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Iowa Water Trails Association 
 
October, 2014  
PICK, CLICK and READ
In the Eddy: Planning Items Not In the Newsletter
Are You Planning for Early 2015 Events?
Oct 1 & 6 Iowa River WT Steering Committe Meetings, Iowa City & Columbus Junction
Oct 1 SSNHA Photography Workshop, Fredericksburg
Oct 2 Odessa WT Steering Committee Meeting, Wapello
Oct 2,9,16,23 What's the DAM Solution Classes, Des Moines
Oct 9 Geologic History of Iowa River Valleys Program, Decorah
Oct 9 Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference, Des Moines
Oct 11 Annual Fall Colors Float, Jones County
Oct 13-16 Natural Stream Restoration Workshops, Clive
Oct 23 Archaeology & Cultural History Program, Decorah
Nov 4 Archaeology Program South of Sac City
This Space Could Be Yours!
IPTV Iowa Outdoors Features Best Outdoor Photography Segments
2014 IDNR WT Education Programs for Fall-Winter
Answer to Where Is It? Quiz
Answer to What Is It? Quiz
Thanks to Our Subscribers

QUICK LINKS
 










 

Iowa Rivers Revival, Protector of Rivers, Streams & Watersheds

 
Report Kills & Spills Logo  
Keep It Clean Sticker IDNR

IWTA isn't advocating for any candidate or position, but we do advocate for an informed and motivated electorate.  Do your candidates have positions on water quality, natural resources, outdoor ethics?  Do they know that such issues are important to you?  There's still time to ask questions, be aware, and get involved.  And then VOTE!

Jones Co Maq Float 2012 Tall Schoon
Paddling in Jones County, October 2013.
Photo by Joyce Schoon.



Many Iowans consider October their favorite month to visit a Water Trail.  Water levels favor leisurely floats, and provide frequent opportunities to explore sand and gravel bars for natural treasure.  The colors and textures will change dramatically over the course of 31 days.  The constant flow of migrating visitors will make each day unique.  It's a relaxing time, but with a hint of urgency, since we know that the warmth will fade with the colors.

There will be plenty of time to watch football when the snow flies.  Now is the time to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Water Trails.  Invite a friend, grab your camera, and get out there!

 

Visit the IWTA website: 

http://iowawatertrails.org/ 

 

And please keep us informed via email at:

[email protected]  


Where Is It? Quiz
Quasqueton Rapids 2014 G.Stark
Where Is It?
Make your best guess, then click on:
What Is It? Quiz
Pelicans Coralville Sm Group Lois Albrecht







What Is It?
Make your best guess, then click on: 

In the Eddy:  Quick Summary of Planning Items

PLANNING CALENDAR:  neotropical flyways

(Dates & Events Not in Newsletter Articles.)

 

October: Average first frost dates across Iowa. Autumn leaf colors begin to peak, north to south.  Many bird species departing from Iowa, or passing through Iowa, as they head for wintering areas.  

 

October 8; Full Moon. Sunset 6:36, Moonrise 6:52; total lunar eclipse in Iowa.

October 8; Draconid Meteor Shower.

October 18; Clean Water Act of 1972.

October 22; Orionid Meteor Shower.

October 31; Halloween.

 

November 4; VOTE!

November 11; Veterans Day.

November 27; Thanksgiving.


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Iowa Winter Events Seeking Your Ideas, Support, & Involvement

Chris Anderson NE Iowa PFest 2014 GStark
Black Hawk County Naturalist Chris Anderson advocated for children in the outdoors and "thrifty" paddling gear selection during the inaugural NE Iowa Paddlefest.

Whether you want to plan to avoid conflicts, plan to attend, or plan to participate as a presenter or exhibitor, here are the dates of some key early 2015 events of interest to WT organizers or users.  Most of these events are recruiting low- or no-cost presenters, and offer opportunities for exhibits, displays, or a table for literature about your WT, event, or paddling group.  These events also provide a valuable and enjoyable opportunity to develop or renew contacts across our community.

