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IWTA
Newsletter
Iowa Water Trails Association
June, 2016
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| PICK, CLICK and READ |
| Jun 4 Middle River Cleanup, Madison County | | Jun 4 Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race, Forest City | | Jun 10 Paddle the Wapsi, Oxford Mills to Walnut Grove | | Jun 11 Great Iowa River Race, Iowa City | | Jun 11 Canoe Training, Lake Sugema & Lower Des Moines River | | Jun 11-12 & Jun 25-26 Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT | | Jun 17 Iowa Trails Summit, Cedar Falls | | Jun 17-19 Charles City Challenge: WhiteWater Weekend | | Jun 18 Let It Flow Riverfest, Manchester | | Jun 18 Demo Day at Lake Hendricks, Riceville | | Jun 19 Father's Day Float, Des Moines | | Jun 24 & 25 June Canoe & Kayak Load, Odessa WT | | Jul 5-6 Iowa DNR Kayak School Session | | Jul 11-15 Project AWARE, Registration Materials Available | | IWTA Outdoor Photography Box -- State Fair Deadlines, Avoiding Arrow Through the Head | | What Readers are Following & Recommending: IRR Dam Modification Pamphlet, Rugged Toad Event, Vets Paddle Date Confirmed, Cedar River Watershed | | A Look at This Month's IWTA Planning Calendar | | "Where Is It?" Quiz Answer | | Thanks to IWTA Readers |
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| QUICK LINKS | |
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| BE PREPARED for 2016 waterway cleanups. Order these reusable blue trash bags from Todd Robertson, IDNR Rivers Program Outreach Coordinator.
todd.robertson@dnr.gov
or 515-725-2960 |
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A new booklet from Iowa Rivers Revival sheds light on not only the dangers of low-head dams, but also the many recreational, aesthetic, and environmental benefits delivered by recent successful dam modification projects around our state.
According to IRR, "Iowa has 177 low-head dams in 57 of the state's 99 counties. "Low-head" dams span the river and are less then 20 feet high (many just 2-5 feet high). The dams often are deceptively dangerous "drowning machines." Since 1900, at least 163 people have been killed in the deadly recirculating currents that form below these dams - 31 since 1998. The drop below the dam can be nearly invisible from upstream, and the treacherous "boil" below the dam can appear harmless. Dams also block the movement of fish and other aquatic life up and down rivers, harm the health and biodiversity of Iowa's rivers, require costly repairs, and pose major liability concerns."
The booklet is an interesting read, and a valuable resource for paddlers, community leaders, river advocates, and WT supporters. Access the booklet to read or download at
We hope you enjoy this issue of the IWTA Newsletter, filled to the gunwales with cleanups, races, floats, conferences, training, tours, and other useful, WT-related info. Also hope to see a good showing of WT supporters at the Iowa Trails Summit.
To keep your newsletter relevant, please keep your info coming. Contact us at iowawta@gmail.com
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What Is It? Quiz
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Make your best guess,
then click on:
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Jun 4; "Middle River Cleanup," Madison County
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| Photo of Roseman Bridge on Middle River
by Carol Liechty |
The Madison County Conservation Board and the Madison County River Alliance is sponsoring their annual one-day Middle River Cleanup project on Saturday, June 4. Volunteers will comb the area from Pammel Park to Holliwell Bridge.
A limited number of loaner canoes will be available on a first come-first serve basis. Please make an attempt to locate your own canoe. No beginning level canoers for this event.
Pre-registration is required, but there is no fee. All sections of the registration form must be completed; one person per form. Registration deadline is June 2.
Registration forms can be downloaded from the website at www.madisoncountyparks.org or be sent via email by contacting Madison County Conservation; phone 515-462-3536 or email madccb@madisoncountyparks.org.
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Jun 4; "Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race," Forest City, Winnebago River WT
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The Annual Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race will be held in Forest City on the Winnebago River WT. This race is designed for teams and individuals interested in the challenge and excitement of an adventure race. Family and friends are encouraged to watch the race and join participants in the Winnebago Rally Grounds.
