Golden Hills RC&D and Iowa Rivers Revival invite you to attend one of two river restoration meetings to be held on August 6. 

  

= The afternoon meeting will be from 1:00 to 3:00 at the Emerson Community Building, 711 Morton Avenue, Emerson, Iowa 51533
= The evening meeting will be from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Walnut Welcome Center, 607 Highland Street Walnut, Iowa 51577

These meetings will build on the river restoration meetings held throughout Southwest Iowa in June, but will also include technical experts who can answer questions about implementing river restoration practices. Speakers will include:
* John Thomas, Project Director with the Hungry Canyons Alliance, will discuss the history of Western Iowa stream stability and local river restoration projects;
* Roz Lehman, Executive Director of Iowa Rivers Revival, will discuss Iowa Rivers Revival's programs and policy efforts;
* Claire Rhuby with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will discuss river restoration projects in Iowa;
* Karen Smith with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will discuss the permitting process for streambank stabilization and river restoration projects.

Local county chapters of the Iowa Corngrowers Association are co-sponsoring the meetings. A light meal will be provided, so RSVP's are requested by Friday, July 31. To RSVP, contact Lance Brisbois at 712-482-3029 or lance@goldenhillsrcd.org.

 

Find more information at: http://westnishwatertrail.weebly.com/river-restoration.html

 

Iowa Rivers Revival ( http://iowarivers.org/ ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to river education and advocacy, committed to protecting some of our most precious natural resources - our rivers and streams. IRR is working to engage Iowans in river awareness, responsibility, and enjoyment in an effort to improve and enhance the condition of Iowa waterways:

"Natural river restoration provides multiple benefits to the landowner and surrounding community:
* Offers affordable and sustainable options to reduce streambank erosion.
* Improves water quality by reducing sediment and nutrient loading into the stream.
* Reduces flooding and flood effects.
* Protects local infrastructure such as bridges and roads from erosion and flooding, reducing taxpayer expense to repair, replace, and maintain.
* Enhances aquatic and riparian wildlife habitat and ecosystem.
* Improves river recreation, fishing, and hunting - benefitting local economies, public health, & quality of life.

"Iowa lacks the resources and expertise to offer natural river restoration opportunities to landowners and communities across Iowa. An Iowa River Restoration Program (similar to the Iowa Lakes Restoration Program) would provide guidelines, criteria, funding, training, and the expertise necessary to offer cost-share opportunities for protecting Iowa's landscape, streambanks and riverways. These meetings provide an opportunity to learn and discuss how natural river restoration approaches can be helpful to you."

Golden Hills RC&D ( http://www.goldenhillsrcd.org/ )is a non-profit organization dedicated to the sustainable use and protection of natural resources for the economic and social betterment of the people of western Iowa. By collaborating for these presentations, IRR and Golden Hills hope to build awareness and support for natural river restoration activities in Southwest Iowa by protecting our valuable Loess soils and river resources. 

 

Enjoy these opportunities to combine a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River WT with a tour of the historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site. Free tours are available Noon - 5:00 pm on scheduled weekends during May-September, or group tours by appointment. Scheduled open weekends for 2015 are listed on the website. Motor Mill Historic Site is located on Galaxy Road, Elkader, IA 52043. For more information about Motor Mill or the tours, call: 563-245-1516 or visit: www.motormill.org

 

Paddling Elkader (Access 39B) to Motor Mill (Access 32)

Visitors are drawn to Elkader's unique history, eclectic shops, ethnic restaurants, performances at the Elkader Opera House, campgrounds, B&Bs, and multi-use trails. This 6.5 mile scenic Water Trail section of river is accessed from historic downtown Elkader (#39B), below the dam. The river is relatively straight until you pass the mouth of Robert's Creek, where it begins to meander between the wooded bluffs of a narrow valley, offering occasional riffles. Rounding a bend, you will encounter the iconic stone Motor Mill. Takeout #32 will be just past the mill, on your left. Beyond the Motor Mill Access, the next take-out point is 12.4 miles downstream at Garber (#20). Find more info about the Turkey River WT, order hard-copy maps, or download pdf maps at:  http://northeastiowarcd.org/publications/water-trail-maps-guides/

Clinton County Conservation Board will host another in its series of "Shores of Clinton County Paddles" at 9:00 am on Aug 10. Meet at Sherman Park, 2704 160th Ave, Calamus. 

 

Check in, ready to launch by 9:00 am.  Paddle 11.5 miles with multiple sand beach breaks to collect rocks, fossils and artifacts, arrive at Allen's Grove Park with option for primitive camping (launch from here next morning). 

 

Some boats available for rent. Register at 563-259-1876. More info in the "Heron" newsletter  http://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/Page/Conservation.aspx

 

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Clinton County Conservation Board will host another in its series of "Shores of Clinton County Paddles" at 9:00 am on Aug 10. Meet at Allen's Grove Park, Donahue. 