 

January 24; Paddle Day at Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids.  Will be the 8th annual gathering of paddlers and friends of the outdoors.  Send your speaker or topic recommendations to Education Facilitator Jan Aiels at [email protected]     Also, let Jan know if your organization would like to have a water &/or paddling-related display.  

February 6-8; Paddle and Pedal Expo at CanoeSport America in Indianola.  Grand-Daddy of the Iowa paddler gatherings, considered an "Iowa Homecoming" for supporters of paddling and river stewardship. Forward program or presentation suggestions to owners Jeff and Casey Holmes: [email protected] 

February 3; Iowa Rivers Revival Legislative Reception in Des Moines.  Opportunity to develop legislative relationships, in a casual setting, on behalf of the health of our 70,000 miles of Iowa rivers.  Contact Executive Director Roz Lehman at [email protected].  Visit IRR at http://www.iowarivers.org 

February 8-11; PRRSUM 6th Annual UMSRS in Dubuque. Deciphering all those letters, the Partnership for River Restoration and Science in the Upper Midwest will host its 6th annual Upper Midwest Stream Restoration Symposium in Dubuque.  With stream restoration showing signs of gaining traction in the Iowa legislature, this could be a unique and convenient opportunity to network with practitioners in our "neighborhood."  More info at http://www.prrsum.org/ 

March 13-15; Canoecopia in Madison, WI.  Not an Iowa event, but draws a lot of WT folks from our state, and our Iowa exhibitor presence is growing. 

March 21; NE Iowa Paddlefest in Cedar Falls.  Second year for this event, based on a successful first.  Forward ideas for topics or presenters to Black Hawk County Naturalist Chris Anderson: c[email protected]   

 

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Oct 1 & 6; Iowa River Water Trail Steering Committee Meetings, Iowa City & Columbus Junction

Iowa River Float LouisaCCB
Break Time on an Iowa River Sandbar.
Photo by Louisa CCB.

Strategic planning for the Iowa River Water Tail will be the focus of two upcoming meetings--the first on October 1 in Iowa City and the second on October 6 in Columbus Junction.  The purpose of the meetings is to form a steering committee that will act in an advisory capacity to the agencies that manage accesses along the river.

 

Anyone with an interest in the Iowa River is invited to attend, whether they are interested in paddling, history, wildlife, water quality improvement or other aspects of the river. Participants will be asked to give input about the current conditions on the water trail and ideas for the future .The steering committee is expected to meet several more times over the coming months.

 

Registration for the meetings is not required but would be helpful. For more info and registration links, visit http://www.iowariverwatertrail.com/news-a-events/item/44-iowa-river-water-trail-steering-committee-meetings.html 

If you are interested in participating but cannot attend on October 1 or 6, please email [email protected].

 

Wednesday, October 1, 6:30 PM
Johnson County Extension Building, 3109 Old Highway 218 S., Iowa City, IA 52246

 

Monday, October 6, 6:30 PM
Columbus Junction Civic Center, 232 Second Street, Columbus Junction, IA 52738

 

Oct 1; SSNHA Workshop: "Discover How to Use Photos to Tell Your Story," Fredericksburg

Camera Line Art Image
It's said a photo is worth a 1,000 words, but what is your photo saying?  Silos and Smokestacks Natural Heritage Area has organized a workshop to help you learn the nuts & bolts of photography: composition, rule of thirds, and much more. Whether you have a point-and-shoot or a high-end digital camera, these simple skills will help you create more engaging photographs with any subject matter.  In a fast paced society, we have to be mindful of how we are capturing our audience's attention. Are the pictures on your website, on your brochure, in your exhibit, conveying the message you want for your site?

 

The workshop will be held from 10 am-3 pm on Wednesday, October 1 in Fredericksburg.  Participants may submit up to three photos when they register, from which a few will be selected to see "what are they saying." Participants are also encouraged to bring their camera, to practice newly acquired skills and share work.

 

Leading this discovery will be Charley Starnes, Photo Salon Superintendent for the Iowa State Fair and Director of Living History Farms Annual Photography Day. Charley's photographs have been featured in the Iowa Travel Guide and the cover of the Silos & Smokestacks' Visitor's Guide.

