Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Annual Shiawassee River Paddle Event: June 6, 2010 | MyPRGenie

Annual Shiawassee River Paddle Event: June 6, 2010 | MyPRGenie

Dam in Chesaning : PowerPoint presentation

http://shiawasseeriver.org/images/FOSR_Powerpoint.pdf

Friday, March 26, 2010

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Excalibur kayak paddle: computerized training

Excalibur kayak paddle: computerized training

-
The Excalibur paddle manufactured by Talon Technology in Sydney, Australia is fitted with a strain gauge placed inside the shaft at both ends to measure shaft bend in response to pressure placed on the paddle blade. Accelerometers are located in the 3 planes of the paddle
-
http://bit.ly/SmartPaddle
-

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Shiawassee Clean-Up : May 1, Owosso

DATE: March 9, 2010
TO: City Council
FROM: Sarah Warren-Riley, Housing & Neighborhood Development Coordinator
RE: Owosso Community Pride: Green-Up & Clean-Up Owosso

Owosso Community Pride: Green-Up & Clean-Up Owosso
is scheduled as a daylong event on May 1st 2010.

This year the theme of these community pride activities will be to “Green-Up & Clean-Up” Owosso and is a collaborative effort between the City of Owosso, the Friends of the Shiawassee River and Owosso Main Street.
The objective of this event is to engage the community in volunteer activities to foster community pride while improving the appearance of downtown Owosso, linking the Shiawassee River with the downtown and with economic and community vitality, and promoting the benefits of urban forestry.

The activities will be held throughout downtown Owosso and along
the Shiawassee River on Saturday, May 1st from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.


The Green-Up & Clean-Up Owosso event will utilize volunteer efforts in a series of activities to improve the appearance of the downtown district while protecting and promoting ecologic resources and encouraging community pride. The event will incorporate several volunteer opportunities and community partners and those active in independent community beautification are being sought.

(Additional participants that we seek to include are community and student organizations/service clubs such as Kiwanis, Rotary, the Owosso Jaycees, the Shiawassee Conservation District, the Kiwanis Builder’s and Key Clubs, Owosso High School National Honor Society, etc.)

Currently scheduled activities include riparian tree planting along the Shiawassee River on Jerome St., the Friends of the Shiawassee River’s annual spring river clean-up, Main Street’s spring downtown clean-up as well as the City of Owosso’s 2010 Arbor Day celebration.

Activities are scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. with volunteers meeting along Jerome St. to sign in and be assigned to an activity. All volunteers will reconvene at Main Street Plaza (corner of Washington and Main St.) for lunch and the City of Owosso’s official Arbor Day celebration.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

June 6, 2010 Shiawassee River Paddle Event and Race

Shiawassee River Paddle Event--June 6, 2010

Leisure paddle (open to all paddlers with proper lifevest pfd)

Race (for those that want to compete)

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.

Shiawassee River Paddle Event--June 6, 2010

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 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

Shiawassee River - additional info
_______________________________________________

***Websites***

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


http://shiawassee-river.blogspot.com/


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiawassee_River


**Videos**
__________


http://www.youtube.com/user/WilliH2O



**Pictures**
_________

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/558922603hqUlLA

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/558834458DganqU


http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/547204034BrRPch



**Maps**
____________


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

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Kodak American Greenways

Kodak American Greenways has awarded Headwaters Trails $1000 toward installation of railings at the Academy Footbridge over the Shiawassee River.  Headwaters Trails is honored to be one of 28 projects recognized nationally by Kodak American Greenways and will use the funding as a Challenge Grant to complete the needed safety improvements--attractive railings and protective bollards.  For each $1 donated to Headwaters Trails, the grant will match $1 up to $1000.  The total project is estimated to cost $2, 500. 

This location is part of a proposed walking trail network that intersects at this point with the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail, a paddling trail that starts at WaterWorks Park in Holly, winds through Fenton,  and will eventually stretch all the way to Saginaw Bay.  When the walking paths are completed, the public will be able to walk from several directions--the Village of Holly, the Pulte development, and Seven Lakes State Park--to this site on the Shiawassee.

At the present time, the land is owned by the Township of Holly and schoolchildren and recreational walkers cross the footbridge which has already been improved by the Township with a metal grating as the bridge floor.  However, the river churns along under the bridge at this narrow point and without bridge railings the crossing could be unsafe.  Furthermore, some people in ATV's or other motorized vehicles illegally attempt to cross at this point.  The bridge is only built to hold the weight of walkers.  Bollards will be installed to prevent motorized vehicles from crossing.

Challenge Grant donations to match the Kodak award will help get the bridge work completed this spring and may be sent to: Headwaters Trails, P.O. Box 33, Holly, MI 48442. Donations are tax deductible. Headwaters Trails meets on the first Wednesday of each month in the Holly Village Chambers, 315 S. Broad Street at 7pm. "Volunteers  are encouraged to join, to help out on workdays or to just come and ask questions," said Sue Julian, President of Headwaters Trails..

