Updated Paddle Schedule and CleanUp Schedule 2012

-----CLICK on image for clear full size view ---------

Non-Profit Director needed Part-Time

Non-Profit Director, Part-Time. Friends of the Shiawassee River:
-Independent executive to work with board of directors
to expand efforts to protect/restore environmental resources.
-Experience required in managing volunteers,
membership campaigns, and organizing events.
-Background in conservation will be a plus.
-Strong communication skills and
demonstrated ability in computer-based tools necessary.
-Time: 15-25 hours per week; $15-20 per hour,
depending on experience; no benefits.
-Submit letter of interest and qualifications or resume,
including list of specific skills,
to PO Box 402, Owosso, MI 48867 by May 11.
Or email material to info@shiawasseeriver.org

Tracking recent rainfall amounts

An easy way to see how much it rained recently can be found here
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ridge2/RFC_Precip/?site=dtx&lat=43.5&lon=-83.5&zoom=3

Since we don't have any USGS gauges in the Headwaters region , this may work well
to create perceptions of river height and recent rainfall amounts.

An example

Shiawassee River video in 3D ?

Well,  we are going to give this a shot, wish me luck.
Doug Lanyk and I filmed a short clip on the Shiawassee River a while back
using a waterproof digital camera capable of 720 frame rate for HD viewing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZO3pRLO48E

This recent article --Turn Your HD Videos Into 3-D Masterpieces on YouTube
By Roberto Baldwin for Wired Magazine - April 5, 2012 |
Categories: Home Audio and Video

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/04/turn-your-boring-hd-videos-into-3-d-masterpieces-on-youtube

I followed the directions and hopefully tomorrow
Friday April 6, 2012, I'll have a 3D kayaking video posted

Now in 3D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZO3pRLO48E

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YouTube 3D-
http://youtube-global.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-were-making-even-more-3d-video.html-

New bridge for Cole Park in Chesaning

The River Rapids Pedestrian Bridge Committee campaignto raise funds for the Cole Park Improvements Project is succeeding in a big way.
The centerpiece of the planned improvements is the replacement of the historic pedestrian bridge
across the Shiawassee River, which was destroyed by ice floes more than three years ago.
Sen. Roger Kahn and Rep. Ben Glardon present a $300,000 check Monday from the Department of Natural Resources to Chesaning Village President Joe Sedlar, for a project that would create a pedestrian bridge in Cole Park. A separate check, for $10,000, from the Chesaning Downtown Development Authority also was presented.  ~snip~

Posted: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 2:00 pm

By CHRISTINA GUENTHNER, Argus-Press Staff Writer

CHESANING  http://argus-press.com/news/news_local/article_e29c8a16-7816-11e1-a8d3-001871e3ce6c.html

Shiawassee River Paddle Event on June 3, 2012

Shiawassee River Paddle Event on June 3, 2012

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

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

June 3, 2012 - Join hundreds of paddlers for a day of fun

Water Trail Map
http://www.umflint.edu/resources/pdf/outreach/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.net

Hosted by: Headwaterstrails Inc. , Holly, Michigan

Contact:Doug Lanyk, dslanyk@comcast.net, 248-634-4551

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Normal basin recharge rates

River is open Holly to Fenton for late March 2012

Successful River cleanup, Sunday March 25 - Holly to Fenton

Bruce Allen, Debbie McCarty, Dennis Terry, Greg Schovan and I worked on
the Shiawassee River yesterday. Greg and Dennis went up stream from
Fish Lake Road and cleaned out one small blockage. We then went down
stream as a group and opened the way to Strom Park. There are a few
logs that are overhanging the river but since we could get under them
sitting up in a rowboat, we left them. There will be more falls in the
future as more of the dead ash trees fall into the water but for now it
is clear sailing. As we were doing the cleanup, we ran into a person
who kayaked down from Holly, named Mike. I don't know his last name but
he stopped and helped us for a while. He told us that there were no
other blockages from Holly to Fish Lake road. Thank you Mike. One of
the neighbors whose name I don't know, said that we could pile the trash
we picked up in front of his house and he would dispose of it. That is
much appreciated. We had one bag of trash and a tire. Many thanks to
our group as well as people who preceded us down the river. The weather
was sunny and warm. The water temperature wasn't bad either. If the
weather stays warm, we may do more cleanups this spring and not wait
till summer.

