Bush Park - Fenton,MI on Saturday July 18, 2009

Jim Wright, Tim Julian and I worked on cleaning up the Shiawassee River from Bush Park in Fenton out to US-23 on Saturday, June 27, 2009. We cleaned up around 15 trees blocking the river but there are another 11 to go. One of the trees is around 2 feet in diameter and has another sitting on top of it. Some additional ones may appear as the water level drops. A new one has also fallen from Bush Park since we were down the river. We are planning another go at it on July 18, 2009. We would greatly appreciate any help in doing the work. The water is deep in spots and we found that waders were more trouble than they were worth. They kept filling up and then becoming hard to move in, when the water got shallow again. We also spent time tying logs to the banks with wire to hold them in place. This took quite a bit of time. It appears that no one has cleaned this section of the river in at least 10 years. There is a tremendous amount of trash floating in the river through there, so trash removing people are also needed.

If you are interested in helping us, we are planning on meeting at Bush Park in Fenton at 8:00, Saturday July 18, 2009. Row boats to put trash and tools in would be especially helpful. Please contact if you are interested.

--written by Chuck Julian
chuck.julian@gcs3d.com

Linden Summer Happening

Headwaters Trails had a nice turn-out at the Linden Summer Happening.
Gander Mountain had a steady flow of people wanting to try out the kayaks
and were busy beyond their original quitting time.
Special thanks to Mary Bluteau, Sharon Ely, Dolores Vliet and Denise Kremlick for helping out.

--written by Maggie Yerman

Water Levels

Who controls area lake levels?

Lake water from several area lakes, including Squaw Lake and Lake Ponemah, flow through the Linden millpond and dam. The Genesee County Drain Commission monitors a digital system, which maintains a level between 868-870 feet above sea level for Squaw and Ponemah.

Silver Lake reaches highest mark in 30 years

By Sharon Stone--TCTimes--TriCounty Times--Fenton news and information

Published: Friday, June 19, 2009 6:17 AM EDT

Michigan has more than 36,000 miles of streams, and more than 11,000 lakes and ponds, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In the tri-county area, there are more than 40 lakes.

 Though levels are slowly getting back to what is generally expected, Keith Miller said the level of Silver Lake reached its highest point, in the 30 years he has lived there. As a member of the Silver & Marl Lakes Area Homeowners Association, Miller constantly monitors the lakes.

  Tom Murphy, president of the Silver/Marl lake association, said inflow to the lakes occurs by direct rainfall and a couple of small creeks, as well as natural groundwater springs. Outflow from the lakes generally takes place from surface evaporation and through the culverts (weir), which connect under Owen and Silver Lake roads, flowing into and through Lake Ponemah and eventually into the Shiawassee River system.

  The culvert from Silver Lake into Lake Ponemah runs beneath Silver Lake Road. Miller said that sediment, debris, gradually builds up inside the culvert, and the city of Fenton’s Department of Public Works is responsible for keeping it clear, due to the location. Any blockage would directly affect the level of Silver and Marl lakes.

  Murphy said there is a range of about 18 inches, from the very low to very high levels. From hydrological studies he has read, there is an approximate 18-year cycle of “highs” and “lows” in the Great Lakes region. The lakes would peak, gradually decline to a low nine years later, and then creep back up to the high level in another nine years.

 “The Great Lakes basin has a seasonal pattern,” Murphy said.

 Murphy said for this year they haven’t had any actual flooding, but about half dozen properties that sit low have been soggy.

  Crane and Loon lakes drain into Squaw Lake. Squaw, Ponemah and Tupper lakes drain into the Shiawassee River and flow through the Linden millpond and dam. The dam in downtown Linden is monitored to keep lake levels within the approved levels. The Genesee County Drain Commission is responsible for monitoring the dam and making adjustments.

  Jim Gerth, surface water director for the Genesee County Drain Commission said that the dam in Linden is the only adjustable one with which the drain commission is involved. He said the drain commission monitors the level at the millpond with electronic controls. They had an analog system in the ‘80s, and a few years ago installed a digital system.

 The Linden dam is checked hourly, and adjustments, if necessary, are made every three hours. The system can be monitored from the drain commission offices and from a laptop computer of the assigned on-call worker.