 

Check in, ready to launch by 9:00 am. Paddle 13 miles including Barber Creek Wildlife Area to takeout at new Gambil Access around 4:00pm. 

 

Some boats available for rent. Register at 563-259-1876. More info in the "Heron" newsletter  http://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/Page/Conservation.aspx

 

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The DNR Iowa Rivers Program will have a static display for the 2015 Iowa State Fair, so no booth volunteers will be needed this year.  

 

But, at least 4 volunteers will be needed for the Paddling Theme Day on Saturday, August 15 in the DNR Courtyard. Outreach Coordinator Todd Robertson is organizing 4 or 5 "stations" with themes such as canoe or kayak nomenclature, SUP, useful knots, paddling safety, etc. Volunteers will receive day passes to the Fair.

 

If interested, contact Todd at 515-979-9538 Cell or email todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov

  

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Take A Kid Outdoors (TAKO) is seeking individuals and organizations to help, present, host, exhibit, or sponsor during a planned Aug 14-15 event at Iowa River Landing in Coralville.  

 

Dubbed "Seize the Carp!," the event is intended to introduce (or re-introduce) folks to a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, fly fishing, bow fishing, spear fishing, native & invasive species identification, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor cooking, river cleanups, slack-lining, rock climbing, environmental art, foraging, bird watching, star-gazing, and ??? "Seize the Carp" will also include a recycled kayak construction & race competition. 

 

Visit www.takeakidoutdoors.org  or contact Judith Joyce, email earthview01gmail.com or phone 319-358-2542.

 

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The Aug 15 inaugural PaddleFest Poker Run on the Cedar River in Cedar Falls/Waterloo will be held from Noon to 4:00 pm, beginning at Washington Park (Cedar Falls Access)

End of East 9th St., Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Cedar Valley Paddlers announced that proceeds will benefit Hartman Reserve Nature Center, the new partner for the event.

 

Paddle through Cedar Falls and Waterloo to gain playing cards and create the best poker hand. Each stop will feature an educational piece. Prizes will go to best hand, worst hand, and best costume! Food and camaraderie will follow at the Waterloo Boat House.

 

Signed liability forms and life jackets are required.  Cost: $20 person before Aug. 1st. After Aug. 1st, cost goes up to $25 per person. Additional hands are available for $5. Cost includes: PaddleFest Bandana, Iowa DNR mesh litter bags, food and prizes!  Poker hands are also available to non-paddlers. Card trading is not allowed. There are no refunds!

Weather Policy: The Poker Run is a rain or shine event! In the event of severe weather (i.e. lightning), the start time will remain the same but no boats will go in the water. Instead, we will venture to the Waterloo Boat House to enjoy free food and complete the poker drawing!

Sponsors include: Iowa DNR, Iowa Water Trails, Cedar Valley Paddlers Club, Walleye Club, Impact Outdoors, Black Hawk County Conservation Board, and Hartman Reserve Nature Center

 

Volunteers willing to help with this event are asked to contact Pam Wolter, Cedar Valley Paddlers Club, PaddleFest Poker Run Committee, cell: 319-231-0541, or email cedarvalleypaddlers@gmail.com

All volunteers will receive a cool bandanna and event packet. 

 

Find event Info and registration at http://www.mycountyparks.com/county/Black-Hawk/Park/Hartman-Reserve-Nature-Center/Events/7365/PaddleFest-Poker-Run.aspx

 

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Info at: http://www.floatzilla.org/
 

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Enjoy these opportunities to combine a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River WT with a tour of the historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site. Free tours are available Noon - 5:00 pm on scheduled weekends during May-September, or group tours by appointment. Scheduled open weekends for 2015 are listed on the website. Motor Mill Historic Site is located on Galaxy Road, Elkader, IA 52043. For more information about Motor Mill or the tours, call: 563-245-1516 or visit: www.motormill.org

 

Paddling Elkader (Access 39B) to Motor Mill (Access 32)

Visitors are drawn to Elkader's unique history, eclectic shops, ethnic restaurants, performances at the Elkader Opera House, campgrounds, B&Bs, and multi-use trails. This 6.5 mile scenic Water Trail section of river is accessed from historic downtown Elkader (#39B), below the dam. The river is relatively straight until you pass the mouth of Robert's Creek, where it begins to meander between the wooded bluffs of a narrow valley, offering occasional riffles. Rounding a bend, you will encounter the iconic stone Motor Mill. Takeout #32 will be just past the mill, on your left. Beyond the Motor Mill Access, the next take-out point is 12.4 miles downstream at Garber (#20). Find more info about the Turkey River WT, order hard-copy maps, or download pdf maps at:  http://northeastiowarcd.org/publications/water-trail-maps-guides/

From Todd Robertson, IDNR River Programs Outreach Coordinator:

 

"The Iowa DNR 2-day Canoe/Kayak School courses are a great way to improve skills for people who help get others out on the water. You are expected to have some previous experience, but not expertise. The intent is to increase safety, lower stress, have fun, and pay knowledge forward, based on American Canoe Association instructional foundations. Time is divided between some classroom and hands-on experience on a lake environment and then a river.

