The famous "Decorah Eagles," viewed on live webcam by people around the world, are challenged to keep their eggs from freezing as winter maintains its icy grip on Iowa. Their first egg arrived Feb 23, the second on Feb 26, and a third is expected this weekend.  Daytime temperatures have struggled to reach the teens, nighttime temperatures have been well below zero, with strong winds and occasional snow. We'll wish them the best, and keep checking on them via the webcam: http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles/theater 

Continuing cold weather will provide ongoing opportunities to observe and photograph this year's unusually high number of eagles in areas of open water where gizzard shad are plentiful, particularly below dams or where warmer water enters streams.  Here are the last two organized Eagle watch events of which we are aware: 

O'Brien County Bald Eagle Watch

March 1, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Ave., Peterson

There will be spotting scopes and binoculars available.

Ty Smedes will be presenting his book "The Return of Iowa's Bald Eagle" at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information call Charlene Elyea 712-295-7200

Sioux Rapids Bald Eagle Watch

March 22

American Legion Building, 200 Main Street, Sioux Rapids

Registration from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Speakers from 10 a.m. to Noon, morning refreshments, free will offering lunch at 12:15 p.m.

Outdoor viewing at selected sites.

For more information call: 712-296-4920 or 712-295-7200

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Todd Robertson, Iowa DNR River Programs Outreach Coordinator, informs us that the response to the free Livery (Outfitter) Training Classes for 2014 has been excellent.  These one-day classes are facilitated by Todd and Nate Hoogeveen, addressing risk management plans, litter control strategies, safety, creating relationships, and the new "Keep It Clean, Keep It Fun" campaign. 

Outfitters are encouraged to sign up for the remaining class to be held on Tuesday, March 25th at the Osborne Nature Center near Strawberry Point and Elkader.

By attending training, the business will receive special recognition on the DNR website and in the Livery directory, as a preferred outfitter who focuses on safety and river and paddler etiquette.  

To get more info or register for a class, contact Iowa DNR River Programs Outreach Coordinator Todd Robertson: todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-979-9538.

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Naturalists, youth group leaders and others who bring people out on the water in canoes or kayaks that want to learn how to teach others about paddling efficiently and safely are encouraged to attend one of the Iowa DNR's paddling schools scheduled May through September.

Each two-day course will cover skills, hazard and river feature identification, teaching to different learning styles, and risk management. The focus will be one-third classroom and two-thirds on-water in both lake and river environments, solo and tandem. Paddling schools are set up for either canoeing or kayaking instruction. Make sure you sign up for your preferred instruction.  All courses will be taught at Briggs Woods, along the Boone River in Hamilton County.

Each paddling school is limited to 10 students, and is taught by two American Canoe Association certified canoe instructors--Glenn Harmon, Todd Robertson, John Wenck or Nate Hoogeveen. Students have the options to camp, rent a cabin, or stay in Webster City at a motel while participating in the two-day school. Overnight accommodations are not included in the class fee.  Registration is required and the fee is $25. This is not considered a novice course; students should have previous paddling experience.

The schedule for the Iowa DNR's Canoe & Kayak School:

• May 6, Flat-Water Essentials (lake only) Special One Day Class for Naturalists, Scout Leaders, & Youth Group Instructors
• May 20-21, Canoe School
• June 25-26, Canoe School
• Aug. 20-21, Kayak School - FILLED!
• Sept. 17-18 Canoe School

The DNR's Paddling Schools fill up fast, so get your registration in quickly.  Access a pdf info sheet at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/riverprograms/2014%20paddlingschools.pdf

To register or get more information, contact Todd Robertson, DNR River Programs, 515-979-9538 or email todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov. 

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Following a less-than-spectacular 2013 sales season, some of Iowa's best-known independent paddling shops are expressing optimism for 2014.  The key to a good business year seems to be good weather and water levels in spring, when Iowans head out to cure their lingering cabin fever with some quality time on our rivers and other waterways. 

Canoesports Outfitters (CSO) in Indianola, whose store opened in 1992, is owned by Jeff and Casey Holmes.  Some of you may remember Jeff's transition from Iowa paddling magazine publisher to Iowa paddling shop owner, which he recently recounted in a humorous blog:

http://canoesportoutfitters.com/blog.php. 

Jeff indicated that 2013 was indeed an "off year" due to the lingering cold, wet spring.  While admitting "it all depends on the weather," he expressed optimism for 2014 based on interest expressed during the recent 18th annual "Paddling Expo," the addition of kayak models in both the recreation and advanced categories, and the overall growth of interest in paddlesports (including SUP) by Iowans. 