 “Lakes in general are high,” said Gerth. He said with the wet fall, nearly record snowfall during the winter and a cold and wet spring, all of the lakes are high.

 In addition to the Linden dam, other lakes rely on weirs that the drain commission installed and monitors to keep lake levels within the range set by the Inland Lake Level Act. Gerth said the Drain Commission follows part 307 of Act 451 of 1994.

 For Lake Fenton, Gerth said the lake level is adjusted by two weirs — one off Swanee Beach, the other off Crane Road. Lake Fenton is about 8 to 12 inches, above normal. The biggest issue he has seen with this level is water over seawalls and problems with docks. He added that the drain commission has also been dealing with some beavers that have decided to build their home where water needs to be flowing.

 With Ponemah, Squaw, Tupper lakes and the Linden millpond, Gerth said it could take five to seven days for lake levels to peak from a widespread watershed rainfall. It could take up to two weeks for the level to recede. These three lakes are monitored to maintain a range of 868 to 870 feet above sea level, said Gerth.

  These services of the drain commission are funded by special assessment districts, which were petitioned and approved by local taxpayers. This option is available to other lakefront property owners also as long as more than one-half of the property owners pursue it.

  Temperatures and wind speed greatly affect lake levels, said Gerth. A lake could lose up to 2 to 3 inches of rain from evaporation on a hot day that is accompanied by low humidity and high winds. In most cases, this water would be replaced with inflows and springs. He said that oftentimes residents complain of this problem in August when the higher lake levels are desired.

 The Oakland County Drain Commission monitors the lake level of Bush Lake in Holly. Residents debated the level for years, and in June of 2006, an Oakland County Circuit Court judge ruled that the lake level, which is controlled by a weir, would be set at 913.l6 feet above sea level.

 George Dyball, president of the Lake Fenton Property Owners Association, said in the association’s 2009 newsletter that lake levels are at their highest he has seen in 15 years. The Swanee Beach Drive weir has been tampered with, which altered the flow of water. He said it is against the law for anyone to tamper with or alter the weir’s intended purpose.

  Dyball said the Crane Road weir has also become clogged and constricted from heavy vehicle traffic. To his understanding, the township and drain commission intend to replace the weir.

 Argentine Township Trustee Tom Hallman, who has a home on Lobdell Lake said, “We control the lake level at the dam next to the Argentine Township Hall.

  “We have a dam operator that checks the lake level, daily.” Because of this practice, they do not have issues with the lake level. He added that the lakes are downstream from Lake Shannon, and Lake Shannon is downstream from Parshallville.

Back up and running again

Seem BLOGGER got a bit worried I might be running a spam blog with all the links I post.
They locked me out (prevented new posts) for a good while until they checked it all out.
Looks like all is back to normal once again

Pics from June 7th 2009 Event

A few preliminary pictures from June 7th , 2009 running of the Shiawassee River Paddle Event

http://community.webshots.com/album/572909160sPvHKF? vhost=community


Article in the Oakland Press

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/06/06/news/doc4a2a70fa63caf576119867.txt


We had some other great photographers stationed at various points
---expect to see more great shots of paddlers in the next few days.


Sincere THANKS to all those that attended and helped make this event possible in 2009 !!

Willi Gutmann

Sunday Weather forecast

NWS Detroit/Pontiac, MI
Point Forecast: Holly MI
42.79°N 83.64°W (Elev. 948 ft)
Forecast Valid: 5pm EDT Jun 6, 2009-6pm


Sunday:
A 40 percent chance of showers.
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71.
East southeast wind between 7 and 13 mph

WaterWorks Park in Holly Michigan

How to Find WaterWorks Park in Holly, Michigan

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the West (Fenton or Linden area):
Take Owen Road east to where it ends at a three-way light in the historic section of Fenton. Turn right (south) on LeRoy Street and proceed three blocks to South Holly Road. Turn left (east again) and travel 3+ miles to the three-way light at the CSX Railroad Tracks. Turn left (north) and go ½ mile on Milford/Broad Street. You’ve reached the Millpond and WaterWorks Park is on your left.

Map for Shiawassee River,
Map for Water Works Park in Holly
Map for Strom Park in Fenton

http://shiawassee-river.blogspot.com/2007/10/map-for-shiawassee-river.html#links

Scroll Down the Webpage --really, do it now

Hey, folks, if you don't immediately see what you're looking for
like MAPS, launch sites, etc., PLEASE scroll down the page to see it.

