Shiawassee River - (Can't find it ? scroll down )

Doc Fletcher writes about Shiawassee River

2012-01-11T01:02:00.004-05:00

Doc Fletcher recognizes Shiawassee River in his latest book
A chapter in it details the June 2011 trip taken from Holly to Fenton.
In the chapter's "Back-ground" section, you'll find mention of
the efforts of both "Headwaters Trails Inc" and "Keepers of the Shiawassee"

Many many, thanks to Doc Fletcher to help publicize the efforts

of 2 fine organizations which put forth massive amounts of volunteer time

making the Shiawassee River better for all to recreate upon.

http://www.canoeingmichiganrivers.com/1/149/whats_new.asp

The book is $19 and will be sold in bookstores across Michigan and online at the dotcoms.

If you'd like to purchase books for resale in your store,

please contact Susan Bays at (231) 946-7240,

or editor@arbutuspress.com.

-
-

Aerial Video during Paddlesports Races ?

2012-01-08T13:35:00.001-05:00

New improved 720p camera on wireless aerial drone quadricoptor to record race footage ?

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/parrot-ar-drone-2.0-leakedd/

HD video capability along with a 3-axis accelerometer,
a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis magnetometer and a pressure sensor.

Might be just the thing for the Shiawassee River races

-
-

View dam alternatives

2011-12-23T14:13:00.001-05:00

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 .

River paddling thru meanders

2011-12-18T12:04:00.000-05:00

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.

-
-

Calories burned while kayaking

2011-12-13T12:19:00.001-05:00

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 !

-
-

Northern Shiawassee River issues

2011-12-04T16:24:00.001-05:00

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.

Snyder notices Shiawassee River

2011-12-03T11:16:00.001-05:00

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

By Barrie Barber | The Saginaw News

Kayaker Parade Float for Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-11-26T18:22:00.001-05:00

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

Dam Safety

2011-11-16T12:13:00.001-05:00

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

-
-
-

The only cell phone you'll ever need

2011-11-02T19:54:00.001-04:00

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/

Wetland are vital to stream health

2011-10-27T11:58:00.000-04:00

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.

Project to return farmland to wetlands - Midland Daily News: Story Prep

2011-10-22T09:18:00.000-04:00

Good news for Shiawassee wetlands

Project to return farmland to wetlands - Midland Daily News: Story Prep

-
-

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

2011-10-21T16:05:00.000-04:00

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.

Owosso council ponders dams

2011-10-19T12:06:00.001-04:00

Dams on Shiawassee River pose touch financial considerations

Owosso council ponders dams - The Argus-Press: Owosso

-
-

Kayaking zone

2011-10-17T16:41:00.001-04:00

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
-
-

Burns Grange on Shiawassee River

2011-10-10T00:04:00.001-04:00

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

-
-
-

Keepers of the Shiawassee River group

2011-10-06T17:21:00.003-04:00

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

Keepers of the Shiawassee River, Michigan

-
-
-

Shiawassee River fall color celebration October 1, 2011

2011-09-26T15:19:00.000-04:00

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 7^th annual Canoeing in Color

October 1-- launch time between 1:00pm -- 2:00pm

Waterworks Park, Broad St. Holly

It is seven miles from Waterworks Park in Holly to Strom Park in Fenton.

****_____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

2011-09-26T10:11:00.000-04:00

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

October 1, 2011 Fall Color Tour Shiawassee River

2011-09-12T12:02:00.000-04:00

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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

-
-
-

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

2011-09-08T14:02:00.000-04:00

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 !

-
-
-

Holly, Michigan is a Playful City USA top pick

2011-09-07T14:50:00.002-04:00

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.

-

Billion dollar sewage boggle « Red Run

2011-08-31T12:43:00.001-04:00

This article relates to many communities all across Michigan

Billion dollar sewage boggle « Red Run

-
-
-

Upcoming group paddles Fall 2011

2011-08-29T23:55:00.001-04:00

Keepers of the Shiawassee

September/October Paddling

Saturday 3^rdDowntown Linden to Argentine (Shiawassee River) 9:30 am

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

Monday 12^thMoonlight Paddle, (Linden Mill Pond) 6:30

Tuesday 20^thFisherman’s Landing Mott Lake (Flint River) 6:00

Friday 23^rdRichfield Park to Mott Lake (Flint River)

Saturday 24^th Bush Park to Linden Autumn Festival (Shiawassee River) 12:00

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

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

Sunday Oct 16^th Sandhill Cranes on Lobdell 1:00

Trip Details

Saturday 3^rd. 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 28^th. 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 5^th 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 10^th 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 12^th 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 20^th 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 23^rd 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 24^th 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 15^th 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 16^th 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
-
-

Continued progress on Shiawassee River

2011-08-29T12:37:00.004-04:00

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

River maintenance Sunday August 28, 2011

2011-08-22T16:43:00.003-04:00

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.