The event includes a 3 mile canoe/kayak race on Winnebago River, 12 mile bike race to Pilot Knob State Park, 5 k run along Hynes Spur Trail. There are numerous individual and group classes. Find info and registration at http://forestcityparksandrec.com/events/adventure-race/ |
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Jun 10; "Paddle the Wapsi," Oxford Mills to Walnut Grove
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Clinton County Conservation invites you to Paddle the Wapsi, from Oxford Mills to Walnut Grove, 9:00 am till 4:00 pm on June 10.
Meet at 8:45 am near the boat ramp in Walnut Grove Park just north of Toronto, Iowa on County Road Y32. Please be registered and gathered for a group photo on the ramp by 8:55 am. We will then shuttle to the put in at Oxford Mills and be on the water by 9:30 AM. We will stop for lunch after 12 PM at Massillon Park north of Massillon, Iowa. Back on the water by 1:30 PM we should reach Walnut Grove by 3:30 PM and shuttle drivers back to their vehicles at the put in by 4:00 PM. We will have covered just over 10 miles of the Wapsi. Travel times are dependent on paddler's abilities, length of shore breaks and river levels.
You MUST REGISTER by calling 563-259-1876 by noon on the 9th of June.
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Jun 11; "Great Iowa River Race," Iowa City
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Grab your paddle and join the June 11 Annual Great Iowa River Race, from Sturgis Ferry Park in Iowa City to Hills Access.
The race covers 9.25 miles, with divisions for Canoe, Kayak, Racing, Recreational, Youth, Paddleboard, etc. Check in begins at 8:00 am at Fin&Feather,125 Highway 1 W, Iowa City, IA 52246. The race starts at 10:00 am. Find more info about the race, classes, rules, shuttle, breakfast, and registration at: https://greatiowariverrace.eventbrite.comContact: Kristen Morrow, Johnson County Conservation, 319-688-8286; kmorrow@co.johnson.ia.us Return to Top |
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Jun 11; "Canoe Training" on Lake Sugema and Lower Des Moines River
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Jefferson County Conservation will host "Canoe Training"" from 9:00 am--4:00 pm on Saturday, June 11 at Lake Sugema and the Des Moines River.May 21 on the lake at Lacey Keosauqua State Park.
Whether you need to fine tune your skills or would like to try canoeing for the first time, this is the program for you! The class, taught by a certified instructor, will help you learn basic maneuvers and strokes, parts of the canoe, how to navigate and "read" a river, and allow you to make the most of your water-time. This is an official Des Moines River Water Trails event cosponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Jefferson County Conservation.
Pre-registration is required and participation is limited. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets will be provided for all participants. Participants may register by calling (641)-472-4421 or emailing dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com.
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| Jun 11-12, Jun 25-26; Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT |
Putting in at Elkader and floating down the Turkey River WT past the iconic 1860's Motor Mill is an Iowa paddling tradition. You can make it even more memorable by scheduling your float to coincide with a free tour of the historic mill, related buildings and town site.
Remaining free tour dates in 2016 are Jun 11-12, Jun 25-26, July 9-10, Jul 23-24, Aug 6-7, Aug 20-21, Sep 3-4, Sep 17-18, & Oct 8-9.
Motor Mill will be open for tours from noon to 5 pm. Takeout for paddlers is just downstream from the mill and bridge on the left, with a path leading back upstream to the site. Motor Mill Historic Site is located on Galaxy Road, Elkader.
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Jun 17; Annual "Iowa Trails Summit" in Cedar Falls, Register Now!
Jun 16; "United States National Grid (USNG) Iowa Summit" in Cedar Falls |
Note: A unique "USNG Summit" will be held on Thursday, in conjunction with Friday's Annual Iowa Trails Summit. The USNG Summit will provide valuable information for trails planners, emergency responders, and those responsible for the safety of trails users. More info is provided below and on the event website.