There is TONS of info with many, many maps, and additional info
all you have to do is scroll down a few seconds to find it - it's there

Questions drop me a line Willi_H2O at Yahoo dot COM

Upcoming River Events

Upcoming River Events

Care, Share and Enjoy the Shiawassee River!

Sunday, May 3rd & Saturday, May 23rd
River Cleanup – Holly to Fenton

Bring your chainsaw and gloves! We need help removing fallen trees and trash before the canoe race.

Contact: Douglas Lanyk, dslanyk@comcast dot net


Sunday, June 7th
Canoe/Kayak Race and Fun Paddle (Holly to Fenton)

10:00am On-site registration, Water Works Building, Broad Street, Holly, MI

11:45am Canoe Race

1:15pm Leisure/fun paddle

More info online at www.headwaterstrailsinc.org

Sunday, June 14th

Fishing Contest

12:00pm WaterWorks Park in Holly

Contact: Douglas Lanyk, dslanyk@comcast dot net


Saturday, June 20th
River Cleanup Linden to Argentine

7:30am Breakfast at Argentine Township Hall

Lunch provided after cleanup

Contact: Teresa at 810-735-5050 or Maggie at 810-735-9570

June 7th 2009 Shiawassee River Paddle Event

Press Release
Shiawassee River Paddle Event – June 7th, 2009


Shiawassee River Paddle Event
June 7, 2009

Canoes available for rental thru Heavners Canoe Livery on site that day
Shuttle transport from 1pm - 6 pm for continuous transport of boats/ people

Start : WaterWorks Park in Holly, Michigan

End : Strom Park in Fenton, Michigan

Distance : 7 scenic miles of numerous twists and turns


Schedule :

10:00 am : On-site registration begins WaterWorks Building, Broad Street

11:30 am : Introductory Ceremony North side WaterWorks Park

11:45 am : Experienced Canoeists Start at Millpond, Broad Street

12:15 pm : Novice/Youth Canoeists Start at Millpond, Broad Street

12:45 pm : Kayak/ Single person canoeists Start on Shiawassee River, Broad Street

***1:15 pm : Leisure/fun paddle Start on Shiawassee River, Broad Street*****

6:00 pm : Final river sweep completed


Canoes available for rental thru Heavners Canoe Livery on site that day
Shuttle transport from 1pm - 6 pm for continuous transport of boats/ people

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

Classification of Rapids & Water Levels

As seen from http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?67

Classification of Rapids, Water Level, and Canoeists

By I. Herbert Gordon

Part of the planning of a canoe trip entails knowing what to expect on your trip. This is not so difficult to figure out when you are canoeing on a lake. For canoeing on a river, however, you should learn about the ratings given to rapids, water level, and even canoeists.

Rapids
A skier is aware that a black diamond run is a lot steeper and more difficult than a green circle slope. Rapids, like ski slopes, vary in their intensity. The International Rating system classifies rapids as follows:

* Class A: Lake water. Still. No perceptible movement. met. Even nor
* Class I.- Easy. Smooth water; light riffles; clear passages, occasional sand banks and gentle curves. The most difficult problems might arise when paddling around bridges and other obvious obstructions. classification
* Class II.- Moderate. Medium-quick water; rapids with regular waves; clear and open passages between rocks and ledges. Maneuvering required. Best handled by intermediates who can maneuver canoes and read water.
* Class III.- Moderately difficult. Numerous high and irregular waves; rocks and eddies with passages clear but narrow and requiring experience to run. Visual inspection required if rapids are unknown. Open canoes without flotation bags will have difficulty. These rapids are best left to canoeists with expert skills.
* Class IV- Difficult. Long and powerful rapids and standing waves; souse holes and boiling eddies. Powerful and precise maneuvering required. Visual inspection mandatory. Cannot be run in canoes unless the craft is decked or properlyequipped with flotation bags. Advance preparations for possible rescue work important.
* Class V- Extremely difficult. Long and violent rapids that follow each other almost without interruption. River filled with obstructions. Big drops and violent currents. Extremely steep gradient. Even reconnoitering may be difficult. Rescue preparations mandatory. Can be run only by top experts in specially equipped whitewater canoes, decked craft, and kayaks.
* Class VI.- Extraordinarily difficult. Paddlers face constant threat of death because of extreme danger. Navigable only when water levels and conditions are favorable. This violent whitewater should be left to paddlers of Olympic ability. Every safety precaution must be taken.