Comments, suggestions, feedback, etc.

2011-08-19T21:02:00.000-04:00

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

Another genius drowns - No Vest

2011-08-14T13:18:00.001-04:00

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
-
-

Plastic rotomolded kayak fix

2011-08-13T19:55:00.002-04:00

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

Open river from Holly to Owosso ????

2011-08-11T16:44:00.003-04:00

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.
-
Keepers of the Shiawassee
-
Friends of the Shiawassee
-
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
-
-

Stream barrier removal monitoring guide

2011-08-11T07:34:00.003-04:00

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"""

-

Increasing navigable waterway on the Shiawassee River trail

2011-08-08T11:16:00.000-04:00

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

Ducks Unlimited Receives $1.5 Million For Shiawassee

2011-08-03T10:31:00.002-04:00

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

-
-

Sediment and Michigan water quality standards

2011-08-02T15:27:00.002-04:00

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.
-

Genesee County District No. 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

2011-07-30T09:54:00.000-04:00

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

Storms bring rain, power outages - The Argus-Press: Shiawassee Area

2011-07-29T16:30:00.000-04:00

Storms bring rain, power outages - The Argus-Press: Shiawassee Area

Red Run

2011-07-28T15:40:00.001-04:00

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/

-
-

Tire collection and river clean-up planned - The Argus-Press: Local News

2011-07-27T08:24:00.000-04:00

Tire collection and river clean-up planned - The Argus-Press: Local News

Summary of CleanUp from Sunday July 24 2011

2011-07-25T16:36:00.002-04:00

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

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

2011-07-24T15:29:00.001-04:00

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

-
-

River Cleanup Sunday July 24, 2011 Argentine Township

2011-07-23T16:33:00.000-04:00

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.

Boat hits and severely injures kayaker in Michigan

2011-07-19T10:38:00.001-04:00

Boat hits, severely injures kayaker in Michigan

http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2011/07/18/local_news/5704565.txt

Herald Palladium > Local News > Boat hits, severely injures kayaker

Tri-County Times > Archives > Living > Kayaking

2011-07-16T09:26:00.000-04:00

Tri-County Times > Archives > Living > Kayaking

Schultz Outfitters: The Shiawassee's BACK!

2011-07-04T12:06:00.001-04:00

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	http://www.schultzoutfitters.com http://www.schultzoutfitters.blogspot.com

Tri-County Times - Fenton Shiawassee Clean-Up

2011-07-02T12:01:00.001-04:00

People cleaned up trash and debris along 6 miles of the river in Fenton

http://www.tctimes.com/articles/2011/07/01/news/local/doc4e0e264b37b6e941698399.txt

Fenton Approves Not-to-Exceed $10,000 for Mill Pond Weed Harvesting - Fenton, MI Patch

2011-06-30T09:38:00.000-04:00

Fenton Approves Not-to-Exceed $10,000 for Mill Pond Weed Harvesting - Fenton, MI Patch

Friends of Shiawassee director resigns - The Argus-Press:

2011-06-29T21:14:00.000-04:00

Friends of Shiawassee director resigns - The Argus-Press:

Friends of Shiawassee to study dam - The Argus-Press:

2011-06-24T17:07:00.000-04:00

Friends of Shiawassee to study dam - The Argus-Press:

Kayaking the Shiawassee | This Chapter

2011-06-21T20:41:00.002-04:00

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 .

-
-

Pushing the trail north

2011-06-14T17:04:00.000-04:00

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

WRCA: Clearinghouse for Dam Removal Information

2011-06-10T21:23:00.001-04:00

WRCA: Clearinghouse for Dam Removal Information

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

-
-

A Perfect Day for a Paddle - Fenton, MI Patch

2011-06-07T11:15:00.000-04:00

A Perfect Day for a Paddle - Fenton, MI Patch

Oakland County has 5 Rivers , ony 1 race canceled

2011-06-05T18:31:00.003-04:00

Shiawassee River race had weak attendance - bad press

Perhaps this article jinxed the attendance numbers :

BY TAMMY STABLES BATTAGLIA --- DETROIT FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
- scared people from ALL RIVERS in Oakland county - that's sad !