 

There is a fee for this workshop; registration deadline September 24.  Learn more about Silos and Smokestacks Natural Heritage Area and its partner network: http://www.silosandsmokestacks.org/ 

 

Oct 2; Odessa Water Trail Steering Committee Meeting, Wapello

Odessa Paddlers
Kayakers on Odessa WT.  Photo by Louisa CCB.

A meeting is scheduled for October 2 to discuss the Odessa Water Trail and the strategic plan currently being developed. The purpose of the meeting is to form a steering committee that will act in an advisory capacity to the agencies that manage accesses on the Odessa Wildlife Complex.

 

Anyone with an interest in Odessa is invited to attend, whether they are interested in paddling, history, wildlife, hunting, fishing or other aspects of the river. Participants will be asked to give input about the current conditions on the water trail and ideas for the future. The steering committee is expected to meet several more times over the coming months.

 

Registration for the meeting is not required but would be helpful. For more info and a registration link, visit

http://www.iowariverwatertrail.com/news-a-events/item/45-odessa-water-trail-steering-committee-meetings.html 

 If you are interested in participating but cannot attend on October 2, please email [email protected]

 

Thursday, October 2, 6:30 PM
Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 10728 County Road X61, Wapello, IA 52653

 

Oct 2, 9, 16, 23 "What's the DAM Solution," Class on Low-Head Dams, Des Moines

Iowa DNR Logo

"What's the DAM Solution?" is an inside look at the danger, history, and alternative visions for low-head dams in Central Iowa.  If you like rivers, nature, or just support active recreation and economic opportunities in your community, this course will open your eyes to previously unrecognized problems with Iowa dams.

 

Led by Nate Hoogeveen, DNR River Programs Director, and Jon Garton, DNR Senior Environmental Engineer, this 4-session class will be offered from 10-11:30 a.m. on Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, and 23 through the RaySociety, Drake University's lifelong learning program, on the Drake campus. For questions, call Rena Wilson, 271-2120 or Linda Appelgate, 371-5419.

 

The class will be highly visual, with imagery and videos that help explain both serious and fun topics. Then, the focus shifts to examples of safer, innovative solutions communities are embracing across Iowa. Three low-head dams in Des Moines - Center Street, Scott Street, and Fleur Drive dams - will serve as case studies where 19 deaths have occurred over the years and fisheries productivity is reduced. The technology and know-how is now available to fix these dams to reduce deaths. The same solutions can often reconnect fish movement while reducing navigation barriers. Learn about the latest research and exciting solutions to dam problems in central Iowa and beyond.

 

Thursday, October 2 - What's the DAM Problem?

Nate Hoogeveen's overview explores the hidden mysteries of Iowa's dams on major waterways, their general purpose, and problems with dams as they are today. For example, did you know catfish cannot thrive in many miles of Iowa's rivers due to dams? Did you know that one to two people die at dams each year? Did you know that many dams are damaged? Did you know most dams do not protect from flooding, and that many actually make flooding worse? You'll have the chance to splash around with a hands-on model of a low-head dam to understand why they are hazardous - even though they may look harmless! The ways communities like Des Moines think about these problems can have major effects on how regular people use rivers and riverfronts in

Iowa communities.

 

Thursday, October 9 - Dams 101: Construction, Permitting, and Failure Risks

Learn from presenter, Jon Garton, how dams are designed, constructed, and function. Hear about the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)'s role in dam permitting, inspection and compliance. We will discuss how dams can fail and how the public should be aware of the risks of dams including how can dam owners, regulators, officials, and the general public work together to ensure dams are safe. An overview of the 2010 Lake Delhi dam failure in northeast Iowa will be presented.

 

Thursday, October 16 - Fish, Mussels, and River Recreation

Go beneath the surface with Nate Hoogeveen's underwater videos and photographs. Take away information from the latest studies on how dams impact Iowa's fish and mussel species. We'll explore how mussels (which look like clams) use ingenious methods to lure fish into carrying their young up rivers. You will gain an understanding of how some species of fish have disappeared from some Iowa river segments and how fragmentation can be disruptive for overall numbers and sizes of numerous species of game fish. Also, begin to understand how recreation (boating, fishing, relaxing) opportunities may be limited by dams around the state, reducing quality of life and economic development opportunities.