Water Level

The characteristics of a river can change remarkably as the water level rises or falls. As you might expect, a set of Class II rapids can become raging Class IV when the water is abnormally high following spring runoff or heavy storms. Conversely, a Class IV can turn into a shallow pussycat when the water level is low in the late summer. Even normally calm stretches become turbulent and dangerous at flood stage, because the force of currents slammed this way and that by rocks and obstructions creates powerful and dangerous surface conditions.

An International Rating system has also been devised to describe river flow. The classification for a specific river may change from season to season; the following letter designations are used to describe water level and rate of flow:

* L, or Low. Below-normal levels for the river. Below-normal depth may interfere with good paddling. Shallows may turn into dry banks and low areas become muddy sandbars.
* M, or Medium. Normal river flow. Medium water generally is used to describe good water for rivers with slight gradients and enough depth for passage on the steeper sections.
* MH, or Medium High. Higher than normal. Faster flow on gentle gradients. The best flow for more difficult river sections with enough water for passage over low ledges and through rock gardens.
* H, or High. Water is becoming difficult to handle. he river is well above normal stage. Canoeists may refer to the strong currents as "heavy." Small debris may come floating by, a warning that the river is dangerous and better left to skilled kayakers or canoeists whose craft are supported by flotation bags.
* HH, or High-High. Very heavy water. Hydraulics are complex. Even slight gradients become treacherous. Debris frequent. Only for experts.
* F, or Flood. Abnormally high water, overflowing the banks; current extremely violent; low-lying areas underwater. TV crews show up to shoot tape for the evening news. Not for any boaters except those with appropriate equipment on dangerous rescue missions.

Canoeists

The Appalachian Mountain Club rates canoeists on a scale of I through V. Check your competence against their ratings:

* Class I.- Beginner. Is familiar with basic strokes and can handle a tandem canoe competently from the bow or stern in flat water; solo canoeist is familiar with basic strokes.
* Class II.- Novice. Can handle more advanced whitewater strokes solo or in either bow or stern of a tandem canoe. Knows how to read water; can negotiate easy and regular rapids with assurance.
* Class III.- Intermediate. Can negotiate rapids requiring linked sequence of maneuvers; understands and can use eddy turns and basic bow-upstream techniques; is skilled in either bow or stern of a tandem canoe; can paddle Class II rapids in a solo canoe or kayak.
* Class IV- Expert. Has established ability to run difficult (Class III and Class IV) rapids in bow or stern of a tandem craft; can paddle solo in a properly equipped canoe or kayak; understands and can maneuver in heavy (Class H) water.
* Class V- Leader. Is an expert canoeist; possesses the experience, judgment, and training to lead a group of any degree of skill on any navigable waterway and in the wilderness.

To the preceding list I would add a "Class A" to describe one who has virtually no familiarity with canoes or canoeing.
Should You Paddle That River?

Three elements must be evaluated before you are competent to judge your ability to handle a river: (1) your ability; (2) the class of rapids; and (3) the river flow level. You should have no trouble deciding whether you should paddle an unknown 12-mile stretch of the Foamy River when a friend tells you:

"The first couple of miles are sort of flat, but then you'll run into five or six sets of Class II rapids just after you pass the old covered bridge on Route 6. There's a rock garden after the river swings past the only island you'll find on your trip. After that it's clear sailing, but the river normally runs pretty fast for the last 2 miles. Of course, you gotta keep in mind we've had a lot of rain the past two weeks, and I know before that the river was running maybe a little below Medium, but it could be Medium-High right now. If it is, you can run a set of ledges to the left of the island. Otherwise, stick to the right. And that rock garden might be a Class III set of rapids, a helluva lot of fun-it's usually just a lot of maneuvering.

A helluva lot of fun is right, that is, if you and your partner have the experience to handle this kind of water.

The moral: Know what to expect from a technical description of a river and from your own skill at the class of rapids and expected water level. Don't put yourself and your partners at risk. If in doubt, personally inspect the river first, or don't run it.