"""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
-

June 5, 2011 Shiawassee River

2011-05-22T11:54:00.005-04:00

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

Flood stage water on Shiawassee River

2011-05-21T15:48:00.004-04:00

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
-
-

Shiawassee River at flood stage in Owosso Michigan

2011-05-17T12:12:00.000-04:00

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

Map of Shiawassee River for canoe or kayak

2011-05-14T16:19:00.000-04:00

Maps linked with geo-tagged pictures viewable in Google Earth

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/albumMap?uname=WilliH2O&aid=5554001279509233297#map

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/albumMap?uname=WilliH2O&aid=5459775380877347649#map

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/albumMap?uname=WilliH2O&aid=5463507338856007873#map

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/albumMap?uname=WilliH2O&aid=5547612891267388801#map

Map of the river starting in Oakland County

Shiawassee Heritage Water Trail Map
http://www.umflint.edu/outreach/assets/shiawasse-river-trail-map.pdf

Thanks to :
Sara McDonnell, Program Coordinator
University Outreach, UM-Flint

Helpers needed EARLY on June 5th for event

2011-05-10T16:30:00.001-04:00

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

Shiawassee River and Wildwood Cemetery in Chesaning

2011-05-08T08:59:00.002-04:00

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
-
-

Linden sign dedication on May 16 for Shiawassee Heritage Trail

2011-05-05T12:43:00.003-04:00

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

Michigan laws regarding dam safety

2011-05-02T22:47:00.004-04:00

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

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

-

The Shiatown Dam is 19 feet high - the water drops 19ft from reservoir to spillway
-

Wastewater overflow dumped from treatment plant in Durand, Michigan

2011-04-30T12:24:00.006-04:00

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 )

Great Lakes Fishery Commission and Shiatown Dam

2011-04-26T20:51:00.002-04:00

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.
-
-

Canoe and Kayak launches in Bush Park, Fenton, Michigan

2011-04-25T11:11:00.003-04:00


Canoe and Kayak launches available in 2011

Look for new canoe and kayak launches to be installed in Bush Park along the Shiawassee River

A $3,579 grant from REI along with funding from the Fenton Rotary Club made it possible

Bush Park is one of Fenton’s largest parks at 5.5 acres.

The park has two entrances;
a.) East end of Jefferson Street behind St. John’s Catholic Church
b.) N. Leroy Street at Fifth Street.

The park is always open and has no entrance fees.
The Shiawassee River runs through the park.

http://bit.ly/BushPark

http://bit.ly/USGSmap

View Bush Park in Fenton,MI in a larger map

http://www.cityoffenton.org/parks/bush.asp

-
People now can rent a canoe or kayak along with shuttle service
for the Shiawassee River in Holly, Fenton, Linden area

Fairbanks Canoes & Kayaks
Linden, Michigan
(810) 287-9618‎

Email‎: fairbankscanoesandkayaks AT gmail.com‎

Area served‎: Linden, MI, and locations within 25 miles‎

http://bit.ly/FairbanksCanoe

Payment Accepted‎: Check‎‎, Traveler's Check‎‎, Cash‎

Spotting / shuttling service for those with their own canoe or kayak
-
-

Saginaw County dikes threaten Shiawassee River

2011-04-16T13:50:00.006-04:00

Erosion of dikes along a 4 mile section of drain in Albee Township threatens the river.
The drainage district faces a potential lawsuit if someone got hurt and the erosion is an environmental hazard.
Sediment is swept into the drain and eventually into the Shiawassee River and out to the Saginaw Bay.

Eroding Dikes

-
-

http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/04/a_creek_runs_through_it_future.html

-

Paddling safely in groups

2011-04-12T19:49:00.008-04:00

I'm a firm believer that sharing is caring --- i.e. sharing info with others shows a level of concern

There are some people who falsely believe posting about kayak safety
drives people away from the sport - "we just want to paddle leave us alone" - syndrome.
Posting , talking, discussing , teaching safety is not the culprit - it those who refuse to heed advice that put others at risk.

That's a damn shame because those ""un-safety concious folk"" paddle with others in groups.
A recent article by Tim Dyer concerning group management calls it ""Paddling with Lemons""

Nobody wants a "Lemon". Definitely not an automobile that's a lemon, or an appliance that's a lemon.
Smart Paddling involves minimizing risk to yourself, your equipment, and those you paddle with.

Are you in possession of a "Lemon" when paddling ?
- do you truly know the skills of your paddling partner ?
- suppose you don't know the skills of multiple paddlers in the group ?
- are there some in the group who don't wear a pfd, refuse to wear a pfd ?
- are there some who expect others to save them instead of being able to save themselves ?