Plan to attend the 2016 Iowa Trails Summit
to be held on Friday, June 17, at the University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy & Environmental Education,1227 W. 27th St. in Cedar Falls, from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This annual statewide Summit provides a terrific opportunity to connect with developers, managers, and resources for all types of trails-water, hiking, biking, equestrian, snowmobile, off road, etc. The 2016 Summit will focus on the "people" side of Iowa trails--inspiration, health, friendship, and connections to history, archaeology, geology, and our natural heritage. John Wenck will moderate a panel session on water trails, featuring naturalist Brittney Tiller, geologist Joe Artz, and archaeologist Cherie Haury-Artz. An annual highlight is the session of 5-minute progress and innovation reports from trails and recreation destinations across Iowa. The event will include an exhibitor area and lunch.
Featured speakers include John Edward Terrell, A.B., A.M., Ph.D. (Harvard), Author & Regenstein Curator of Pacific Anthropology at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and Dr. Richard Deming, medical director of Mercy Cancer Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
This year's theme, "Iowa Trails - Inspired by a Talent for Friendship" emphasizes the ideas and innovations driving healthy communities. The master of ceremonies is Iowa's own master raconteur and trails enthusiast Chuck Offenburger. Fee for the day is $45, which includes parking, lunch, and snacks.
The registration deadline is June 3, 2016.
REGISTER TODAY!
Main Page
Agenda & Speaker Info
Registration Link
United States National Grid (USNG) Iowa Summit
Thursday, June 16, 2016, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
University of Northern Iowa's (UNI) Center For Energy & Environmental Education
227 W. 27th St. sCedar Falls, IA 50614
FEE: $45 for the day (includes parking, lunch, and snacks)
The USNG Iowa Summit is bringing together members of the GIS community, first responder community and interested volunteers and policy makers at all levels to spur the discussion of integrating the United States National Grid (USNG) into geo-referencing for all jurisdictions and emergency response agencies for
enhanced incident response when on public lands or during major natural disasters. To learn more about what the United States National Grid (USNG) is go to www.usngiowa.org. To learn more about Iowa Task Force One and the role they play in search and rescue go to www.iowataskforce1.org.
Morning Sessions
First Responders often have the challenge of communicating clearly a location when there is not an exact address. The "language of location" created by using the United States National Grid (USNG) System quickly and accurately assists first responders to identify locations where there is no address and be able to clearly relay that location. Implementation of the USNG in Iowa will assist in improved geo-referencing communication on Iowa's public lands. Morning courses will help local policy makers, volunteers, GIS experts, and first responders understand the value of USNG use on all public lands to include multi-use trails and waterway trails.
GIS Afternoon Breakout Sessions will include discussion of GIS resources available for the GIS professional to create USNG based mapping.
First Responder Afternoon Breakout Sessions will include hands on training at the Black Hawk County Firearms Training Range in map reading, land navigation, command and control and situational awareness using USNG across map and digital platforms.
Find USNG Summit info and Thursday Registration at
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Jun 17-19; "Charles City Challenge: WhiteWater Weekend," in Charles City
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Now in its fifth year, the Charles City Challenge will include events for whitewater paddlers as well as fun for everyone else.
Competitive on-the-water events are planned, along with the Crazy Cardboard Boat Race, BBQ Challenge, disc golf tournament, downtown farmers market and more!
Find registration forms, schedule of events, and more info on their website
and on their facebook page. Questions? Contact Ginger at the Charles City Chamber - 641-228-4234
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Jun 18; "Let It Flow, Riverfest," in Manchester
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The friendly folks in Manchester invite you to their June 18; "Let it Flow, Riverfest," a celebration of the Manchester Whitewater Park & Riverfront.
"Riverfest" will be held from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm along the riverfront in downtown Manchester. Building on last year's inaugural Riverfest, this should be another fun-filled event for all ages, with play boating and safety demonstrations, open boating, a safety equipment giveaway, vendors, music, food, and a beer tent. A free concert at 4:00 pm will feature David Zollo & the Body Electric.