Canoe livery operators are excellent sources of information about the rivers they service and usually are quick to warn customers about any unusual situations. When the waters are dangerous because of high levels or unusual cold temperatures, most operators will cancel all rentals. The better ones will give out rain checks. Even if you have your own canoe, operators will be as ready to warn you about dangerous conditions as they are their own customers.

Excerpted: The Complete Book of Canoeing by I. Herbert Gordon -Falcon Publishing.

Map between Holly and Fenton

A fairly detailed map of the river between Holly and Fenton

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkf554cM800x9teSCzupunKr1ncgsj2YpDnV4wOmGNaa9sWNAEuMgK5JXxeM-MqcVJdBovNIIstPkOd2T1SiruFIVoXA0cYpqZ30Oo-5wlXBEbR9vMH13V_tLHXpiGbphk5XPRgA/s1600-h/Shiawassee+River+Map+-Holly+to+Fenton.jpg


http://shiawassee-river.blogspot.com/2007/10/map-for-shiawassee-river.html#links

Exercising for better Kayaking & Canoeing

Your core muscles are what will propel you forward when you paddle
--surprised...you shouldn't be --the arm muscles are only a small part of paddling

These exercises apply to ALL types of paddling -

Sea Kayaking Dot Net: Stamina, Smoothness, Power: Use Your Core

Sea Kayaking Dot Net: Stamina, Smoothness, Power: Use Your Core Part 2

Sea Kayaking Dot Net: Stamina, Smoothness, Power: Strengthen Your Core Part 3

Sea Kayaking Dot Net: Strengthen Your Core Part 4: The Dumbell Lat Row

Sea Kayaking Dot Net: Strengthen and Paddle from the Core: the Plank and Variations

Sea Kayaking Dot Net: Paddling From the Core Part 6: Torso Rotation

2009 Clean Up - May 3rd - Water Works Park

Great day everyone. You missed a beautiful day on the river April 2, 2009. Willi and I traveled from Waterworks Park in Holly to Strom Park in Fenton today. The river was surprisingly clear of trees considering the big windstorms we had over the winter. To start the trip the water was high enough to paddle the original course of the river near Waterworks Park. This was a first for us. It gives a different perspective on the waterworks building and the bridge. Continuing down the river rather than portage most of the blockages we ran into using a chainsaw to go through them seemed the easier choice. (OK I just like using a chainsaw.) We did cut up at least 8 trees and broke up a couple of log jams mostly built from last summers cut trees coming free of their moorings. We did leave 1 small portage and there are multiple spots where you need to duck or perform interesting maneuvers. The sunshine was invigorating, the light breeze cooling, and the water refreshing. I didn't get in past my nipples but was happy to be in the water that deep. (I was wearing chest waders.) The waterfowl were starting their search for nesting sights. Most of the larger river birds common in the region were in generous attendance. On the down side the amount of garbage on the river was the worst I've seen in several years. There are a lot of beverage containers with some assorted buckets and other lawn type decorations scattered throughout our journey.

In short the river is passable, but needs cleaning. The first official cleanup of the year will be on Sunday May 3rd starting at noon from Waterworks Park in Holly. We will need several chainsaw wielding persons along with several litter collectors.

Hope to see you all on the river soon.

Douglas Lanyk.

Map Shiawassee River Paddle Event

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


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.

Link to maps of Shiawassee River between Holly and Fenton

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmpgIUEaKLKgQIeVGR0zpd7-WjOg2EHWKEJI7eRsDluvS4q5_2-uyxGUX-vaUy-u_wL_t4COa2-L_1gWK1kiSjOWEVqPIqYhuhMoUb6VUQKFcREW24iCRkMwoEuqHNuw6bNlhAA/s1600-h/shiawassee+topo.png

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNn6jaxg5dg94t1wLhdWUDzIspjMPrNjQ1p4Asrgvmnb9hnUEoAlTiyG05z_mrzt52Iq1T0gKhrXTi2d4Yp4zecFnxTng_X_WqHO3JaDd-qppsVpsIf0zPRn3GaNXu6OIQ6L3Uw/s1600-h/River+Map.jpg

Fenton Area Paddlers

It is kayaking time again.