Kodak American Greenways makes grants yearly to encourage the further development of recreational corridors that are grassroots initiatives.  The pathways system in the Holly area fits the criteria." Headwaters Trails is delighted to have been recognized by this national group in which Eastman Kodak Company, the National Geographic Society, and The Conservation Fund are all partners," said Julian. The Kodak American Greenways Program is an annual program that recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for exemplary leadership in the enhancement of our nation’s outdoor heritage.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Shiawassee River Corunna Dam

(03/11/10) -- The Michigan DNR says the dam on the Shiawassee River is in poor condition.
According to the agency, if the dam should fail, two bridges downstream are at risk.
City officials admit the 150-year-old structure is in bad shape. Fast-moving water brought on by snow melt doesn't help.
"The dam's in poor condition. We've known that for 35-40 years now," Corunna City Manager Joe Sawyer said.The DNR recently sent a letter to Corunna City Hall, telling officials to draw down the water backed up behind the dam to relieve pressure on it.

"Their order was to do it immediately," Sawyer said.
The only way to lower water levels is to open the spillway, which Corunna officials believe would severely damage it and cause a large amount of erosion to nearby riverbanks.
This is the State Street bridge over the Shiawassee River. It's about 200 yards downstream from the dam. The DNR says if the dam should fail, the bridge would be at risk.
"We're confident downstream damage is not an issue," Sawyer said.
"That was rebuilt in 2005 and has deep pilings. That would outlast a pretty good storm," agreed Corunna Superintendent of Public Works Tim Crawford.
The DNR says even a foot bridge a half-mile away in McCurdy Park could be damaged if the dam was breached. This summer the DNR wants the city to punch a hole in the dam to lower water levels even further.
"A hole will break open at some point in time. It won't be a big deal. They don't want to let Mother Nature make that call," Sawyer explained.
If a portion of the dam is removed, the impoundment behind it would disappear, and with it, recreational boating.
"It's all going to be lost and I don't want to lose that either," Mayor Chuck Kerridge said.
Corunna officials will meet with the DNR soon to talk about their concerns and to see if the dam can be saved.

Monday, March 08, 2010

Did you really try to look up. down, left and right ?

HEY - scroll down &  use the search feature

I can't have everything you want on 1 page 


Got a comment , suggestion or can't find something
- let me know, we'll get it worked out

Some posts go back to 2006,  that's 4 years of stuff
Poke around in the archives, it's still there.

Friday, March 05, 2010

Sponsor the Detroit Kayaking Examiner

Sponsor the Detroit Kayaking Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/sponsor
connect directly with my audience and followers

Ponemah, Squaw and Tupper lakes

Ordinance #545 - Charter Township of Fenton Office

Regulation of compounds containing nitrogen and phosphorus which are contained in fertilizers,
enter into the township’s water resources, including lakes, streams, wetlands, drains and natural water courses,
resulting in excessive and accelerated growth of algae and aquatic plants.

Do your part to avoid the green goo.

The Ponemah-Squaw-Tupper Combined Lakes Association, Inc. {the P-S-T}
- includes the entire contiguous chain of the Lakes Ponemah, Squaw & Tupper and all their connecting channels.
It also includes the section of the Shiawassee River, starting at the US-23 overpass
and ending on the Shiawassee at the Ripley Road bridge.

The PST Lake Association board meets monthly.
Contact the PST Secretary Pam Elder
Meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of each Month.


President : ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Tony Spezia ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, pstlakeassociation@hotmail.com ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,810-908-4089

Vice President : ,,,,,,,,, Ken Laetz ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, laetzgo@chartermi.net ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,810-919-0045

Secretary :,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,  Pam Elder ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, pmelder2@aol.com ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,810-629-2668

Treasurer :,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,  Dan Dimich ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ddimich.ateam@yahoo.com ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,810-602-9350

Trustee :,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Brad Eastman ,,,,,,,,,,,,bradley.eastman@yahoo.com,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 810-610-4547

Trustee :,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, John Wittum ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, j10ww@aol.com,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 810-714-9228

Trustee : ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Joe Ceresia ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, sales@lakeponemahmarina.com,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 810-750-8443

Trustee :,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Heather Crandall ,,,,,,hetsiebaby@aol.com ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,810-275-5116

Trustee :,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,John Latner ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,John.latner@baker.edu

PR Committee :,,,,,,,,  Katie Spezia ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,spezkat@hotmail.com,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 810-217-8143

PST (Ponemah, Squaw and Tupper) Lake Association
www.mlswa.org/lakeponemah-562


The dredging of the Landings Way Channel is complete.
Overgrown brush and fallen trees were removed this winter.
All who use the lake this summer need to respect the rules.