New for 2014 is the addition of several models from Confluence (Dagger, Mad River, & Perception), Kokatat PFDs, and designation as a test-paddling center for QCC Kayaks.  CSO offers demo paddles, paddler training at all levels, boat repair, and guided trips throughout the year.  The shop diversified into bike sales and service in 2009, currently offering Jamis Bicycles.  You can find info on the April 12 CSO Free Demo Paddle and other info on their new website: http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/  

CrawDaddy Outdoors in Waverly is owned by Darrin and Janeen Siefken.  Originally a Shell Rock hardware store with a small department of camping, paddling, and outdoor items, the Siefkens purchased and relocated the outdoor business to Waverly in 2005.  CrawDaddy has expanded in size and scope, and an attractive store displays a broad range of boats, camping gear, and outdoor apparel.  Most of the gear they sell is also available for rent.

Darrin agreed that cold, wet weather, combined with flooding, had a very negative impact on paddling-related sales for spring 2013.  He indicated that "Sales in March-April-May are critical, so that buyers can get the benefit of a full season's use.  Good spring sales bode well for ongoing sales of additional gear during the season." 

Diversification is a key to CrawDaddy's success, with the store offering demos, winter pool sessions, winter ski sales and rentals, and a year round schedule of outdoor adventure trips including weekend paddling at Red Rock and 5-day trips around the Midwest.  CrawDaddy is sponsoring pool sessions in paddling skills and rescues during the upcoming March 22 NE Iowa Paddle Fest in Cedar Falls.  You can find info on the April 3 CrawDaddy Season-Opener Free Kayak Demo Paddle and other info on their website: http://www.crawdaddyoutdoors.com/ 

Seatasea Watersports in Cedar Rapids, owned by Ken and Danette Kremer, began as a SCUBA Center in 2000, and added paddling lines in 2004.  The shop also provides gear for snorkling, swimming, and triathlon.  Seatasea provides SCUBA training and certification, organizes dive trips to domestic and international locations, and does a significant online business in wetsuits.

Ken agreed that 2013 business was set back by a cold, wet spring, but added that, "it was further impacted by a very hot, dry August in which the heat and low water levels also discouraged paddlers.  I hope that good weather and the cabin-fever effect will make spring 2014 sales more like the spring of 2012."  He noted that last year's poor sales also impacted manufacturers, who had less money available for R&D, meaning we will see fewer new designs this year.

Seatasea opted to focus on kayaks, and no longer carries canoes in stock, but they maintain a full selection of paddling gear.  They offer kayaks for rent, and will begin their free Discover Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddling sessions on April 26.  Seatasea is a sponsor of the annual January ICNC Paddle Day and the September Disabled Veterans Paddling Event.  Find more info and schedules at http://www.seatasea.com/.  

Confluence Watersports, headquartered in Greenville, SC, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of kayaks, canoes and paddlesports accessories sold under the brand names Wilderness Systems, Perception, Dagger, Wave Sport, Mad River Canoe, Adventure Technology and Bomber Gear.

Confluence CEO Sue Rechner recently shared that, "After a few years of guarded optimism and steady growth, I'm pleased to enter a new year feeling bullish - not just for Confluence, but for the entire paddlesports sector. Having just returned from Outdoor Retailer and ISPO Munich, I experienced a level of confidence throughout the shows that indicates we are heading into a strong year."

Rechner noted, "Anecdotally, there's an emotional context to a long, cold winter, as well: cabin fever. As soon as the weather breaks, people are primed to transition into spring and summer activities.  At this point anything above freezing is a welcome event to most areas of the country."

While she did not address SUPs, Rechner's assessment is that, "From a trend perspective, boats across the full spectrum of pursuits are in demand. Three significant trends rise to the top. Sit on tops have grown tremendously. Tandems continue to be strong. Fishing continues to grow."

Our Iowa paddle shop owners indicated that some of those national trends do not impact Iowa in the same way they might impact coastal areas.  We do not have much opportunity for kayak surfing, for instance.  Whitewater paddling interest is growing along with new sites and opportunities.  Kayak fishing is growing, but we have a limited season, and while the shops can get you into a fully-equipped boat, none is interested in the highly competitive business of fishing gear.