We will have a meeting at

Legends Sports Café on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00pm.

Legends is located on Thompson Rd and US23. Join us in the planning of our weekly evening group and weekend paddles. We usually paddle a local lake during the week and go further a field on weekends, alternating between Saturdays and Sundays. We also need volunteers to plan weekend get-aways. Additional adventures are prompted by individuals notifying other paddlers for impromptu paddles from time to time. Do not worry if you do not have a kayak. Many regular paddlers have extra kayaks that those new to the sport can borrow.

Please join http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Fenton- area-paddlers/

to find out about upcoming paddles

You can also call Maggie Yerman

(810-735-9570) or email her yerantmag@yahoo. com for more information.

Chesaning - Sewage overflow into Shiawassee

PUBLISHED: Sunday, March 22, 2009
Tri-County Citizen, a Lapeer Group Weekly Publication-

By Jeanne Marcello

Staff Reporter

CHESANING - "Realistically to go through this whole town --it's NOT possible to get it done," Councilman Don Swartzmiller told the Chesaning Village Council during their March 17 meeting. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) had responded to Swartzmiller and Rowe Engineer Lou Fleury's request for an extension; the village needed more time to complete the project.

Knowing the need to separate the storm sewer from the sanitary sewer to prevent sewage overflow in the Shiawassee River, village officials began working on separating properties throughout the village. When they started, they were working without any push from the DEQ. Now the DEQ demands that the separation be complete by December of 2010.

"It was our idea to separate; to open the sanitary sewer to more homes," Swartzmiller explained. "Homes in the older part of town...both sides still have drainage problems," Swartzmiller agonized.

"They've taken it over and put deadlines on it," he told board members.

Fleury shared Swartzmiller's frustrations. Fleury explained that the village had received the permit to do the project, but now the DEQ is holding it up. "At this point I don't think they'll budge on the 2010 date," Fleury commented.

Among the DEQ's requirements is to have the entire 15 miles of sanitary sewer inspected. Fleury quoted $1.50 per foot as the approximate cost to have the sewers inspected professionally.

The council discussed the sewer televising equipment, which had been purchased by the village. Swartzmiller explained that the televising equipment "works great for 4", 6" and 8", but not those 12" or larger." So village DPW employees should be able to perform some of the inspections, but not all. The council concluded the project would be costly.

Adding to sewer costs, Fleury said, "Right now, the budget to do Chapman Street is $2 million."

Council members expressed concern over the enormous cost. "In my experience with the DEQ, money is not an issue," Fleury sighed.

Swartzmiller said, "We are strapping the village bad. There's so much that goes along with the project." He talked about the challenges on Pearl Street, near the Michigan Festivals and Events office. "We're not sure where we're going to put the storm sewer."

"Green Acres was our project," Swartzmiller stated. He later pointed out "It was never intended to have a time line. We have to go into every home, and some you can tell right away where the connections are."

President Joe Sedlar told Swartzmiller, "I don't understand how they feel we can do this. It frustrates me. Saginaw can dump into the system and we can't even get hooked up to the system. How can they say it's going to overflow the [Chesaning Wastewater Treatment] Plant? They don't know where it's coming from."

Swartzmiller commented, "We've made improvements."

Sedlar responded, "They don't take that into account. If they say get it done, I don't know what we're going to do."

Sedlar addressed Fleury saying, "Hear anything about the stimulus?"

Fleury responded, "Everyday. It changes everyday. We're constantly getting new news." He added that he has heard that there is no money for local streets though.

THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

According to Chesaning Village Administrator Marlene Schultz, there are 1,047 village properties with sewer connections that would have to be checked before the DEQ's December 2010 deadline.

The village has four maintenance workers. Each inspection takes three village workers (one to operate the camera) an average of one to five hours. One inspection took two days because the line had to be cleaned out first, Schultz explained.

If they were to achieve a fast pace of three inspections per day, running five days a week, every week without any holidays or glitches, that takes about 70 weeks (approximately one year four months). This time line assumes that every storm water sewer line has already been separated out from the sanitary sewer ... which isn't the case.