If you have issues with the navigable channels and waterways near
Ponemah, Squaw and Tupper contact one of the members listed above


***___Keeping navigable waterways Clean & Open is everyone's concern___***


Canoe, kayak, rowboat, scull shell, are all to be respected just as much as powerboats


-Natural resources belong to all in the community-

PST Lake Association
4255 W. Four Lakes Dr.
Linden, MI 48451

2010 PST Social Events Calendar: Check the website for additional info
Friday, May 28th BYOW: Wine Tasting Party Friday 7:00pm, @ Spezia's Beach w/ Movie on the inflatable screen
Saturday, June 5th Pontoon Boat Poker Run
Saturday, June 19th Meet & Greet 12pm, Lake Ponemah Sandbar w/ Shiawassee River Rubber Duckie Races
Friday, July 2nd Movie Night on the inflatable screen @ Spezia’s Beach. Movie begins at Dusk.
Saturday, July 3rd Rubber Duckie Races all day at the Lake Ponemah Sandbar
August, 13th - 15th Ponetian Weekend….. Movie Night Friday @ dusk. Boat Parade Saturday 7:00pm. Picnic Sunday
2010 PONETIAN WEEKEND - Mark your calendars, the 2010 Ponetian Weekend will begin
8/13/2010 and run through 8/15/2009. For 2010 the boat parade will start at 7:00pm near the
South West Corner of Lake Ponemah in front of TeeBonez and Lake Ponemah Marina.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Rock Weir in Chesanin, Michigan on Shiawassee River

RIVER ROCK INSPECTION

– Thus far the Shiawassee River rock rapids have experienced a fairly tame winter.
Unlike the previous winter, the river hasn’t overflowed or suffered from giant ice flows.
As a result, the Village of Chesaning has been advised to postpone the inspection until “a major event” occurs.

The advice came from Rowe Inc. Project Engineer Mike Nielsen, with the approval of river rock structure designer Elon “Sandy” Verry of Grand Rapids, Minn. The cost of bringing Verry back to Michigan for the inspection and report will be approximately $15,700. Since little has happened to affect the rock placement, it seemed a wise recommendation to postpone the inspection.

During the Village’s Feb. 16 meeting, in addition to recommending a delay in contracting Verry for monitoring, Nielsen suggested the village hire Verry directly rather than going through the engineer as it would save the village money.
He went further to recommend that if the rock rapids did require adjustments, the village should simply call Pete’s Contracting, back, since village officials had been so pleased with the contractor’s work on the project.

There were still some issues associated with the CMI grant that required attention. According to Nielsen, the final $20,000 of the grant won’t be released until the grant has been closed out. Nielsen added, “It is unlikely you’ll go more than a year without having ‘an event’.”

http://tricountycitizen.mihomepaper.com/news/2010-02-21/News_Briefs/NEWS_BRIEFS.html

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Shiawassee River as a Key Piece of Economic Development

Winter Speaker Series:

The Shiawassee River as a Key Piece of Economic Development

Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 5:30 p.m., Caledonia Twp. Hall, Owosso

David Lossing, Mayor of Linden, will describe how their community has taken advantage of their riverside location to further community development, including providing for recreational access, and describe upcoming plans. Mr. Lossing has been the Mayor of the City of Linden since 2004 and has been involved in a number of regional discussions in southern Genesee, Oakland and Livingston counties dealing with land use, multi-use bike paths, and the establishment of the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail. He’s involved with a number of local and statewide organizations and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Michigan Municipal League. He also serves as the director of government relations at the University of Michigan-Flint.

http://shiawasseeriver.org/
-
-

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Updated Map: Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail

Click on image for full size view
-

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Quiet Water Symposium


15th Annual Quiet Water Symposium 
 Non-motorized outdoor recreational enthusiasts come together sharing
equipment, concerns, opportunities, adventures and experiences.

I've been going this event for many years and I learn new stuff every year.
The inter-action among the crowd, vendors, displays, & speakers is magical.
If you enjoy being outside, clear this calendar day for some indoor networking.

Date:..........  Saturday March 6, 2010
Location:    The Pavilion for Livestock and Agriculture Education
.....................(Farm Lane, south of Mt Hope - on the campus of MSU - Lansing,MI)
Time:.......    9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission:..Adults $8.00  -  under 12  Free

MAPS

The Symposium has a wide range of exhibits on the show floor.
Everything under the sun is featured from clubs, nature centers,
handcrafted canoe/kayak, trails for biking, hiking and paddling,
conservation groups, outfitters and liveries, along with a wide variety
of outdoor oriented retailers as well.

EXHIBITS
Beautiful hand-built canoes, kayaks, rowing craft, outdoor gear.  Antique and
restored classic canoes, traditional snowshoes, bicycles - and more.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Paddling Adventures - Recreational Clubs - Paddling safety, instruction and skills
Model Boat Painting - Flint Knapping, etc., etc.
     