It is interesting to note that the owners of three independent paddlesport businesses spoke well of each other's shops, and they apparently refer customers to each other when appropriate.  While they are engaged in a highly competitive market, challenged by both brick-and-mortar stores as well as online sources, they each find ways to be involved in locally-organized outdoor activities.  They are all complimentary and supportive of recent paddler efforts on behalf of river cleanups, water quality initiatives, and the focus of water trail organizers to bring new people to our waterways.  They acknowledge that Io

Colorful boats add interest & excitement to any community event.

wans can now buy a boat at almost any box store, farm store, or lumber yard, but are hopeful that new DNR programs, paddler clubs, water trail events, and groups like IRR and IWTA can help address the missing element of teaching safety awareness, including proper gear, basic skills, planning, and navigation.

If a long winter and cabin fever are the prime motivators, our Iowa paddle shops and water trails should look forward to a lot of interest and activity in 2014! 

(In observance of the January passing of  Pete Seeger, we are re-running the following item from our Feb 2013 issue.  Seeger was, at times, praised, vilified, loved, hated, and honored. He is particularly appreciated by many for his love of the simple life, enthusiasm for teaching kids to sing, and his efforts on behalf of racial acceptance and environmental awareness.)

When Pete Seeger penned the song "My Dirty Stream (*The Hudson River Song)" in 1961, optimism for ever recovering the health of the historical Hudson River waterway was ebbing low.

Still I love it and I'll keep the dream

My Hudson River will once again run clear"

By the time he wrote "Sailing Down My Golden River" in 1971, in support of his work with the sloop Clearwater on the Hudson River, public awareness had increased and progress was being made.

Pete Seeger 1919--2014

SAILING DOWN MY GOLDEN RIVER   

Sailing down my golden river,

Sun and water all my own,

Yet I was never alone.

Sun and water, old life givers,

I'll have them where e'er I roam,

And I was not far from home.

Life to raise my sons and daughters,

Travelers from near and far,

Yet I was never alone.

Exploring all the little by-ways,

And I was not far from home.   

The story of the 106' sloop "Clearwater" is the tale of how a group of committed individuals used folk music and a majestic replica of an 18th century sailing vessel to create interest and rally support for the preservation of the Hudson River.  According to its website, "Clearwater was the first environmental group to focus on an entire river and its ecosystem, the first wooden sailing ship with a mission to preserve and protect the environment, and the first onboard environmental classroom accessible to children of all ages, races, backgrounds."

Learn more at: http://www.clearwater.org/about/the-clearwater-story/

Please email us at iowawta@gmail.com.)

This is a view of the old and new bridges at Mederville, on the lower Volga River.  Larry Stone reports that "The old arched bridge was so solid that they didn't even attempt to tear it down when they built the new one."  

Mederville is an unincorporated community, about halfway between Osborne and Littleport on the Volga River in Clayton County.

Volga River info is included on the Turkey River WT map & brochure:

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/riverprograms/turkeyRiverWaterTrailGuide.pdf  

Osborne Nature Center provides interesting indoor & outdoor displays, travel information, and a convenient Volga River access near the intersection of the Volga and Hwy 13 south of Elkader: http://www.claytoncountyconservation.org/osborne.htm 

Photo by G.Stark. 

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(Our thanks to Jim Liechty, Director of the Madison County Conservation Board, for this info and Feb 26 photos of a unique occurrence at Pammel Ford on the Middle River WT.)

"We've been managing Pammel State Park since 1989 and have had the opportunity to witness some awesome scenes around the ford created by acts of nature. However, the ice formations in these photographs taken today are the most unique that I have witnessed.

"The tall formation in the foreground (very first photo) resembles the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon, and the formation just beyond it resembles an Elephant Seal (use your imagination!).

"These formations are actually frozen foam that was created by unique weather conditions over the last week. The river ice blew out last Wednesday creating the ice jam on the ford. As temperatures dropped through the weekend and earlier this week, ice reformed below the ford but left some very small openings in ice. The water moving over the ford, but under the ice, forced the highly oxygenated water, mixed with some impurities, up through the small openings creating a foam. The bitter cold temperatures last night and this morning began freezing the foam and gradually built up these structures. Much of the whiter foam surrounding the base of these structures is still not frozen and when caught by the wind it blows up like dish washing foam.

"If you look close, there are smaller vertical structures formed all the way across the face of the ford below the overhanging ice-blocks."

Jim closed his email with, "Thought you might want to include one of these pics in the March Iowa Water Trail newsletter." We certainly did, and we appreciate Jim's thinking of the IWTA Newsletter as a way to share this interesting phenomenon with other WT enthusiasts.  Please contact us when you find something interesting or unusual along your WT. 

Closeup of "Elephant Seal" frozen river foam at Pammel Ford on Middle River WT.  Photo by Jim Liechty