In addition to the immensity of the endeavor, the village would be without the services of those three employees for other general maintenance activities during the entire time. This means 75 percent of the maintenance staff wouldn't be available for snow removal, wastewater treatment plant maintenance, mowing in the village and at the airport, reading meters, and now the village has two parks (Showboat and Cole) that require a great deal of clean-up before spring and summer activities begin.

2009 Shiawassee River -- Heritage Water Trail

The Shiawassee River Trail and Headwaters Trails, Inc

Headwaters Trails, Inc. is based in Oakland County, Michigan, and dedicated to the development of a trail network and accompanying recreational activities in the northwest headwaters region. Over the last three years, Sue Julian and Doug Lanyk have been leading a paddling effort to create a designated water trail in Oakland County, with assistance from the OakRivers Initiative . They have focused on the stretch of the Shiawassee River from the Village of Holly to the City of Fenton. Their successes include:

* Installation of canoe/kayak launch site at Holly Waterworks Park with funding from REI
* Development of a signage program, with funding from the Saginaw Watershed Initiative Network
* Holly to Fenton canoe races - this year 2009 is June 7th
* Regular river cleanups and paddle trips

Shiawassee River Signage
With grant support, Headwaters Trails, Inc has developed a signage program for the Shiawassee River. Current funding will support installation from Holly to Fenton; all communities along the Shiawassee are welcome to use the same signage designs. It is hoped that signage will be developed and installed along the Shiawassee River all the way to Saginaw Bay. Several types of signage have been proposed for the Shiawassee River:

Wayside Interpretive Exhibits – large signs and kiosks that help visitors learn about the Shiawassee River and natural history. Five of these are planned for Oakland County at various landing spots.
Safety Signs – single sided metal signs that alert paddlers of upcoming obstacles. Ten of these will be installed from Holly to Fenton
Mile Posts – mile markers will be placed between Holly and Fenton marking the 7 mile trip.
Emergency Access Posts – negotiated with landowners and the North Oakland Fire Authority, these posts are for emergency landings and ambulance services if needed.

http://www.oursouthernlakes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=72

Written by
Sara McDonnell
University of Michigan
Center for Applied Environmental Research
432 N. Saginaw St., Ste 1001
Flint, MI 48502-1950
810-767-7272 phone
810-767-7183 fax
smcdonne@umflint.edu

2009 Shiawassee River Paddle Event

Press Release

Shiawassee River Paddle Event – June 7th, 2009 Shiawassee River Paddle Event June 7, 2009 Start : WaterWorks Park in Holly, Michigan End : Strom Park in Fenton, Michigan Distance : 7 scenic miles of numerous twists and turns Schedule : 10:00 am : On-site registration begins WaterWorks Building, Broad Street 11:30 am : Introductory Ceremony North side WaterWorks Park 11:45 am : Experienced Canoeists Start at Millpond, Broad Street 12:15 pm : Novice/Youth Canoeists Start at Millpond, Broad Street 12:45 pm : Kayak/ Single person canoeists Start on Shiawassee River, Broad Street ***1:15 pm : Leisure/fun paddle Start on Shiawassee River, Broad Street***** 6:00 pm : Final river sweep completed Canoes available for rental thru Heavners Canoe Livery on site that day Shuttle transport from 1pm - 6 pm for continuous transport of boats/ people 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 Rain or Shine !

Map of Shiawassee River Paddle Event

Maps of the Shiawassee River area near Holly Michigan

http://www.oakgov.com/peds/assets/docs/es_docs/rg_shiawassee_map.pdf


http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111387343905039436857.00043cdbc211bc40f011d&z=14

http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/trail_map.htm


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WaterWorks_Park_Launch.JPG

Video & Pictures Shiawassee River in Holly Michigan

Autumn paddle on the Shiawassee River Oct 22, 2007
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2888318540592134799

Pictures -various Shiawassee River events and paddles
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/567721407KouRMx
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/558922603hqUlLA
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/558834458DganqU
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/547204034BrRPch

Short little video snippets from the Shiawassee River from Holly to Fenton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY6tT7U1j4c&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlPgM3mM2RY&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwuttZOYnbI&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUiQOvt4E3o&feature=channel_page

2009 Quiet Water Symposium

Quiet Water Symposium 2009

2009 Quiet Water Symosium
Lansing, MI USA
Michigan State Univ.
Mar-07-2009 - Mar-07-2009

Web Site: http://www.quietwatersymposium.org

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

The Quiet Water Symposium is an annual one-day event that

celebrates non-motorized outdoor recreation.