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
Watershed groups - Red Cedar Flyfishers - Environmental Groups -Nature Centers

DEMONSTRATION
Wooden canoe re-canvassing - Fly tying - Outdoor and Traditional Skills

SPEAKERS
Cliff Jacobson, Doc Fletcher, Gary and Joanie McGuffin, Eric Hansen,
Emma and Richard Bailey, Phil Cotton, Jonathan Morgan, Wendy Watson,
Jonathan Ahlbrand, Chad Cottom, Sara Waters, Gil Cramer, Allen Demming,
Randall Thoreson, Cal Lamoreaux, etc., etc.

http://www.quietwatersymposium.org/qws2010.html
Michigan State University and the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
are the gracious hosts of it all. (ANR Week) continues to be one of the largest
events of its kind in the nation. ANR Week 2010 provides a wide-variety of topics
in areas such as agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources,
i.e. Quiet Water Symposium, Michigan Wildflower Conference,
Growing of Michigan’s Organic Future, etc., etc.

Keepers of the Shiawassee Protect, promote and restore

New volunteer group to host meeting

Published: Saturday, February 13, 2010 6:17 AM EST - Tri County Times
Fenton — The Shiawassee River, the liquid ribbon that flows through Holly, Fenton, Linden and Argentine all the way to the Saginaw River, is the topic of discussion for the first Keepers of the Shiawassee meeting on Thursday, Feb. 18.

The Keepers of the Shiawassee is a volunteer group that is beginning to develop the 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,” said 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 take place 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.

The water trail would not stop in Genesee County. Friends of the Shiawassee River in Shiawassee County spearhead the development and promotion of the river.

At the end of the day, these collective groups hope to see a paddling trail that’s nearly 100 miles long, from Holly all the way to the Shiawassee Flats. Last year, the Fenton Community Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint lent its support by providing a grant to the Center for Applied Environmental Research, UM-Flint for interpretive signage, brochures, and developing a canoe launch.

“We are very pleased to be working with such great communities who embrace the river and see it as an opportunity to bring people in to enjoy nature and see what southern Genesee County has to offer,” said Sara McDonnell, program coordinator at University of Michigan-Flint.

 Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation has been providing administrative support to the group.
They also offer some great kayaking classes for all different levels.
The classes take place in the security of the Fenton High School Pool.

More information is available at their brand new website
www.slpr.net

Friday, February 12, 2010

New Map for Shiawassee River

New Link Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail http://www.umflint.edu/resources/pdf/outreach/shiawasse-river-trail-map.pdf A cool map of the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail

Saturday, February 06, 2010

Keepers of the Shiawassee

Keepers of the Shiawassee:
New group to meet to plan future water trail work for Shiawassee River

By Liz Shaw | Flint Journal
February 06, 2010, 2:28PM



FENTON -- Like the headwaters of the Shiawassee River itself, the vision began in northwestern Oakland County,
when a group of paddling enthusiasts dreamed of opening a water trail from Holly to Fenton.

Today, the seven-mile Shiawassee River Heritage Trail is one of the area’s most popular and well-maintained waterways
for canoeing and kayaking, hosting annual paddling events that draw people from all over southeast Michigan.

Of course, the Shiawassee River doesn’t stop at Fenton – a fact that Headwaters Trails advocates have always kept firmly in
mind as they’ve worked on ways to join efforts with similar groups along the river’s 100-mile path from Holly to the Shiawassee Flats in Saginaw County.

Keepers of the Shiawassee is a new volunteer group springing up from that joint effort to continue developing the river
as a paddling trail through organized cleanups, signage and safe, legal launch and landing sites for canoes and kayaks, spaced at regular intervals.

The new group will build on last year’s achievements, when the Fenton Community Fund of the Community Fund of Greater Flint
provided a grant to the University of Michigan-Flint Center for Applied Environmental Research for interpretive signage, brochures and canoe launch development.

“This Shiawassee River is one of our greatest resources and has the opportunity to provide recreation
and economic development to our region,” said Maggie Yerman, a key organizer of Keepers of the Shiawassee.

Anyone interested in helping to protect, promote and restore
the Shiawassee River is invited to attend :

The group’s first informational meeting,
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 18
Fenton Community & Cultural Center,
150 S. Leroy St.,
Fenton.

Light refreshments will be provided.
Please RSVP to (810) 591-0080.

http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/outdoors/2010/02/keepers_of_the_shiawassee_new.html

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

New Wikipedia page

-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiawassee_River_Heritage_Water_Trail
-
-

The Shiawassee River as a Key Piece of Community and Economic Development

The Shiawassee River as a Key Piece of Community and Economic Development

Tuesday, February 23, 5:30-7:00 pm,
Caledonia Township Hall,
135 N. State Road.
Linden, Michigan

David Lossing, Mayor of Linden, will describe how their community
has taken advantage of their riverside location to further community development,
including providing for recreational access, and describe upcoming plans.