 

"Participants from past schools rated the training extremely helpful. They were also surprised by how much there was to learn and how intensive this course is. The the two-day classes will be held along the Boone River at Briggs Woods, in Hamilton County. These classes will fill up fast."

 

Details about course content, accommodations, gear to bring, & registration forms for all classes: 

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx 

For any questions, contact Todd Robertson at 515-979-9538 or 515-725-2960 or email: todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov

 

Aug 25-26; IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders.  Briggs Woods Park, Boone River. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles, risk management.  Two days, for canoes only, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required. 

Sep 14-15; IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders.  Briggs Woods Park, Boone River. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles, risk management.  Two days, for canoes only, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required. 

 

Are you looking for a way to get involved with a fun and exciting adventure race, but without breaking a sweat? There are many opportunities to lend a hand at the Aug 29 Rugged Toad Adventure Triathlon.

This fun, challenging race combines a 4.6 mile paddle, 3.4 mile trail run, and finishes with a 7.0 mile mountain bike ride. It will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, Aug 29, starting at Brookwood Park in Waverly. All proceeds will go towards the purchase of Ingawanis Woodland.

Volunteer opportunities include timers, kayak start help, kayak safety crew, kayak sweep, kayak transition (helping people in or out of kayaks), kayak hauling & transporting in Scout Camp, run course helpers, creek crossing assistants, bike transition help, bike course helpers, food & beverage, first aid. If interested in volunteering, please contact Darrin Siefken at 319-352-9129 or email  info@crawdaddyoutdoors.com

 

Event info and registration at http://crawdaddyoutdoors.com/event/rugged-toad-adventure-triathlon-2015/

 

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Organizers have just learned that Seatasea Watersports will not be able to provide boats, paddles, and PFDs for this year's VA Vets Paddle, so they will need to recruit even more volunteers, borrowed boats, and gear.

 

This year's Vets Paddle will be held from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm on Wednesday, September 9, at the sand pit across Hwy 22 from Riverside Casino, Riverside, IA. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Gregg Stark in advance at greggpeggystark@yahoo.com. More info about the TEE Tournament can be found at: http://www1,.va.gov/opa/speceven/tee/index.asp 

The TEE Tournament provides eligible Veterans with an opportunity to participate in therapeutic adaptive sporting activities which demonstrate that having a visual or physical disability need not be an obstacle to an active, rewarding life. The first TEE Tournament was held in June 1994 in Nauvoo, Illinois, at the Great River Bend Golf Course. The inaugural event drew 36 legally blind Veterans from six Midwestern states. The event was moved to the Iowa City area in 1995 and has been held there ever since. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) endorsed this event in 2008 and it became one of VA's six national rehabilitation programs for Veterans. The event has expanded to include not only Veterans who are legally blind, but also amputees, those who use wheelchairs, and Veterans with other disabilities. For Veterans from coast to coast, this event continues to grow in both level of involvement and popularity each year.

The Vets Paddle is an "alternative activity," (others include bowling and horseback riding) to expand the variety of experiences offered to the participating Veterans beyond golf. The VA introduced paddling in 2009, with equipment contracted from out of state. Beginning in 2010, the event became a totally volunteer effort, combining the resources of Seatasea Watersports and members of the Saukenuk and Sticks In the Water paddler groups. Volunteers are now compromised of paddlers from many parts of Iowa, linked via email, recruiting friends to maintain the "pool."

The TEE Tournament draws approximately 200 veterans, each accompanied by a support person. Participation in the Vets Paddle is limited to 50 Vets, split between morning and afternoon sessions. Volunteers assist with PFD-fitting and launching/recovery on shore, or partner and coach Vets on the water, providing encouragement and a safety presence in both areas. VA medical staff members assist the transport of mobility-impaired individuals, ensure proper hydration, and provide other support as needed.

While cool or wet weather can decrease Vet participation on the day of the event, the goal of organizers is to have approximately 25 volunteers and 50 boats on hand, along with adequate numbers of paddles and PFDs. Experienced paddlers generally prefer narrower touring boats, but the Veterans, who may experience balance issues, generally do better in wider recreation kayaks. The volunteer network has been able to increase the number of borrowed rec boats, often from supportive folks who cannot escape their day jobs on a Wednesday.