Maybe you won't have an accident - but the likelihood is strong, especially when the odds are stacked up.
Lemons sour the mix, so eliminate the ones ruining the experience, and have an enjoyable safe paddle.
It's your life, protect it.

Remember :

Don’t go in to rescue somebody - if you can't stay on top yourself.
No pretending, no hero stuff. You are no good to anyone if you’re upside down.
Get those still on top - in a position where they’ll stay on top - have them raft up besides one another.

Springtime fallen tree cleanup on Shiawassee River

2011-04-11T10:22:00.002-04:00

Steve Hoffman and Doug Lanyk set out on Sunday with 75 degree F air temps

and 45 degree high water to clear the Shiawassee River between Holly and Fenton.

Another 8 dead fall tree blockages were removed by chainsaws and they worked
until the machines ran out of gas making a full day of it all.

Springtime is always a rough start with deadfall from winter and spring storms.
Once the big stuff is cleared each year, the river is quite navigable along the 7 mile trail.

View Holly - Shiawassee River in a larger map

Thanks to to the hard work of Headwaterstrails Inc.

the river will soon be ready for paddlesport activities.

-
-

Shiawassee River in Oakland County

2011-04-09T13:29:00.000-04:00

People often forget that Oakland County plays a key role in numerous river water systems

People can drown with PFD on

2011-04-06T10:52:00.001-04:00

People kayaking or canoeing can still drown even though they are wearing a life jacket

1. Lifejacket not right size/type for conditions, old, worn out, broken, torn or worn improperly.

2. Vessel capsized and wearer trapped inside

3. Entrapment due to rocks or debris or severe water hydraulics

4. Wearer drowned from wave splash (mouth immersions) before rescue

5. Wearer sustained other injury which prevented keeping face out of water or injury restricted airway.

6. Wearer became unconscious and was not wearing a self‐righting life jacket model.

7. Failing of self‐righting life jackets.

-
-

Proper kayak paddling

2011-04-04T16:00:00.001-04:00

Perhaps we can all learn a bit from this slow motion clip
a.) use the legs a lot
b.) rotate the torso of the body
c.) lean forward using abdominal muscles

Michigan waterways and rapid development

2011-03-26T00:01:00.002-04:00

An interesting article on developing "rapids" for Michigan paddlesports

Rapid Development - Hour Detroit - March 2011 - Detroit, MI

-
-

2011 Shiawassee River race and pleasure paddle

2011-03-20T13:37:00.003-04:00

Shiawassee River Paddle Event on June 5, 2011

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

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

Water Trail Map
www.umflint.edu/outreach/assets/shiawasse-river-trail-map.pdf

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

-
-

Trail maintenance on the Shiawassee River headwaters

2011-03-16T17:04:00.001-04:00

Doug Lanyk and Steve Hoffman made it out today March 16th, 2011 for a paddle upon the Shiawassee River
They launched from Waterworks Park in Holly with high water levels barely making it thru the tubes.
Chainsaws were used to clear up deadfall from the winter wind storms and progress was made
up towards the Fish Lake Road takeout.
-

-

Why cotton absorbs lots of water

2011-03-16T12:10:00.001-04:00

For many paddling trips in Michigan you'll want to avoid cotton
- it stays wet , chilling the body, causing hypothermia quickly

Appalachian Mountain Club's Equipped: Why Does Cotton Absorb So Much Water?
-
-

Great Lakes levels expected to drop

2011-03-15T13:58:00.002-04:00

Looks like another rough year for local water levels in the various watersheds for 2011
- we just did not not get enough winter precipitation

Great Lakes levels expected to drop | The Times Herald | thetimesherald.com
-
-

2011 Shiawassee river events, cleanup , race, biathalon

2011-03-12T20:30:00.005-05:00

Shiawassee River Trail cleanup

Time
Sunday, May 15, 2011 · 12:30pm - 5:30pm
Location
Waterworks Park, Holly MI
602 South Broad St, Holly, MI 48442-1674

Bring canoes, cold water work gear, gloves, boots, chainsaw, and a big smile.
We have a lot of downfall from the winter to clear out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shiawassee River Paddle Event

Time
Sunday, June 5, 2011 · 10:30am - 5:30pm

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

We will be having 3 racing classes and a Pleasure Paddle

Additional Info:
Call Sue Julian, 248-634-3513
or email sjulian @ provide dot net
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biathalon - short run and paddle

Time
Sunday, June 26, 2011 · 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Location
Downtown Holly, MI

TBD - looking like a 3 to 5 K run followed by a 3 K kayak paddle.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stay in touch via Facebook - Headwaters Trails Inc.