 

Thursday, October 23 - What's the DAM Solution?

Nate Hoogeveen will show solutions from Iowa and beyond. These can range from replacing a dam with a rapids, removing a dam, or more fully restoring a river. A downtown can be enhanced by creating whitewater features. Downtown rivers can become more usable, accessible, and several kinds of barriers can be removed at

the same time. Usually, the actual infrastructure purposes of standard dams can be accommodated by using these innovative methods.

 

The class cost is $30 plus membership in the RaySociety. Membership entitles you to an array of classes and events through the fall and spring including free parking. To join the society and register for classes, visit www.drake.edu/raysociety or call Rena Wilson at 515/271-2120.

 

Oct 9; "Geologic History of Iowa River Valleys," Program, Decorah

NE Iowa RCD Logo

Learn about the powerful forces which shaped the Iowa we see today. Joe Artz, a Geoarchaeologist with Earthview Environmental, Inc., will discuss the impact of glaciers, lakes, wind & rivers on the geology of the area. Artz will help us travel back through time, gaining a perspective on the prairie, glaciers, and plants & animals which have graced the landscape, exposing a few myths along the way.

 

This free, public event will begin at 6:30 pm on October 9 in the Decorah Library, 202 Winnebago, Decorah, IA 52101.

 

This program is free of charge, but preregistration is requested. 

Click on the link below to register online:

 

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=oqgqe6jab&oeidk=a07e9rj2hla2465fc4e 

 

Online registration will be open through October 7.  After that date, please contact Josh Dansdill, 563-864-7112 or email  [email protected] 

 

This event is cosponsored by Northeast Iowa RC&D and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

 

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Oct 9; "Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference," Drake University, Des Moines

IEC Logo

The 2014 Annual Conference of the Iowa Environmental Council will be held on Thursday, October 9, at the Olmsted Center Upper Level, Drake University, Des Moines.

 

The theme of the IEC Conference will be 

"ENGAGE IN YOUR FUTURE: Creating a healthier, sustainable tomorrow." 


This year's conference will delve into the latest developments to Invest in clean water, Expand clean energy and Confront climate change. Keynote Speaker Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Project Climate Change Communication, will kick off a day of networking and presentations sharing the latest developments and research in the environmental field.

The Council's conference is known for bringing together a unique cross section of Iowa's environmental community, including the Council's member organizations, to share successes & challenges, and to learn from one another to move  collective efforts forward.

 

For more info, visit: http://www.iaenvironment.org/   or contact Development Director Amanda Samuelson at 515-244-1194 x202 or Communications & Outreach Director Katy Heggen at 515-244-1194 x210.  Discounted registration is available to Council members and students. Early bird registration is available through September 15, 2014.

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Oct 11; Annual Fall Colors Float, Wapsipinicon River, Jones County Conservation

Jones CCB Fall Colors Float 2012 Michele Olson
Jones County Conservation will host its annual Fall Colors Float Saturday, October 11 on the Wapsipinicon River, from the Matsell Bridge Access to the Anamosa Access (above the dam).  Vehicles will be shuttled at 9:00 am, put-in time is 10:00 am.

 

Enjoy the colors and sights of fall as we paddle down the beautiful Wapsipinicon River.  This stretch of river is known for its beauty, history, and great fishing.  Bring snacks, sunscreen, and cold weather paddling gear.  The historic and scenic General Store Pub at Stone City is a great place to grab a bite to eat - take out here for lunch or bring your sack lunch to eat on the river.

 

Stone City is about halfway, and will serve as an optional and low/high water takeout.

 

Pre-registration required:  Please call (319)481-7987 or e-mail [email protected] by 4:00 pm Thursday, Oct 9.

 

More info about Jones CCB programs: http://www.jonescountyiowa.org/Pages/Conservation.aspx  

 

 

Photo of the 2013 Jones County Fall Colors Float by Michele Olson.