Mr. Lossing has been the Mayor of the City of Linden since 2004
and has been involved in a number of regional discussions in southern Genesee,
Oakland and Livingston counties dealing with land use, multi-use bike paths,
and the establishment of the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail.

http://citycouncilcook.blogspot.com/2010/01/learning-opportunity.html

HeadWatersTrails Inc - Quiet Water Symposium 2010

HeadWatersTrails Inc

Monday, February 01, 2010

FlyOver Video - Shiawassee River




A view of the Shiawassee River from Holly towards Fenton showing many twists and turns.  

Sunday, January 24, 2010

January 2010 - A Winter Paddle on the Shiawassee River

Written by Doug Lanyk -

Great day all. Saturday Jan . 23rd '10 was a spectacular day to go for a paddle.
Jimmy, Kieth, Willi and I left Holly for Fenton just after noon. It was
a challenging start. Jimmy put his canoe near the launch and went back
for another load of gear. When he returned the canoe was down river.
The melting snow was quite slick. Willi was a nice guy and did a quick
recovery from his kayak.

Then I made a mistake involving Kieth (a novice).
We tried a controlled seal launch in my canoe. Oops!
Kieth went for a swim in the ice cold Shiawassee River at Waterworks Park.
He was worried that his sopping wet condition was going to screw up the
plans for the day. The cold water was quite the shock too. He never
imagined doing a polar bear plunge. 5 minutes later we had him in dry
clothes and were launching once again. What a trooper.

We saw quite a few water fowl, and a selection of other birds. The deer
were easily visible against the snow field, and one poor muskrat was
frustrated when he couldn't find his den. We chased him down the river
for 50 yards. The ice shelves were at multiple levels above the river.
I think that was evidence of several ice dams occurring in the past
couple of weeks.

There was 1 tree down forcing a short portage,
otherwise the river was clear. The low water levels did expose a lot of
bottom bumpers to give us many surprise jiggles. YeeHaw. The small
pond half way down the river was surprisingly clear of ice. We all
pitched in to break the ice blocking our way,.Many thanks to Willi and
Jimmy for cutting a path for the big green canoe.

Get out and paddle.Doug.

-

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail - Holly Canoeing, Kayaking - Pure Michigan Travel

Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail
You can launch your canoe or kayak anytime from WaterWorks Park at 690 S. Broad Street in Holly and paddle to Strom Park on East Street in Fenton, seven river miles. This segment of the Shiawassee River is an adventure that takes about two and a half to three hours. The River here is shallow and slow moving but it has many twists and turns, an occasional beaver dam and changing scenery which add challenge and adventure to the paddling trip. The volunteer organization Headwaters Trails has added mile markers, interpretive signage, launch sites and trailhead parking. Restaurants and shopping beckon in the historic communities at each end of the river trail. Future development of this Heritage Water Trail will enable extended trips to the west through Fenton, Linden and Byron in Genesee County and then northward past Walnut Hills Campground and on to Owosso and Chesaning along the way to Saginaw Bay, a total distance of 110 miles. At present there is no livery serving this Pure Michigan adventure. Paddlers are requested to observe the "Leave No Trace" ethic, to share the resource with other river users and to take nothing but Good Memories.
-
Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail - Holly Canoeing, Kayaking - Pure Michigan Travel
-
-

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

McCaslin Lake Road Canoe Kayak Launch

-
Click on the map for a full screen detailed view of it all
-






















Argentine Township / Linden Community  5 Year Parks and Recreation Plan


Shiawassee River Water Trail --- Draft –  January 2010 ---  Gould Engineering, Inc.-

Advocating the use of the Shiawassee River as a recreational water trail is highly recommended.
Development of the water trail through Argentine Township is an expansion of the 10 mile water trail system already developed to the east from the Village of Holly through the City of Fenton and
City of Linden.
By continuing efforts through Argentine Township a total of 30 miles of water trail will be created from the Village of Holly to the Village of Byron in Shiawassee County and extending into Saginaw County. The Argentine Shiawassee River Clean Up Committee is a local volunteer group that has made tremendous strides to remove debris and clear areas for safe navigation of the river. They are considered stewards of the river and are strongly encouraged to continue their efforts of protecting and promoting safe and appropriate use of the water trail.

Currently, the McCaslin Lake Road canoe/kayak launch site provides the only access to
the 10 mile stretch between the City of Linden and the Village of Bryon.
The
establishment of this unimproved launch is strictly the result of heavy use by local
canoeists and kayakers. Fortunately, the township recognized this growing population
and acquired land at this site for future improvements. However, additional land
acquisition may be needed depending on physical restraints of the present site. These
improvements will provide safe access to the water, nearby parking, improved staging
and traffic circulation, signage, benches and trash receptacles, with strong
consideration toward universal design.