There were several people fishing on the river with boats that had come
down from Fish Lake Road and we saw people coming up stream from Strom
Park, just enjoying a nice paddle. The guys fishing said that they had
caught and released one good sized pike. We saw no sign of current
beaver activity. It would appear that trappers have caught them all.
There are no beaver dams left, but there is one abandoned beaver lodge
that you can see in the river still. We saw several service berry trees
along the river with hundreds of beautiful white blossoms. It won't be
long before the marsh marigolds and trillium bloom. It is a great time
to get out and enjoy the river.

Chuck Julian

Sunday March 25, 2011 river chainsaw work

Headwaters Trails will be having a cleanup of the Shiawassee River on Sunday March 25, 2011.
Meet in Holly at Waterworks Park, 690 Broad Street, Holly, MI at 9:00 am
and plan to go till 4 pm or whenever we decide that we have had enough.
Wind storm we had a few weeks back dropped a lot of dead ash trees in the river.
 Please join us if you are able to.

We need people with chain saws as well as boats to transport those saws
You are still welcome and encouraged to come along even if you have neither.
Mostly we will be walking the river with the boats to haul tools.
Once the trees are cut, they need to be anchored along the banks .
We will also pick up any trash we are able to.
Wear shoes or boots that you don't mind getting wet.

A hat, gloves and safety glasses are also a good idea.
Currently, the forecast is for partly sunny and 61, so dress warmly.

Chuck Julian will bring a rowboat; two chainsaws; a cooler with drinks; cables, nails
and hammers for anchoring logs; clippers; and a desire to have a good time.

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

The Fenton Area Paddlers is a group of kayak (and canoe) enthusiasts that paddle regularly
around the Fenton Michigan area, and sometimes take bigger trips.

Shiawassee River on Pinterest

A fresh new way to see the river -  on Pinterest

Shiawassee River

Enjoy
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Shiawassee River cleanups in 2012

Link to the flyer for 2012 cleanups on Shiawassee River

in Fenton, Linden and Argentine,Michigan

http://www.cityoffenton.org/images/contentimages/file/Shia%20riv%20cleanup.pdf

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Click on the flyer below for a full size image

2012 Paddling in Shiawassee River area

2012 Paddling Schedule

The Keepers of the Shiawassee released its schedule

of events for this spring, summer and fall seasons.

April 29 – "Welcome Spring" paddle at Holly's Seven Lakes State Park

at 2 p.m. at the boat launch

May 7 – Moonlight Paddle at Linden Millpond,

starts at 6:30 p.m.

May 19 – Headwaters Trails river clean-up from Holly to Fenton.

Starts at 9 a.m. at Holly's Waterworks Park.

Cleanups also scheduled for noon on May 20

at Fenton's Strom Park and 4 p.m. on May 31 at Waterworks Park.

June 3 – Headwaters Trails canoe race at Waterworks Park.

June 4 – Moonlight Paddle at Lobdell Lake's DNR launch

starts at 6:30 p.m. Dinner at Navistar at 7:30 p.m.

June 9 – Curwood Festival paddle in Owosso

June 16 – Linden through Argentine Township river cleanup.

Starts at 8 a.m. at Argentine Township Fire Hall.

June 23 – Fenton to Lake Ponemah river cleanup.

Starts at 7:30 a.m. at Bush Park's Keepers of the Shiawassee launch.

July 2 – Moonlihght Paddle at Linden Mill Pond.

6:30 p.m. dinner at Linden Hotel's Crow's Nest,

with 7:45 p.m. expected launch time.

July 30 – Moonlight Paddle at Lobdell Lake's DNR launch,

starts at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11

– Taste of Fenton paddle from Strom Park

Aug. 19 – Flint River Paddlers to Montrose

Aug. 28 – Celebrate the Shiawassee

Sept. 3 – Moonlight Paddle in Linden, starts at 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 23 – Bush Park to Linden for Linden Autumn Festival, at noon

Oct. 1 – Moonlight Paddle at Lobdell Lake, starts at 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 – Headwaters Trails Canoeing in Color

For more information, visit Keepers of the Shiawassee

online or email Maggie Yerman at yerantmag@yahoo.com

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Map Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail

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

A lot of hard work by many great volunteers went into creating this Heritage Water Trail
along the Shiawassee River for paddlesport aficionados both in canoes and kayaks.
HeadWatersTrails Inc. in Oakland County and Keepers of the Shiawassee in Genesee County
have cleared a lot of woody debris opening up the safe navigability of the river.