Oct 13-16; Natural Stream Restoration Workshops, Clive 

IRR Logo

Over the past two years Iowa Rivers Revival has been raising awareness about the need for and importance of natural, ecological river restoration practices in Iowa. Iowa Rivers Revival is collaborating with the City of Clive, the Iowa Stormwater Education Program, and the International Erosion Control Association to present two unique opportunities to learn more about techniques and benefits of river restoration.

 
Natural Stream Restoration Mini-Workshop for Policy-Makers and Community Leaders
Monday, October 13, 2014, 7:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Clive Special Events Building - Aquatic Center, 1801 NW 114th St.
Iowa Rivers Revival is co-sponsoring a mini-workshop presented by national and state experts to demonstrate techniques and benefits of natural stream restoration.  The three hour workshop is for policy-makers and community leaders in or near the Walnut Creek Watershed in the Des Moines metro area.  Program agenda
There is no fee to attend the mini-workshop.  For more information or agenda details, go to www.iowarivers.org.  To RSVP, contact Jenn Dreier at [email protected].
 
Urban Streambank Stabilization and Stream Habitat Restoration Four-Day Workshop
Monday, October 13 thru Thursday, October 16, 2014
Clive City Hall and Special Events Center
The City of Clive and the co-sponsors also are hosting a full four-day field and classroom training for engineers, field technicians, and development professionals on the latest bioengineering techniques used for streambank stabilization and stream habitat restoration, and will include hands-on construction of the 73rd St. bridge project to address protection, bioengineering, public access and re-vegetation needs.  There is a fee for this workshop.
Training Agenda
Training Registration
 
**If you have interest in attending the four-day training, but may require some financial assistance, please contact Rosalyn Lehman at [email protected] to discuss available options. 
 

 

Oct 23; "Archaeology & Cultural History" Program, Decorah

State Archaeologist Logo

Join Elizabeth Reetz, Education Director at the Office of the State Archaeologist, as she discusses Iowa's cultural history and the importance of waterways, such as the Upper Iowa River, to that history.

 

This free, public event will begin at 6:30 pm on October 23 in the Decorah Library, 202 Winnebago, Decorah, IA 52101.

 

Elizabeth Reetz holds a BA in Anthropology and an MA in Landscape Archaeology.  She is particularly interested in late prehistoric cultures of the Midwest, pottery analysis, and community-based archaeology.  Her work experience has included time as an archaeologist in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

 

This program is free of charge, but preregistration is requested. 

Click on the link below to register online:

 

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=oqgqe6jab&oeidk=a07e9rj7dslcf33469e 

 

Online registration will be open through October 21.  After that date, please contact Josh Dansdill, 563-864-7112 or email  [email protected] 

 

This event is cosponsored by Northeast Iowa RC&D, the UI Office of the State Archaeologist, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.


 

Nov 4; "Archaeology & Cultural History" Program, Hagge Park South of Sac City 

Photo by Sac CCB.

Join Elizabeth Reetz, Education Director at the Office of the State Archaeologist, as she discusses Iowa's cultural history and the importance of Iowa waterways to that history.

 

This free, public event will begin at 7:00 pm on November 4 in Hagge Park, South of Sac City, IA.

 

Elizabeth Reetz holds a BA in Anthropology and an MA in Landscape Archaeology.  She is particularly interested in late prehistoric cultures of the Midwest, pottery analysis, and community-based archaeology.  Her work experience has included time as an archaeologist in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

 

This program is free of charge, but preregistration is requested.

 

To register, contact Sac County Conservation at 712-662-4530 or [email protected].

 

This event is cosponsored by Sac County Conservation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

 

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Next Month; This Space Could Be Yours! 

Belted Kingfisher Nick Chill

This could be an article about:

  • Your upcoming WT recreation, education, or cleanup event.
  • Your upcoming WT organizing or stakeholder event. 
  • The valuable contributions of your WT volunteers.
  • The oldest or youngest users of your WT.
  • Your most unique WT programming of 2014.
  • Your most successful WT program ideas.
  • What you learned from a less-than-successful WT event.
  • What you believe to be the most valuable contributions of WTs to Iowa.
  • Your request for assistance on how to address a WT challenge, create a WT opportunity,                or solve a WT problem.