The township also owns 10 acres on Oakwood Drive with access to the river and approximately 2 miles west of McCaslin Lake Road. This would provide another launch opportunity midway between the launches at McCaslin Lake Road and the Village of Byron. Important factors for establishing a water trail are the provision of safe and convenient access to a navigable waterway with unobstructed passageways. The water trail between McCaslin Lake Road and the Village of Byron is un-navigable in some locations. Therefore, other trail improvements should include removing litter, clearing log
jams for navigability, installing way finding and educational signs, and providing safe installing way finding and educational signs, and providing safe portage areas where needed.

Should it be necessary, narrow or low underpasses (i.e. small culverts or low bridges) should be replaced with larger openings. However, Bridges or overpasses are costly to reconstruct, therefore, an
alternative is to provide safe portage areas. A durable path should be provided for carrying
watercraft, which should consist of more natural, engineered facilities such as pervious pavers with
openings for vegetation to grow through to help retain the natural river bank appearance, along with providing proper roadside signage forewarning motor vehicle traffic of potential portage crossings. All construction along the river, within the floodplain and/or wetlands, is subject to approval by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE).

A detailed “Shiawassee River Water Trail Plan” would help officially designate and
delineate a Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail route, and identify trail-related
facilities that should be constructed and improvements that should be implemented to
establish a safe and navigable trail corridor for both recreational and educational
pursuits in an ecologically sensitive manner. The designation of an official water trail may
further instill a sense of trail stewardship among canoeists/kayakers to respect the quality
of the water and become good caretakers of the river.

Specific trail improvements and support facilities that should be identified on the plan may
include providing parking facilities, restrooms, handicapped access, and picnicking areas; removing litter and fallen trees for navigability; installing way finding and educational signs; and improving underpasses or providing safe providing safe portaging areas with durable paths and crossing signs.

http://argentinetownship.com/section%207-Action%20Program.pdf

-

Monday, January 18, 2010

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The new DNRE - Department of Natural Resources and Environment

Perhaps the new director of Natural Resources and Environment
will look kindly upon the Shiawassee River ?

Rebecca Humphries

- began her Department of Natural Resources career in 1978 .
- resource specialist in the Land and Water Management Division,
- a habitat biologist at the Shiawassee River State Game Area,
- a district wildlife biologist in Grand Rapids,
-  Wildlife Division chief.

Rebecca Humphries
Director of the new Department of Natural Resources and Environment
(DNRE), effective January 17, 2010. 

The new department’s mission implements an ecosystem-based strategy
for resource management, effectively using natural resources in a sustainable manner,
and providing for continuous improvement in Michigan’s air, water and soils
while facilitating and encouraging economic growth.

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr

Trails.Com - Local kayaking info

Trails.Com - Local kayaking info

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Local kayaking classes








Winter/Spring 2010 Class Schedule

Expanding Horizons Kayaking
http://www.expandinghorizonskayaking.com

Email: taylorrj AT ameritech DOT net

Beginning Kayaking:
These classes are an excellent complete beginner's course held in the safe and warm confines of an indoor pool. The class is a series of four weekly two hour sessions. The first session, be dressed for the pool session and at poolside one hour before the scheduled pool time for a safety/orientation session. Attendance at the first day is mandatory. This course will focus on basic kayaking strokes that are applicable to both sea kayaking and white water kayaking. We will also work on self and assisted rescues, recovery strokes, sweep strokes and the beginning elements of self-rescue techniques. Students should bring swimming goggles, nose plugs and a towel along with swimming apparel. Kayaks, paddle, and life jacket are available to rent for $25 for the duration of the class.
Participants under 16 must be approved in advance by the instructor.

 Jan. 21st – Feb. 11th,
Thursdays (4 weeks), 7:45-10pm (7-10pm 1st night), Brighton HS, $145/person Register at www.brightoncommunityed.com or (810) 299-4130

Mar. 11th – Apr. 1st,
Thursdays (4 weeks), 7:45-10pm (7-10pm 1st night), South Lyon HS, $145/person Register at www.slrec.com or (248) 437-8105

Mar. 9th – 30th,
Tuesdays (4 weeks), 7-9pm (7-10pm 1st night), $127/person Fenton HS, Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105

QuickStart Your Kayak:
QuickStart is a brief, three-hour introduction to paddling a kayak. Students are presented with basic information on dressing to paddle safely, potential hazards and simple rescues. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water. While designed as a stand-alone, introductory course, QuickStart students often progress (strongly recommended) to the Beginning Kayaking course to acquire greater paddling skill through significantly more guided, on-water practice time. Minimum 14 years of age.