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Jun 18; "Demo Day" at Lake Hendricks for Paddlers in Riceville Area
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| | Iowa Paddle Shops offer great opportunities
to expand your knowledge of boats, gear, and skills. |
Crawdaddy Outdoors will bring its series of Saturday Free Kayak Demos to Lake Hendricks in Riceville on June 18. These Demo Days are free, require no pre-registration, and offer a fleet of 16+ kayaks to test-paddle. Crawdaddy staff will explain the features and benefits of various kayaks, paddles, and PFDs. Saturday Demo Days are from 10 am to 2 pm. More info at http://crawdaddyoutdoors.com/ Upcoming demo dates and locations (in addition to regular Waverly events):
= June 18 - Lake Hendricks - Riceville
= July 9 - Kohlmann Park -Waverly
= August 6 - Lake Meyer - Calmar
= September 17 - Rodgers Park - Vinton
Fin & Feather in Iowa City continues to host events, canoe/kayak/SUP rentals, and informal instruction at Fin & Feather H2O located in the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. More info at http://finfeather.com/pages/paddle-winter-sports/fin-feather-h2o.php
Canoesport Outfitters holds numerous paddling classes at Lake Ahquabi, south of Indianola. From quick start and fundamentals, through intermediate, advanced, and safety rescue, they offer classes to build your skill set and work toward ACA certification. Find info on schedules, class content, fees, pregistration on the CSO website http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/kayakInst.php
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Jun 19; "Father's Day Float," in Des Moines
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Celebrate dad with this short Father's Day paddle. Beginning paddlers and families are encouraged to attend.
Participants will launch from Prospect Park, Hickman Road, in Des Moines. Paddle any time between Noon-3:30 pm, but the actual trip from Prospect Park to Birdland Park will take about half an hour.
This event is sponsored by Des Moines Park & Recreation, Iowa DNR, and Central Iowa Paddlers. No registration is required. For more info, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/
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Jun 24 & 25; June Canoe & Kayak Loan, Odessa WT, Louisa CCB
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Take your family out paddling without the hassle of hauling all the gear! Canoes and kayaks will be available at Snively Campground to be used on the Odessa Water Trail. Reservations can be made in advance otherwise canoes and kayaks are available on a first come, first served basis.
Participants must be 18 years old to borrow a boat which comes with life jacket, paddles and a map of the area. Kids may participate if an adult is with them. We recommend people bring Ziploc Freezer bags to hold their cell phones and other items that shouldn't get wet as well as a bottle of water and a snack.
Canoes will be available at the following times:
- Friday, June 24 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
- Saturday, June 25 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Additional Info
- Location: Snively Campground
- Ages: All Ages Welcome- Must be 18 years old to borrow a boat
- Cost: Free will donation
- Registration information: To pre-register please call (319)-523-8381 or email lccb@lccb.org.
(Watch for similar event July 22-23.)
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Jul 5-6; Iowa DNR Kayak School Session; More Coming in Aug & Sep!
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Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for Iowa Water Trails, recently released the dates and other details for the 2016 "Canoe & Kayak School" sessions, and some are already filling.
All the sessions are oriented toward Naturalists, Scout Leaders, Youth Group Instructors-those who will be leading groups or conducting instruction. The focus is on paddling skills, hazard feature identification, teaching to different learning styles, and risk management. The sessions differ in being geared for canoe or kayak, flatwater lakes or flowing rivers. Boats and life jackets are provided. Each session has a fee and a limit on the number of participants. The annual Canoe & Kayak School sessions fill up fast, so you are advised to register early. Find more info, directions to site, and registration at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx
- Jul 5-6; Two-Day IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River).
- Aug 16-17; Two-Day IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River).
- Sep 13-14; Two-Day IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River).
