repair,
drawdown, breaching or cessation of operation to protect public safety,
natural resources and the public trust.

Michigan laws regarding dam safety



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USGS topography map of the Shiatown Dam and surrounding land
( click on the picture with mouse for a larger view)

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The Shiatown Dam is 19 feet high - the water drops 19ft from reservoir to spillway
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Saturday, April 30, 2011

Wastewater overflow dumped from treatment plant in Durand, Michigan

Sewage was discharged by the Durand Wastewater Treatment Plant
http://bit.ly/DurandH2O into the Holly Drain north of the plant near Durand Road.
Approximately 30,000 to 40,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater was discharged.
The Holly Drain flows into the Shiawassee River near Vernon.

For further information, contact Steve Mince, director of public works for the city of Durand at 288-3113,
Gary Burk, director of Public Utilities for the city of Owosso at 725-0550
or Larry Johnson, director of environmental health, Shiawassee County Health Department at 743-2390.

The Shiawassee River was above its 7-foot flood stage beginning early Thursday morning - week of April 29, 2011
The river crested Thursday at 7.54 feet and was still at 7.15 feet at 1 a.m. today.
















Paddle safe everyone

Three Mile Creek and Holly Drain system in Shiawassee County
( click on picture for an enlarged view )

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Great Lakes Fishery Commission and Shiatown Dam

Back in January I quickly whipped up a pre-prosal funding document
for the removal of the Shiatown Dam and entered it into the official system.
The good folks at the GLFC took a look at it but shot down the funding proposal.
I see it as mission accomplished - it's on peoples radar as needing attention.

Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC)
Board of Technical Experts
Fishery Research Program

Removal of the Shiatown Dam issues

a.) Dams are used by the commission and its agents to control Sea Lamprey Populations
Removal of a dam must include an analysis of the effect on sea lamprey production.

b.) Pursue funding programs such as the Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration Program (GLFER).
This program provides funds for fishery restoration activities, including dam removal.
Contact Carl Platz at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for information about how to apply for GLFER.

c.) Next year’s pre-proposals will be due in mid-January 2011.

d.) The board seeks distinct deliverables and methods to address objectives of the proposal.

Charles Krueger - ckrueger@glfc.org
along with :
Sarah (Zahn) Seegert
Fishery Research Program Associate
Great Lakes Fishery Commission
2100 Commonwealth Blvd. Suite 100
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
e-mail: sseegert@glfc.org
Phone: 734-662-3209 x11

The pre-proposal I wrote in a hour obviously needs a full blown project management approach to be viable for funding

RATIONALE: Currently the dam is owned by the Michigan Land Bank Authority via tax default of a private owner.
The dam provides no flood control and in fact has been the site of 5 deaths over the past 20 years.
It is ill suited to the production of hydroelectric revenue as 4 prior owners defaulted on taxes due to lack of revenue from power generation.
The Shiawassee Watershed is a warm water environment conducive to many species of fish and mussels.
Enabling the river to run unobstructed will benefit the ecology of the region.
Blue Infrastructure definitely has a economic benefits.
People choose to live and work in areas where paddlesports recreation is readily available.
People are willing to pay a premium for locations with high quality green & blue infrastructure
i.e. recreational areas have significant impact on property values.
High quality natural and environmental amenities attract commercial development , jobs, and people.
They help support the quality of life of local residents and foster community attachment.
Talent tends to migrate to places with significant green & blue infrastructure.

OBJECTIVES:
1.) Remove the Shiatown Dam on the Shiawassee River
2.) Enable a natural free-flow state conducive to many species of fish and mussels.
3.) Increase usage and profitability to the region with eco-tourism via fishing and paddlesports
http://shiawassee-river.blogspot.com/2009/12/paddle-sports-grow-larger.html

METHODS:
1.) Work with all governmental agencies in the systematic removal of debris currently on site
2.) Obtain competitive bids regarding sedimentation testing and revealing usability of sediment
3.) Collaborate with independent engineering firms regarding various dismantling strategies
4.) File proper permit applications and have work done in stages to minimize sediment flow downstream.

RELEVANCE TO PROGRAM:
Human Dimension of Fishery Management
Ownership of a dam is a legal liability to the State of Michigan and an economic liability.
The human dimension of dams has evolved from a necessity for civilization to one of hindering the ecology of the region.
Fishery management, as a key stakeholder, wins from dam removal as it allows nature to work efficiently for fish survivability.
Saginaw Bay is basically choked with far too many dams on the rivers that dump into it.
Improving fish passage is a sure shot to increase natural reproduction.
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