Headwaters Trails Inc. 501 (c) (3)

Promotes the creation of land and water trails in North West Oakland County Michigan.

Headwaters Trails, Inc.
P.O. Box 33
Holly, MI 48442-0033

Sue Julian, President: 248-634-3513
Doug Lanyk, Vice-President: 248-634-4551

Navigable creeks, streams, rivers, waterways and the law

2011-03-12T14:50:00.000-05:00

In regards to legal navigability of a waterway, for the public :

- they merely have to be used; to be considered navigable.

By court definition: ""a capacity for meeting the needs and necessities of the people""

Historical commercial uses like floating logs downstream during the lumbering era helps of course

The public has rights in navigable water.

Any water which in its natural state, is capable of, and has been used, for the purposes:

a.) commerce

b.) travel

c.) trade

is considered a navigable waterway by the court systems in a large number of cases.

The floating of logs during the lumbering days was held to be an act of commerce.

It also applies to the movement of animal hides for the fur trade via canoe or kayak.

Travel of people, food, supplies, etc. both upstream or downstream counts as well.

While the log floatation test was the old yardstick

by which many "navigability" claims were measured;

-it is "how" modern waterways best serve the public (as historical intent of law)

that allows recreational usage to be considered in the determination of navigability.

The capacity for beneficial public service is paramount towards being deemed navigable.

Courts adopted a rule of "capacity for use to meet public necessity" as the true test.

Entitlement to paddle upon any given waterway involves the "capability of sustaining travel".

Waterways are public paths, expected to be open to travel and other uses.

This public expectation is still valid today in a modern society.

Sidenote:

My advice is to avoid confrontation with homeowners by merely saying

"sorry, we'll be gone momentarily - we meant no harm or disrespect -have a nice day"

Yelling at each other over rights, entitlement, etc. is simply non-productive and stressful.

Do not engage, simply keep moving and minimize the time spent at that location.

Quiet Water Symposium March 5 2011

2011-03-06T16:20:00.000-05:00

Saturday March 5, 2011 at the Quiet Water Symposium on the campus of Michigan State Universty was a success.
A very, very busy day with pretty much non-stop traffic at the HeadWatersTrails booth educating, explaining
and passing out brochures concerning the Shiawassee Water Water trail.

Willi G. Gutmann

-
-

Lake Associations Oakland Genesee

2011-02-27T17:03:00.002-05:00

Please CLICK on images below for larger view:

Bennett Lake Association and Lobdell Lake: ( Hoisington & Woodland Lakes )
www.lobdellbennettlake.com
webguy@lobdellbennettlake.com
For general information about the Association, please mail;
Lobdell - Bennett Lake Association
P.O. Box 152
Linden, MI 48451

Cranberry Creek Association:
Robert Rechul
7049 Raspberry Ct.
Fenton, Michigan 48430
517-545-7359

Faussett Lake Association:
Nancy Gregory
4300 Faussett Lake Rd.
Howell, MI 48855
517-546-2141

Hidden Lake Association:
8719 Hidden Lake Rd.
Howell, MI 48855
Phyllis Grannan, Secretary
517-548-2504

Indian Lake Association
Dan Prince (DNR)
2400 Laurel Oak Dr #128
Howell, MI 48855

Katrine Hills Lake Association:
[Bennett Lake Channel]
Denise Booher
11245 Katrine Drive
Fenton, Michigan 48430
810-735-1648
cell: 810-240-9252

Lake Shannon Association:
http://shannon.weebly.com/
Maria Hughes-VP
7428 Parkwood Dr.
Fenton, MI 48430
810-714-0550

Ryan Lake Association:
Dan Green
11459 Koth Dr
Linden, Michigan 48451
810-735-9825

Lake Farm H. O. Association(Bennett Lake)
Attn: Jeanine Hunt
7233 Bennett Lake Rd.
Fenton, MI 48430
810-735-7533

HARTLAND TOWNSHIP

Hartland Shores Estates-Long Lake Assoc.
Robert Wesley
1123 Long Lake Dr
Brighton, MI 48114
248-978-3247

Parshallville Mill Pond Assoc.
P.O. Box 681
Parshallville, MI 48430
FAX 810-632-6311
Mike Bokcer
6142 Linden Rd.
Fenton, MI 48430
810-750-0209

Pleasant Valley Estates/Bitten Lake Assoc.
Steve Single
30 W. Peterson
Brighton, MI 48114
810-227-7489

GENESEE COUNTY LAKE ASSOCIATION WEBSITES
www.shinanguag.com
www.kearsleylakeassociation.org
www.hollowaylakeassociation.com
-
-

Average AIR temperatures in Fenton Michigan

2011-02-26T13:54:00.002-05:00

Soon the connecting ponds and lakes will be free of ice - enabling paddling.