Sunday, April 18th, 3-6pm,
Ann Arbor Mack Pool, $60/person.
All gear provided.
Register at
www.a2gov.org/government/communityservices/ParksandRecreation/Pages/default.aspx

Kayak Rolling Classes:
This class will focus on the elements of hip snap development, high and low bracing and the Kayak Roll. Either the “C to C” or Sweep Roll will be taught depending upon student’s capabilities. Strength is not important in learning to roll… it’s all about boat fit, flexibility, and most importantly, proper technique. So if you are ready to learn to roll that boat, here’s your chance. The class will be scheduled for four hours, but please arrive 30-60 minutes in advance to be outfitted with gear. Kayaks, paddle, and life jacket are available to rent for $25 for the duration of the class.

Thursdays (2 weeks),
February 18th & 25th, 8-10 pm,
Brighton HS, $80/person
Register at www.brightoncommunityed.com or (810) 299-4130

Tuesdays, (2 weeks),
April 13th & 20th, 7-9 pm,
Fenton HS, $82/person
Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105

“Over Easy” Open Pool Sessions: Here’s a chance to practice all that you’ve learned in the Basic Kayaking and Rolling classes in the friendly environment of the Brighton High School pool. Perfect all those different strokes, practice rescues, and work on that “bomb-proof roll” or just come hang-out with other paddlers and swap war stories. Certified instructors will be on hand to provide pointers if needed. Kayaks, paddle, and life jacket are available to rent for $25 for the duration of the class.

Sunday, January 17th, 9:00-11:30 am,
Brighton HS, $30/person
Register at www.brightoncommunityed.com or (810) 299-4130

Saturday, January 23rd, 12:30-3:00 pm,
Fenton HS, $32/person
Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105

Saturday, February 13th, 12:30-3:00pm,
Fenton HS, $32/person
Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105

Sunday, February 21st, 9:00-11:30 am,
Brighton HS, $30/person
Register at www.brightoncommunityed.com or (810) 299-4130

Saturday, March 27th, 3:00-5:30 pm,
South Lyon HS, $30/person
Register at www.slrec.com or (248) 437-8105

Saturday, April 17, 3:00-5:30 pm,
South Lyon HS, $30/person
Register at www.slrec.com or (248) 437-8105

Tuesday, May 4th, 7:00-9:30 pm,
Fenton HS, $32/person
Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105

Tuesday, May 11th, 7:00-9:30 pm,
Fenton HS, $32/person
Register at www.slpr.net or (248) 437-8105
-

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

High Definition Video Shiawassee River

Fall 2009 paddle along the Shiawassee River in the Holly to Fenton area of Michigan. Trying out a new waterproof camera with image stabilization and high definition capabilities. The camera is mounted to kayak via StickyPod suction cup tripod for hands free filming operation. The HeadWatersTrails Inc. group in Holly works hard to keep the river navigable almost all year long. A State of Michigan Heritage Water Trail is established between Holly and Fenton along the Shiawassee.



Monday, January 04, 2010

DANGER - Kayaking over stuff

DANGER - Kayaking over stuff

To gain a better understanding of what really happens when
water rushes over obstacles in the river, click on the links below


http://bit.ly/RocksWaterFlow


http://serc.carleton.edu/details/files/19075.html


http://serc.carleton.edu/details/files/19076.html














































 

Sunday, January 03, 2010

Kayaking Rapids on Shiawassee River ?

On November 1, the Village of Chesaning had Mayor Pro-tem Damion Frasier and River Restoration Committee member  
Neil Pullman maneuver kayaks over the newly created rock fishway to celebrate its dedication.

As the year ended, Mayor Joe Sedlar, Jr. had received word that the
U.S. Fisheries & Wildlife had requested use of the video Deana Sedlar recorded ,
showing Frasier and Pullman floating gently over the rock fishway to celebrate the project’s completion.


FREE EXPOSURE FOR CHESANING – The U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife will be promoting Chesaning
on their external affairs web site, according to Chesaning Village Mayor/President Joe Sedlar, Jr.

According to Sedlar, his wife Deana had recorded the Nov. 1 dam dedication where Doug Pullman
and Damion Frasier charged kayaks over the newly constructed rock fish ladder in the Shiawassee River.

The short film had been posted on YouTube, but the U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife liked it so much,
they requested an original copy to post on their web site.

As a result, U.S. Fish and Wildlife will be identifying/promoting Chesaning on their web site,
Mayor Sedlar told the Chesaning Village Council during their Dec. 15 meeting.

Video available here :

http://recovery.doi.gov/press/bureaus/us-fish-and-wildlife-service/alpena-national-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-office/
-
I MAY BE WRONG - but I didn't see a vest or PFD, any emergency crew for Ice Cold Water Immersion
throw ropes, swift water rescue, etc., etc. and this is what they want to promote ???????