 

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Volunteers are being sought for the annual Iowa River Cleanup, in which participants in canoes and on riverbanks will haul trash out of a 9.5 mile section from Iowa City to Hills.

 

Volunteers who have their own canoes are invited to register and join the launch at 7:30 am at Sturgis Boat Ferry on South Riverside Drive, just south of Hwy 6 in Iowa City.  A limited number of canoes will also be available to loan to volunteers who register and request a canoe before September 5.

 

Volunteers are also needed to work on land the day of the cleanup, helping to clear trash from riverbanks, offload junk from canoes, and sort collected materials for recycling. Land volunteers should meet at Noon at Hills Access, a rural park on the river, half a miles east of Hills on 520th St.

 

Register at  http://www.iarvcp.org/

 

Event info available via Carol Sweeting carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org or 319-541-2385, or via Dan Ceynar, dlceynar@engineering.uiowa.edu  

Photo courtesy of event organizers.

  

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News release from the Iowa DNR, Mick Klemesrud 

( mick.klemesrud@dnr.iowa.gov )

 

Seeing is believing.

Add Johnson County to the areas in Iowa with uncommon reports of sandhill crane reproduction.

 

An adult pair has seen regularly on a wetland near Solon. A couple times this spring and summer, drivers braked to avoid windshield roadkill, to allow the lean, reddish brown bird right of way, across the two-lane highway. About that time, passersby witnessed a 'courtship dance;' indicating these four foot tall birds were intent on sticking around. Now, a darker brown colt, feeding with them, seals the deal.

 

Actually, a pair with a couple young was spotted in 2014 by DNR wildlife workers upstream on the Iowa River corridor. That family, on the Hawkeye Wildlife Area, was the first confirmed sighting of nesting sandhills, in the county. This year's sighting doubles the population, spreading to another corner of Johnson County.

 

Fossils of sandhill cranes date back 2.5 million years. These days, they thrive on marshes and wet prairies.  Their diet is just about anything they can swallow; small rodents, frogs, insects, young birds, eggs, seed, grass shoots, grain, bulbs...aquatic plants, too.

 

Like many water-oriented species, however, cranes disappeared in the 19th Century as Europeans settled Iowa. Unregulated hunting and loss of wetlands, as marshes were drained for farmable acres, led to rapid declines.

Through the 1900s, you were lucky if you spotted a couple migrating in the spring. By the 1970s and '80s, though, numbers increased markedly. In 1992, the first successful nest was confirmed in Otter Creek Wildlife Area in Tama County. Within a couple years, other state-managed wildlife areas had their own crane spotting. By 2006, the confirmed nesting population was at 170...with most around Otter Creek, Sweet Marsh (Bremer County) and the Green Island Bottoms (Jackson County). Since '92, reproduction has been reported in 21 Iowa counties.

 

The best bet for viewing these still uncommon Iowa cranes? Watch from a distance, preferably a blind; even if it is just your vehicle along the roadside. Pack along binoculars or a spotting scope to get up close. Other than a few exceptions in far western Iowa, these are not the same populations that create clouds of migrating mayhem in central Nebraska. Those are Arctic nesting cranes. In Iowa, cranes are more likely moving through Wisconsin to nest, or to go further north. Iowa birds more likely winter in Georgia and Florida.

  

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Join more than 200 of Iowa's top environmental leaders at the Iowa Environmental Council's 2015 Annual Conference, "Elevate: Creating an Environment of Action," on Friday, October 2, 2015 at Drake University in Des Moines.

This year's conference, which also marks the Council's 20th anniversary, promises to be an informative and engaging day, featuring keynote speaker Chad Pregracke, 2013 CNN Hero of the Year and founder and president of Living Lands and Waters; a nonprofit river cleanup organization. 

David Hillman shared these photos of exposed coal deposits along the Des Moines River, seen while paddling the section from the Humboldt REA dam to Loomis Park in Fort Dodge.

 

While not the most desirable grade of ore, Iowa coal played an important role in the state's economy. While early settlers dug out some coal for their own use, coal mining as a business began around 1860, was very active by 1870, but was essentially ended by 1940.

 

Coal mining history was the inspiration for the "frames" on the Madrid High Trestle Recreation Trail Bridge, and an important motivation for construction of the rail bed now traveled by the Boone & Scenic Valley Railway.

 

Info on Madrid High Trestle Recreation Trail: 

http://madridiowa.com/high-trestle-trail/

 

Info on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railway: 

http://www.bsvrr.com/ 

 

Info on the history of coal mining in Iowa:

 http://www.uni.edu/iowahist/Social_Economic/CoalMining_inIowa/coal_mining_in_iowa.htm

 

The alert paddler can reflect on Iowa's history going back decades, centuries, or even millions of years.

 

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