Whatever you are proud of, concerned for, or wondering about, your WT community is here to provide support. Just tap in to your resources.

 

Contact us at [email protected] 

 

IPTV "Iowa Outdoors" Featuring Best Photography Segments

Outdoor photographers will enjoy the photography results in these IPTV "Iowa Outdoors" video segments, but may find the skills, ideas, and motivation to be even more valuable.

 

Edition 405 highlights some of the best photographic journeys from the show's archives, including underwater, HDR, macro, and night photography. 

 

http://www.iptv.org/iowaoutdoors/story.cfm/full_program/12229/iao_20140904_405/video 


 

Edition 404 is focused on the 2014 Iowa State Fair, including a segment on the 

impressive work of outdoor shutter bugs at the annual photography salon.

 

http://www.iptv.org/iowaoutdoors/story.cfm/clip/12063/iao_20140806_404_outdoors_photographers_compete 

 

Check out current and previous airings of "Iowa Outdoors" on IPTV: 

http://www.iptv.org/series.cfm/15752/iowa_outdoors 
 

Consider subscribing to the Iowa Outdoors magazine.  Entertaining, educational, and a great holiday gift!
https://programs.iowadnr.gov/epay/subscription/  

 

Expanded IDNR 2014 WT Education Programs Available for Fall & Winter
kids_learning.jpg

The "float season" is drawing to a close, but please keep in mind that most of the 2014 topics can be enjoyed as indoor presentations during the fall and winter. Contact Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for DNR River Programs, at 515-979-9538 or [email protected]

 

Aquatic Insects; Jacklyn Gautsch, Biologist IDNR Watershed Monitoring & Assessment.

Discover the interesting adaptations & life cycle of aquatic invertebrates which dwell below the water surface.

Freshwater Mussels; Jennifer Kurth, Natural Resources Biologist in IDNR Watershed Improvement Section.

Meet these valuable components of freshwater biodiversity-Mother Nature's water filters.

Geologic History of Iowa River Valleys; Geologists from IDNR Geology & Groundwater Section.

Learn about the origin & evolution of Iowa's river valleys & the surrounding upland landscape.

River Critters & Wild Life; Wildlife and Interpretive Specialist Dr. Jim Pease.

Find & understand the wide variety of interconnected wildlife along Iowa's rivers, from birds & mammals to trees & shrubs.

Riparian Plant Program; IDNR Botanist John Pearson.

Learn to recognize the trees, shrubs, & wildflowers which inhabit our waterways, lakeshores, riverbanks & floodplains. 

Iowa's Archaeological Past, A History of Iowa Cultural History; OSA Staff Cherie Haury-Artz & Elizabeth Reetz.

Reflect on the importance of Iowa's water trails to various people and cultures through time.

 

WhereIsItWhere Is It? Quiz ANSWER

 

Quasqueton Bridge 2014 G.Stark
The New Bridge Across the "Wapsi" at Quasqueton.

While some folks may chide Quasqueton residents that they are no longer the "Friendliest Town by a Dam Site," the dam is actually still here (along with the friendly people).  The area below the low head dam was simply filled with rocks, eliminating the dangerous hydraulics, providing for fish passage, improved habitat, and expanded recreation opportunities.  Approved by the Quasqueton City Council in 2010, the project was completed in early 2014.  A new bridge, just below the Wapsi River project, opened in late 2013.

 

The winning bid of $403,000 exceeded available state and federal grant funds by $59,000.  In what could be described as a "pure Iowa moment," contractor Jim Gallery and several area farmers agreed to donate 600 boulders to the project, closing the funding gap.

 

The former low-head dam has been transformed into arch rapids- a series of descending, u-shaped, rocky-weirs. The project included placement of a base of 2,000 tons of broken concrete, 6,000 tons of 12-36" limestone chunks, 3,000 tons of 1-6" rock, and positioning 900 4-5 ft. boulders.  Two deeper holes were excavated into base rock to hold fish.