-














NEW Video - right from the DNR

http://recovery.doi.gov/press/bureaus/us-fish-and-wildlife-service/alpena-national-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-office/
-























A 300 ft. structure with natural waterfalls, the u-shaped drops are very, very close
to one another making maneuverability for play boating almost  impossible.

I'm told it was done for the old timers nostalgic for the Chesaning Showboat.
A ""social issue"" for the impoundment waters for the riverboat in Chesaning.
Somehow I just don't see some ancient ol' riverboat ride that great a thing in 2011.
Time moves forward -- holding on to everything from the past hinders progress.
 




























This is near Cole Park in Chesaning, Michigan

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=43.185035,-84.111859&spn=0.003704,0.006539&t=h&z=18&msid=111387343905039436857.00047c496acdb50628848
-
-

Friday, January 01, 2010

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Chesaning Dam Project

A $1.3 million improvement project on the Shiawassee River ?

http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2009/08/rocking_the_river_13_million_p.html#comments

Several grants, including $900,000 from the state, have paid for the cost of this river improvement project

Sandy Verry of Grand Rapids, Minn.-based Ellen River Partners -- which designed the river terrain -- worked with excavator operator Aaron VandenBos of Pete's Contracting Inc. of Falmouth to place boulders and rocks.  "We're building a rock ramp in the water, and then we're building weirs across it to turn it into a rapids that fish can get up and canoeists can get down by traveling through the center of it," said Pete's Contracting owner Pete VandenBos.

http://www.recovery.gov/Transparency/RecipientReportedData/pages/RecipientProjectSummary508.aspx?AwardIdSur=49136&AwardType=Grants


CHESANING, VILLAGE OF


Replace a failed dam with a rock ramp / riffle structure to provide
fish passage to 37 miles of previously inaccessible river habitat.

Clarification of Codes



AWARD OVERVIEW

AWARD OVERVIEW
Award Number
30181RJ171
Funding Agency
Department of the Interior
Total Award Amount
$99,400
Project Location - City
Chesaning
Award Date
08/07/2009
Project Location - State
MI
Project Status
Completed
Project Location - Zip
486161098
Jobs Reported
12.00
Congressional District
04
Place of Performance Country
USA





Recipient Information (Grants)

Recipient Information (Grants)
Recipient Name
CHESANING, VILLAGE OF
Recipient DUNS Number
069823938
Recipient Address
1100 W BROAD ST
Recipient City
CHESANING
Recipient State
Michigan
Recipient Zip
486161006
Congressional District
04
Place of Performance Country
US
Required to Report Top 5 Highly Compensated Officials
No



Projects and Jobs Information

Projects and Jobs Information
Project Title
Shiawassee River Restoration and Dam Removal Project
Project Status
Completed
Final Project Report Submitted
Yes
Project Activities Description
None of the Above
Jobs Created
12.00
Description of Jobs Created
1 Foreman 6 Operators 5 Laborers





Purchaser Information (Grants)

Purchaser Information
Contracting Office ID
Not Reported
Contracting Office Name
Not Available
Contracting Office Region
Not Available
TAS Major Program
14-1610



Award Information

Award Information
Award Date
08/07/2009
Award Number
30181RJ171
Order Number

Award Type
Grants
Funding Agency ID
14
Funding Agency Name
Department of the Interior
Funding Office Name
Not Available
Awarding Agency ID
14
Awarding Agency Name
Department of the Interior
Amount of Award
$99,400
Funds Invoiced/Received
$99,400
Expenditure Amount
$99,400
Infrastructure Expenditure Amount
Not Available
Infrastructure Purpose and Rationale
Not Available
Infrastructure Point of Contact Name
Marlene Schultz
Infrastructure Point of Contact Email
villageadmin@villageofchesaning.org
Infrastructure Point of Contact Phone
989.845.3800
Infrastructure Point of Contact Address
1100 West Broad Street
Infrastructure Point of Contact City
Chesaning
Infrastructure Point of Contact State
MI
Infrastructure Point of Contact Zip
486161098



Product or Service Information (Grants)

Product or Service Information
Primary Activity Code
**Z
Activity Description
None of the Above



Sub-Awards Information

Sub-Awards Information
Sub-awards to Organizations
0
Sub-award Amounts to Organizations
$0
Sub-Awards to Individuals
0
Sub-Award Amounts to Individuals
$0
Number of Sub-awards less than $25,000/award
0
Amount of Sub-awards less than $25,000/award
$0
Number of payments to vendors greater than $25,000
0
Total Amount of payments to vendors greater than $25,000/award
$0
Number of payments to vendors less than $25,000/award
0
Total Amount of payments to vendors less than $25,000/award
$0










Location Information
Latitude, Longitude
43º 11' 10", -84º 7' 37"
Congressional District
04
City
Chesaning
County
Saginaw
State
MI
Zip
486161098