The water temps will still be bone chilling without proper clothing the next few weeks
-take the appropriate precautions and if you don't know what they are, stay home.

Spring snow melt and rain can cause very swift current on the Shiawassee River

{ click on the chart below for a better view }

Shiawassee River Map with tributaries, watersheds, routes, trails

2011-02-23T16:07:00.013-05:00

Various maps in a variety of formats - CLICK on them for better view

Trail Map
http://www.umflint.edu/outreach/assets/shiawasse-river-trail-map.pdf

Thanks to :
Sara McDonnell, Program Coordinator
University Outreach, UM-Flint

Pictures of Shiatown Dam

2011-02-17T01:04:00.020-05:00

Panoramio photos illustrate places, many of which show in the Google Earth layer.

http://www.panoramio.com/user/4402540/tags/Shiatown

-
-

Paddlesports at the forefront of recreation in Michigan

2011-02-16T17:05:00.007-05:00

State of Michigan Recreation Role

    Recreation responsibilities in Southeastern Michigan :

    1) development of a state-wide recreation plan.
    2) provision of large-scale recreation to serve the inter-county recreation needs of people.
    3) acquisition and management of natural lands.
    4) protection of natural resource areas and wildlife for conservation purposes.
    5) assistance to lower levels of government for development of recreation.


   Recreation includes paddlesports – canoe and kayaking.

   Paddlesports should come before motorboat fishing activities :
   - more accessible and desirable to the general everyday public.
   - kayaks and canoes cost far less than powerboats and don’t pollute the environment.
   - paddlesports provide much needed exercise, reduces stress levels, and is quiet.
   - launching a kayak or canoe can be easily done without highly expensive concrete trailer ramps
   - paddlesports adds to the economy via ecotourism , many travel quite far to paddle scenic areas.


Waterways and scenic areas are very valuable as public recreational areas.
Water is a shared resource that interconnects communities.
It enhances the tourism industry and increase the quality of life for all .

    A navigable stream / creek / river is just as important as a walking / hiking / jogging / running / bicycle trail.

-
-

Log Jam at Shiatown Dam

2011-02-15T15:05:00.000-05:00

Photo taken Aug 7, 2010 by Jasmin at Big Country Photographics as seen on the DeviantArt webpage

This woody debris has been here soooo long - green grass has begun to grow upon the log jam

Shiatown Dam badly needs maintenance as the spring ice jams put pressure on the crumbling concrete

Shiatown Dam to be removed

2011-02-13T13:19:00.004-05:00

State making plans to remove Shiatown dam

http://bit.ly/ShiatownDam

An article published in the Sunday February 13, 2011 Argus Press confirms the removal of the Shiatown Dam.

The Michigan Land Bank, which owns the dam, has announced plans to take it down.

“We are in the process of coming up with a plan and searching for funding to remove it,”
said Jeffrey Huntington, a property analyst at the Land Bank.
“Dam ownership is really not what the Land Bank does.
We don’t have the funds to sustain the dam for a long time.”

The Shiatown Dam in Durand, Michigan will soon disappear, be demolished, and removed
allowing the Shiawassee River to run freely once again.

-

2000 people show up to Shiawassee River Races

2011-02-11T14:27:00.002-05:00

Way back in 1963 , approximately 2,000 people watched the
8th Annual, Durand Sportsman Association, boat races on the Shiawassee River
The 18 mile race started down in Byron,MI and ended at the Shiatown Dam in Durand, MI

The Shiawassee River can be brought back to a navigable level for all of Michigan to enjoy !
It is not outside the realm of possibility - Myself and a few others have paddled 40 miles in 1 day.

Canoe and Kayak races on the Shiawassee River can rival those of the Ausable and Grand River

The Shiawassee River in the vicinity of Byron,Michigan needs a concentrated effort
to remove deadfall trees using chainsaws this summer to make the river navigable.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/albumMap?uname=WilliH2O&aid=5463507338856007873#map

-
-
-
-

1873 Shiawassee Town map

2011-02-10T05:59:00.005-05:00

The Argus-Press - Aug 19, 1982

Info taken from Page 6 in the Argus Press August 19, 1982
http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_U8iAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Kq0FAAAAIBAJ&pg=1608,3985750&dq=shiawassee+town&hl=en

The location of the Grist Mill, Paper Mill and Saw Mill can be see on the map near the dam site
-

Fiscal respect in Paddling sports versus fishing ?