 

In addition to the benefits of improved safety, fish passage, recreation, and aesthetics, the project helps taxpayers avoid the expense of future dam maintenance.

 

Quasqueton, settled in 1842, is the oldest town in Buchanan County. A flour mill was built by William Bennett in 1842, with a wooden dam constructed at the same spot as the current dam.

 

Native Americans referred to this spot on the Wapsipinicon River as "Quasquetuk," translated as "swift running water". Several Native American trails converged here to ford the river.  In an interesting twist of history, this section of the Wapsi is once again "swift running water."

 

Wapsipinicon River Water Trail map:

http://www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/riverprograms/map_wapsipinicon.pdf?amp;tabid=868 

Quasqueton Mill 2014 G.Stark
The Site of the Quasqueton Mill on the Wapsipinicon River.

Photos by G.Stark 

WhatIsItWhat Is It? Quiz ANSWER
Pelicans Open Wide Coralville Lois Albrecht
"Open Wide!"

Photos and info shared by Lois Albrecht:

 

One of the most enjoyable things a paddler can do in the late summer and early fall is pelican-watching. A quiet paddler can get surprisingly close to the entertaining American White Pelicans while they have stopped for their long fall visit to Iowa waters.  On their way further south to their Gulf Coast wintering sites, they may be seen in Iowa from late August into October.

 

A group of pelicans is called a squadron or a pod or a scoop, and it is possible to see thousands at the Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge, the Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area, Saylorville Lake, Coralville Lake, along the Mississippi River and at other similar places in Iowa. Pelicans prefer shallow areas where they can easily scoop up fish; they may work together to "herd" fish for easier catching.

 

Adults are white, with black wing feathers prominently visible in flight, while juveniles are a dusty or dingy white. They have a nine foot wingspan and are powerful soaring birds. The distinctive way they change color as they soar and wheel in unison is not only beautiful, but makes them easily identifiable at great heights.

 

In recent years, an increase in American White Pelican populations has been documented and called a conservation success, after a severe decline into the first half of the 20th century. They continue to be at some risk from human disturbance during breeding season, predators, pesticides, diseases like botulism, and loss of wetland habitat.

 

These are among online sources for more information. Interestingly, most online references make no mention of the very long Midwest stop-over times during their fall migration.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_white_pelican/lifehistory 

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Pelecanus_erythrorhynchos/ 

http://www.borealbirds.org/bird/american-white-pelican 

 

Pelicans Action Coralville Lois Albrecht
American White Pelicans Take to the Air at Coralville Reservoir.

 Photos & Info by Lois Albrecht

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We Hope That You Are Enjoying the IWTA Newsletter
IDNR Blue Trash Bag
Our special thanks to:
  • Lois Albrecht for sharing her photos and information about American White Pelicans for our "What Is It? Quiz."  
  • All of the WT event organizers and presenters who continue to provide numerous opportunities for Iowa WT education and enjoyment as we move into the fall season.
  • Everyone who provided WT event information and photo support for this issue of the IWTA Newsletter.
Fall brings generally lower water levels,  possibly revealing trash from spring floods  or careless summer WT users. It's a good opportunity to use those  blue bags to "Keep It Clean. Keep It Fun. For Everyone!" It's also a great time to share those bags with other WT users.  Anyone interested in helping to display and distribute "Keep It Clean" promotion materials should contact Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for DNR River Programs, at 515-979-9538 or [email protected] . 

 

The mission of the IWTA is to facilitate the exchange of information, ideas and encouragement among Iowans working to create, enhance, or utilize our water trails. That is only possible with your support and participation. 

 

We hope that you will continue to share your events, reports, ideas, quiz topics, and suggestions with us at [email protected].  Thank you for your continuing support and encouragement.

 

If you are not one of the over 1,000 Iowans who currently subscribe to this free, monthly email IWTA Newsletter, please click on the convenient "Join Our Mailing List" button to get on board.

 

And, please share the IWTA Newsletter with your friends via the "Forward this email" or "Share on Social Media" buttons. 

 
Sincerely,
Gregg Stark
Editor, Iowa Water Trails Association Newsletter