2012 Paddling Phones

Phones are evolving to match paddlesports needs, wants and desires.
In order to get a handle on what might work well for you in your kayak/canoe :

http://www.tested.com/news/how-waterproof-nanocoating-works-to-shield-your-smartphone-from-splashes-and-submersion/3472/

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Fenton gets new Brewery

What could be better than paddling 7 miles from Holly to Fenton ?
Getting a great meal and a cold beer at the ol' firehouse in Fenton after the gear is stowed.

Construction should be getting underway very soon on a new brewery in Fenton.
Michigan Brewing Company is leasing the old fire hall building at South Leroy and Ellen Streets from the city.
The city has worked out a seven-year lease agreement with the owners in which they pay $1 per year,
plus property taxes on the 73-year-old building.

The Fenton Downtown Development Authority is supplying up to 33 percent of the project costs, not to exceed $400,000.
Deputy City Manager and DDA Director Michael Burns tells WHMI that the company is in the process
of getting construction estimates and can pick up their building permit.
Once they get estimates, Burns says he thinks they’ll be ready to begin construction
so hopefully pretty soon and be operational by the end of the year.

The Fenton brewery and restaurant will sell beer, wine and whiskey that will be produced on site.

As seen on http://whmi.com/news/article/13834

Doc Fletcher writes about Shiawassee River

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.

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Aerial Video during Paddlesports Races ?

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

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View dam alternatives

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

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

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

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

River paddling thru meanders

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

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

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

Next time out - pay attention to the flow.

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Calories burned while kayaking

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

Calories_burned_while_kayaking.pdf (application/pdf Object)

A completely alternate view of it all is shown here :

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

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

Happy Holidays every one !

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Northern Shiawassee River issues

Northern Shiawassee River group activities

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

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

Snyder notices Shiawassee River

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

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

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

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

  By Barrie Barber | The Saginaw News

Kayaker Parade Float for Thanksgiving Weekend

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

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

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

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day

Dam Safety

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

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


The DHS apparently has issues with dam owners fully cooperating.

http://bit.ly/DamSafe

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The only cell phone you'll ever need

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






Available in Michigan

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

http://www.workingphones.com/

Wetland are vital to stream health

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

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

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

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

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

Good news for Shiawassee wetlands

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

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

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

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

I love this quote

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

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

We really do rely on one another.

Owosso council ponders dams

Dams on Shiawassee River pose touch financial considerations

Owosso council ponders dams - The Argus-Press: Owosso

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Kayaking zone

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

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

Perfect for that kayaker on your gift list - the holidays are quickly approaching
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Burns Grange on Shiawassee River

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

Grange – the word is Latin for grain

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

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

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Keepers of the Shiawassee River group

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


Keepers of the Shiawassee River, Michigan

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Shiawassee River fall color celebration October 1, 2011

Celebrate the Shiawassee 2:00pm – 6:00pm in Fenton,MI at Bush Park

 

Try out a variety of kayaks from Summit Sports in Brighton

Free refreshments

• hot dogs provided by Fenton Rotary
• bottled water from Douglas Water Conditioning
• additional refreshments from VG’s

Musical entertainment 

Kids’ activities

• scavenger hunt
• games
• fishing instruction by Izaak Walton League volunteers
• casting target practice

Dedication of Keepers of the Shiawassee and Rotary launches 4:00pm

Demos and instruction 

·       basic kayak skills 2:15pm, 3:15pm, 4:15pm  & 5:15pm

·       geocaching  2:45pm, 3:45pm, &  4:45pm

·       See how to load a kayak on a vehicle.

 

Headwaters Trails 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

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

October 1, 2011 Fall Color Tour Shiawassee River

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

Latest UPDATES :



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Preliminary info


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

Never paddled the Shiawassee in Oakland and Genesee County ???? ---- C'mon out and join us !

This year participants with their own boats will have the choice of stopping at Strom Park in Fenton or continuing on to Bush Park .

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

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

Registration forms and more info will soon be updated at www.headwaterstrailsinc.org

The tour is continuing to Bush Park for the first annual Celebrate the Shiawassee Festival.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A bad sign for conservation and ecology efforts :

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

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

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Holly, Michigan is a Playful City USA top pick

Holly, Michigan selected by the KaBOOM! organization 

as a Playful City USA for 2011 ! 