2011-02-06T20:32:00.003-05:00

Does paddlesports get the same fiscal respect as fishing in Michigan ?

What is the $ dollar value of Paddlesports to the Michigan economy versus the fishing industry ?

http://www.outdoorindustry.org/images/researchfiles/2009%20Paddlesports%20Report.FINAL.pdf

Canoes and Kayaks dominate boating throughout the USA
http://www.examiner.com/kayaking-in-detroit/canoes-and-kayaks-dominate-boating

Out of all the possible boat types available to the public at large
(16 years or older) over 20 % of them choose to use a kayak or canoe.

Paddlesports provides revenue to the economy via purchases in local communities for lodging, restaurants, supplies, gasoline, shopping, etc.

-
-

Paddlesports recreation and dam removal

2011-02-06T17:29:00.000-05:00

Dam removal often puts fishing concerns above those of the paddlesports industry and recreation.

Based on extended analysis of data collected for the Outdoor Recreation Participation Report using
the responses of over 40,000 Americans ages six and older - paddlesports is rapidly growing in the USA

17.8 million Americans ages 6 and older participate in kayaking, canoeing, and rafting

Kayaking has enjoyed steady growth in spite of the economic slump growing 3% each year.

The survey is the largest of its type examining participation in sports and outdoor activities.

http://www.outdoorindustry.org/images/researchfiles/2009%20Paddlesports%20Report.FINAL.pdf?79

Paddlers bring extensive revenue to communities via purchases for lodging, gasoline, restaurants, etc., etc.

Obstacles to fish ARE OFTEN obstacles to Paddlesports also - and our voice is powerful in $$$$ !

Friends of the Shiawassee River Annual Meeting: February 24 2011

2011-02-06T15:20:00.002-05:00

The Friends of the Shiawassee River Annual Meeting

- Thursday, February 24 · [ 7:00pm - 10:00pm ]

- First United Methodist Church
- 1500 North Water St
- Owosso, Michigan

Owosso Assistant City Manager Adam Zettel will discuss how to best integrate the Shiawassee River, which was identified by City Council as a proirity in 2011 in city planning efforts. All members of the organization are encouraged to attend,... as well as local and regional planning representatives and members of the community.

A suggested $5 donation is recommended and light refreshments will be provided.
Zettel will introduce the topic of “Integrating the Shiawassee River into Planning Efforts.”
The event will be an open dialogue for members and the community to discuss assets of the River and potential for protection and development.

“The Shiawassee River is a special place for the community. It helped establish and foster the growth of Owosso and other unique places and we hope to see it featured as an important piece of community development efforts,” said Heidi Frei, Director of the Friends of the Shiawassee River.

The Friends will also elect new officers and recognize volunteers and local businesses for their assistance with the organizations conservations efforts. RSVP is not required, but encouraged.

For more information, please contact Jen McMillon at jmcmillon@ShiawasseeRiver

The Friends of the Shiawassee River are an all volunteer organization committed to improving the environment, promoting responsible use of, and enhancing the appreciation of the Shiawassee River throughout its watershed.

For more information visit Friends of the Shiawassee River at www.shiawasseeriver.org.

-
-

Aging dam crisis in Michigan

2011-02-06T11:39:00.002-05:00

Dam removal in Michigan needs to be streamlined and fast tracked by a think tank of professionals which most definitely include paddling aficionados, paddlesports retailers, and the ACA - American Canoe Association. Michigan has an enormous amount of creeks, streams, rivers, ponds, channels and lakes; all of which need attention.

Aging Dam Crisis in Michigan

Shiatown Dam in Durand, Michigan 48429

2011-02-04T15:43:00.002-05:00

Spoke to the USA postal office and the Shiatown Dam is definitely in Durand, MI zip code 48429
The nearest major crossroads intersection is the corner of Bancroft Road and Bennington Road in Durand, MI

http://www.geonames.org/7648758/shiatown-dam.html
Shiatown Dam

Shiatown Dam is in Durand, Michigan 48429 -- click on image for enlarged, detailed view

Verified via :

USA Post Office

211 North Oak Street,

Durand, Michigan 48429

(989) 288-3876

Aerial View Shiatown Dam

2011-02-03T23:48:00.001-05:00

Lat=42.929668 Lon=-84.072257

Click on pictures for a larger, more detailed view

SeeClickFix for Shiatown Dam removal

2011-01-30T13:39:00.007-05:00

SeeClickFix for Shiatown Dam removal -- http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/77906

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Your browser does not support iframes. Try it from &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="/" target="_blank"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;www.SeeClickFix.com&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Antiquated dam providing NO flood control and is dangerous for kids to climb on.
Removal eliminates danger, creates more park acreage, and returns the river to its natural free flow.