Photo by Todd Robertson
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Jul 11-15; Project AWARE--Registration Materials Now Available
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Project AWARE 2016 volunteers will be cleaning up, learning about and exploring 53 miles of the Lower Des Moines River between Eldon and Farmington from July 11 to 15. This year's expedition marks Project AWARE's 14th year.
Volunteers participate by paddling down the river in canoes and cleaning up river trash along the way. Opportunities for land-based volunteers are also available. While the expedition lasts five days, volunteers may stay and help for as little or as long as they like. Project AWARE is family-friendly & provides the opportunity to experience a different river each year.
Community leaders in the "Villages of Van Buren" are looking forward to sharing the history and beauty of their section of the Des Moines River with the Project AWARE volunteers. In the past 13 years, more than 3,700 AWARE volunteers from across the state have cleaned up over 1,000 river miles, removing 337 tons of trash.
Detailed event information and registration forms can now be downloaded at:
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IWTA "Outdoor Photography Box"
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Digital photography, available via a wide range of devices, has made it possible for folks to take photos wherever they go, and some of the more fascinating places are along our Water Trails. We're going to include this "Outdoor Photography Box" each month, as an opportunity to share tips, ideas, events, etc. to encourage your interest in outdoor photography. We welcome your input at iowawta@gmail.com
JUNE SUBMISSION DEADLINES FOR
2016 IOWA STATE FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
The Iowa State Fair will be held Aug 11-21, but entries are due much earlier. Photography Contest entries will be accepted:
= In person, Saturday, Jun 18 and Sunday, Jun 19 between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm in the Cultural Center.
= By mail, not before Monday, May 23, and must be postmarked by midnight on Saturday, Jun 11.
The "Theme Class" for 2016 is "Fog," very much an opportunity for outdoor photographers.
Find a pdf of the 2016 Iowa State Fair Photography Rules & Regulations at:
 AVOIDING "ARROW THRU THE HEAD"
Avoiding having a disconcerting horizon line running through a person's head is an issue in all forms of outdoor photography. It can be further complicated on water by having to deal with a horizon line and water's edge line, plus the occasional boulder or large piece of driftwood. They can be minimized by manipulating depth of field, or avoided by positioning the camera higher or lower.
This photo was taken with a waterproof camera held just above the water, clearing the background area behind the subject's head, and adding a bit of drama.
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What IWTA Newsletter Readers are Following & Recommending
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IWTA does not advocate for positions on issues, but readers
occasionally ask questions or share articles about issues which may be of interest or concern to other readers & WT supporters. To balance IWTA neutrality, reader participation, and the exchange of potentially useful information, while minimizing the impact on IWTA Newsletter space, following are brief summaries and links to items that your fellow readers find interesting.
Iowa Rivers Revival Has Created a New Booklet, "Iowa Low-head Dam Modification Success Stories". The 28 page IRR booklet includes stories and details of 13 low-head dam modifications in towns across Iowa - 12 since 2010. Stories include local partnerships and decision-making, cost of modification, funding sources, design features and photos. The booklet also discusses the history of low-head dams in Iowa, benefits of dam modification, sources of planning assistance, and a guide for community action. Access the booklet to read or download at
"Four County Float" on the Little Sioux River Set for Aug 5 & 6.
The Cherokee County Conservation Board is partnering with the Sanford Museum, Clay, Buena Vista, and O'Brien CCBs to provide a unique opportunity to paddle the Little Sioux River with an archaeologist and four naturalists on August 5 and 6. The leisurely paddle will begin each day at 9:00 am, lasting around 5-7 hours, depending on weather and water conditions. On Aug 5, float from Linn Grove Dam to Wanata Park near Peterson. On Aug 6, float from Prairie Heritage Center to Martins Access. Participate in one day or both! Registration is required by Aug 1.
Registration Now Open for Jul 31-Aug 6 Great River Rumble.