Handcrafted canoes/kayaks,, historic watercraft, water/weather safety,

first aid, nature photography, and traditional skills can be found at QWS.

Kayak Classes in Fenton

From: Rob Taylor

Expanding Horizons Kayaking is now offering classes in three locations

- Brighton, South Lyon, and Fenton - and on various days of the week.

No excuses! Shake off those winter blues and get into a local indoor pool

to work on your kayaking skills.

Rob Taylor-----ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor

Phone: (810) 225-3652 --Mobile: (810) 355-6381

Email: taylorrj@ameritech.net

www.expandinghorizonskayaking.com

Winter/Spring2009 Class Schedule

Location	Class	Day	Time	Dates	Cost	To Register
Brighton High School 7878 Brighton Road, Brighton, MI 48116	Beginning Kayaking Session 1	Thursdays (4 weeks)	8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night)	1/29, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26	$145/person $260/couple	Call Brighton Community Education, (810) 299-4130 or online at, brightoncommunityed .com
	Beginning Kayaking Session 2	Thursdays (4 weeks)	8-10pm (classroom 7-8 1st night)	3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2	$145/person $260/person
	Beginning Kayaking Session 3	Thursdays (4 weeks)	8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night)	5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28	$145/person $260/couple
	Rolling	Sundays	1:30-5:30 pm	2/1, 3/15, 4/5, 5/3	$80/person	Call Rob Taylor at (810) 355-6381 or email taylorrj@ameritech. net
	"Over Easy" Open Pool Sessions	Sundays	2:30-5:00 pm	2/15, 3/22, 4/19, 5/10	$30/person
Fenton High School 3200 West Shiawassee Ave., Fenton, MI 48430	Discover Kayaking	Tuesdays	7-10 pm	2/3, 3/3, 5/5	$60/person $100/couple or parent & child	Call Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation, (810) 591-0080 or online at, www.slpr.com
	Beginning Kayaking Session 1	Tuesdays (4 weeks)	8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night)	2/10, 2/24, 3/10, 3/17	$145/person $260/couple
	Beginning Kayaking Session 2	Tuesdays (4 weeks)	8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night)	3/24, 3/31, 4/14, 4/21	$145/person $260/person
	Beginning Kayaking Session 3	Tuesdays (4 weeks)	8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night)	5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2	$145/person $260/couple
	Rolling	Saturdays	12:30-4:30 pm	3/21 & 5/9	$80/person
	"Over Easy" Open Pool Sessions	Saturdays	12:30-3:00 pm	4/4	$30/person
South Lyon High School 1000 North Lafayette St., South Lyon, MI 48178	Intro to Kayaking	Fridays	7-10 pm	1/30, 3/6, 5/8	$60/person $100/couple or parent/child	Call South Lyon Recreation Authority, (248) 437-8105 or online at, www.slrec.com
	Beginning Kayaking Session 1	Wednesdays	8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night)	2/4, 2/11 2/18, 2/25	$145/person $260/couple
	Beginning Kayaking Session 2	Wednesdays	8-10pm (classroom 7-8 1st night)	3/11, 3/18 3/25, 4/1	$145/person $260/person
	Beginning Kayaking Session 3	Wednesdays	8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night)	5/13, 5/20 5/27, 6/3	$145/person $260/couple
	Rolling	Fridays	6:30 - 10:30 pm	2/27 & 4/3	$80/person
	"Over Easy" Open Pool Sessions	Wednesdays	8-10:30 pm	1/28 & 3/4	$30/person

Class Descriptions

Intro to Kayaking or"Discover" Kayaking:Already own a kayak or thinking of buying a kayak and would like to paddle insafety with some basic skills? Then thisintroductory kayaking class is for you. This 4-hour course is oriented to beginners with minimal or no priorexperience. Topics will include safety & rescues, equipment, and basicmaneuvers. Students will learn how toexit their kayak in the event of a capsize. Several techniques for rescuing someone who has come out of their kayakwill be demonstrated. Paddling techniquefor moving a kayak in a straight line, turning a kayak, and moving a kayaksideways will be taught. Minimum of 3,maximum of 10 students per class.

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

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

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