A most prestigious designation granted to only 150 communities nationwide

and Holly is the first of two communities in Michigan to be a Playful City USA .

KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to children's outdoor play

and designated the Holly community as one of the best for offering

children access to vital play space.

 I have no doubt that paddlesports via canoe and kayak on the Shiawassee River 

contributed a great deal to getting Holly, Michigan selected in 2011.

The ability for families to share outdoor time together on the water paddling 

the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail is a precious resource.

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

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Billion dollar sewage boggle « Red Run

This article relates to many communities all across Michigan

Billion dollar sewage boggle « Red Run

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Upcoming group paddles Fall 2011

Keepers of the Shiawassee

September/October Paddling

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

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

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

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

Friday 23^rd                    Richfield 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@flintr​iver.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
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Continued progress on Shiawassee River

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

River maintenance Sunday August 28, 2011

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Comments, suggestions, feedback, etc.

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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Another genius drowns - No Vest

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

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

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

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


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

There are literally dozens of these stories every week in the United States - let's not read about you or a friend in Michigan
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Plastic rotomolded kayak fix

For a small pinhole in the rear of the kayak :

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

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

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

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

Open river from Holly to Owosso ????

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chuck Julian

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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Increasing navigable waterway on the Shiawassee River trail

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


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

Ducks Unlimited Receives $1.5 Million For Shiawassee

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

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Sediment and Michigan water quality standards

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

Water Quality Standards

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

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

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

In addition to determining the current load, it is also necessary
to identify the target load– the amount of sediment that sources
can contribute without exceeding the TSS target value for the watershed.
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Genesee County District No. 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

Genesee County District No. 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

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

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

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

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

Red Run

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

http://redrundrain.wordpress.com/

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

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

Summary of CleanUp from Sunday July 24 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A huge number of supporters came out and cleared woody debris

Check out pictures by clicking on the link below :

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

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River Cleanup Sunday July 24, 2011 Argentine Township

SUBJECT: River Cleanup Sunday July 24, 2011

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

http://bit.ly/BirdStart

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

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

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

Boat hits and severely injures kayaker in Michigan

 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

Tri-County Times > Archives > Living > Kayaking

Schultz Outfitters: The Shiawassee's BACK!

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

Email	mike@schultzoutfitters.com
Website	http://www.schultzoutfitters.com http://www.schultzoutfitters.blogspot.com

Tri-County Times - Fenton Shiawassee Clean-Up

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

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

Friends of Shiawassee director resigns - The Argus-Press:

Friends of Shiawassee director resigns - The Argus-Press:

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

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

Kayaking the Shiawassee | This Chapter

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

Kayaking the Shiawassee | This Chapter

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

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Pushing the trail north

	Keepers of the Shiawassee River, Michigan
	Saturday, June 18 Linden/Argentine River Cleanup Meet 8:00 Argentine Twp Hall for free pancake breakfast and to get assignments   Time Saturday, June 18 · 8:00am - 11:00am Location Argentine fire hall for breakfast Register at Argentine Twp. 810-735-5050 or Linden City 735-7980 Variety of jobs for all ages: Join teams in Linden or with Hope Lutheran @ Hogan Rd  or Bird Rd working up river or McCaslin Lake Rd or working down river to Bird Rd. Clean launch area roadways River walkers trim overhanging branches, haul out tires, trash, etc. Flat bottom boats and/or canoes for hauling out trash appreciated Please bring your own tools if you have them such as chainsaws, loppers, handsaws and trimmers

WRCA: Clearinghouse for Dam Removal Information

WRCA: Clearinghouse for Dam Removal Information

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

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A Perfect Day for a Paddle - Fenton, MI Patch

A Perfect Day for a Paddle - Fenton, MI Patch

Oakland County has 5 Rivers , ony 1 race canceled

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
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June 5, 2011 Shiawassee River

Shiawassee River Paddle Event on June 5, 2011

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

Register


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

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

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

Shiawassee River Paddle Event on June 5, 2011

Water Trail Map


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

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

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

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

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

Questions ?
Call Sue Julian, 248-634-3513
or email sjulian @ provide dot net

Call Doug Lanyk 248-634-4551
or email dslanyk @ comcast dot net

Call Willi Gutmann 586-215-6387
or e-mail Willi_H2O @ Yahoo dot Com