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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