Owner - Michigan Land Bank

Jeff Huntington

Senior Property Analyst

517-636-4898

huntingtonj@michigan.gov
-
-

State took ownership of Shiatown Dam in 1999

2011-01-29T14:06:00.002-05:00

In 1999 the private owner of the dam defaulted on taxes and the Shiatown Dam
reverted to state ownership -- perhaps also because of the death in 1998
of a 7th grader at the site ?

---

Video of Shiatown Dam at Flood Stage

2011-01-29T03:04:00.002-05:00

It would appear this bit of video footage was shot in fall of 2008 - check out USGS data below video

Video of Shiatown Dam at flood stage

-

Shiatown Dam Resevoir shrinkage once dam is removed

2011-01-28T12:12:00.004-05:00

On February, 13, 2001, the Shiawassee River near Shiatown Dam rose to 7 feet 8 inches. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch, and at 9
p.m. the river was 2.5 inches from the top of the dam.

Feb. 2001 reports in Owosso showed the Shiawassee River at Owosso exceeded flood stage of 7 feet at 2 pm on the 9th. The river crested at 8.2 feet at 10 pm on the 10th. After briefly falling below flood stage, the river saw a secondary flood crest of 7.3 feet at 1 am on the 14th.

Anything clogging the spillways will reduce the dam’s capability to handle a flood event and put the structure out of compliance with safety standards. The current logjam demands attention from the owner because it is out of compliance in 2011.

The area surrounding the dam is sparsely populated. Currently the reservoir pond behind the dam covers less than 50 acres, a massive reduction from the 1960's when it once covered 120 acres. Shrinkage of the reservoir pond once the Shiatown Dam is removed is insignificant to the community.

The Michigan Land Bank owns the dam. Shiawassee County Parks and Recreation Commission operates the 35 acres around the dam as Shiatown Park, East and West.
The dam is dangerous for children to climb upon or gain access to. Removal of the dam would enhance the surrounding by eliminating a manmade hazard.

Click on the illustration below for a larger view of the park :

Shiatown Reservoir Sedimentation testing

2011-01-21T19:24:00.005-05:00

Sedimentation Testing - Historical Lab Data -
http://www.doxtop.com/browse/965f9d68/shiatown-resevoir-sediment-testing.aspx

The Shiawassee Town Reservoir is 42 Miles downstream from the Superfund site in Howell, Michigan.

Research regarding sedimentation at the dam site revealed this report from 2009 :
http://www.epa.gov/region5superfund/fiveyear/reviews_pdf/michigan/shiawassee_river_2009_334790.pdf

Contaminant Migration statement in the 2009 report
"""Based on the comparison of data from 1988 and 1999, the PCBs appeared to be dispersing downstream from the CFC facility, without accumulating in any particular location. Sampling in the Shiawassee town Reservoir and Shaw Lake downstream of the CFC facility, which would act as sediment traps for material moving downstream, primarily showed nondetectable levels of PCBs.""""

A study from May 2006 by Mark A. Coscarelli with the Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed
--identified the dams at Chesaning, Owosso, Corunna, and Shiatown on the Shiawassee River as candidates for removal

http://www.fw.msu.edu/~rileysh2/enhancing_fish_passage.pdf

-Sharon Hanshue - Michigan DNR Legal - questioned the Future of the Shiatown Dam as well back in 2008
The Great Lakes Fishery Trust and Michigan Sea Grant had the Shiatown Dam listed for study in its strategic plan.
"The dam requires considerable repairs to stabilize it over the long term and the DNR
is only able to support emergency maintenance for the structure"

http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/downloads/research/RFP/RFP-02-27-08.pdf

-
-

Modification at Shiatown Dam

2011-01-17T19:11:00.001-05:00

ShiawasseeWatershed Detailed Map

2011-01-12T20:18:00.001-05:00

ShiawasseeWatershed_11x17.pdf (application/pdf Object)

This a great map showing where the dams exist
-
-