The 2016 "GRR" will cover about 100 miles from Eau Clair, WI on the Chippewa River to Winona, MN on the Mississippi. "Rumblers" will paddle past Red Cedar River confluence, through the "Driftless Zone" and Lower Chippewa River State Nature Area, and navigate three locks on the Mississippi. Registration is now open; registration deadline to receive a free shirt is July 15. Find more info about this annual weeklong 100+ mile paddling trip, itinerary, shuttles, campsites, meals, gear transport,maps, & registration at http://www.riverrumble.org/
Rugged Toad Adventure Triathlon Scheduled for Aug 27!
Get your wart on with the Rugged Toad Adventure Tri -- Paddle, Trail Run and Mountain Bike. Paddle (4.6 miles) on the Cedar River from Waverly to Ingawanis Adventure Base, trail run (3.4 miles) through the camp, then mountain bike (7 miles) through Ingawanis Woodland. Race begins at Brookwood Park, Waverly at 9:00 am. Registration closes on Aug 25, 2016, 12:00:00 PM CDT. Event is held rain or shine. Event will be delayed due to severe weather / lightning. For info on registration, classes, prizes, shuttles, equipment, or volunteering, visit https://www.athletepath.com/rugged-toad-adventure-triathlon/2016-08-27
Date of TEE Tournament Vets Paddle Confirmed as Wednesday, Sep 14.
Kirt Sickels, Director of the National Disabled Veterans TEE Tournament Rehab Event held annually in Riverside, has confirmed that the Vets Paddle component has been scheduled on Wednesday, September 14, with 3 sessions beginning at 0800, 1000, and 1300. Tom Sabotta, new coordinator of Vets Paddle volunteers, encourages all past volunteers to add the date to their calendars. New volunteers or interested persons should contact Tom at tsabott@gmail.com
Two Cedar River Watershed Meetings Will Be Held in June:
Jun 10; Cedar River Watershed Coalition Meeting will be held from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Grundy Center Public Library (708 7th Street). The meeting will highlight projects and initiatives in the Middle Cedar Watershed, including the new Middle Cedar Watershed Management Authority, the Middle Cedar Partnership Project, and watershed planning for targeted water quality improvement.
Jun 16; Iowa Watershed Approach: Middle Cedar Kick-Off meeting for the Middle Cedar River Watershed to discuss the $97M U.S. Housing and Urban Development - National Disaster Resilience Competition. Meeting will be held at the Farmers Savings Bank & Trust Community Room in Vinton, beginning at 3 pm. This meeting will be an opportunity to meet project partners, learn about the Iowa Watershed Approach statewide program, ask questions, and hear about specific watershed details and activities that will be carried out in the Middle Cedar River Watershed over the next five years of the project.
Iowa's Drinking Water Symposium Will Be Held on June 17 at the University of Iowa. Titled "Iowa's Drinking Water: Could Flint Happen Here?," This symposium will explore the current state of Iowa's drinking water and the future challenges confronting water providers in the state to reliably deliver safe drinking water to Iowans. Co-organized by the University of Iowa Public Policy Center and the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination (CHEEC), this all day event will include panels of water experts from academia, industry, and the public sector including the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Info & registration at http://ppc.uiowa.edu/forkenbrock/iowa-h2o
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A Quick Look At the 2016 IWTA Planning Calendar!
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Jun 4; Annual Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race, Forest City on Winnebago River WT. 3 mile canoe/kayak race on Winnebago River, 12 mile bike race to Pilot Knob State Park, 5 k run along Hynes Spur Trail; individual and group classes. http://forestcityparksandrec.com/events/adventure-race/
Jun 5; Best Time To View Planet Mercury. Low in eastern sky just before sunrise.
Jun 5; Doughnut Day.
Jun 6; D-Day Observance.
Jun 10; Paddle the Wapsi, Oxford Mills to Walnut Grove, 9 AM till 4 PM, Walnut Grove Park, Toronto, Iowa. Meet at 8:45 am, cover 10 miles on the Wapsi, complete paddle and vehicle shuttle approx 4:00 pm. You MUST REGISTER by calling Clinton CCB 563-259-1876 by noon on 9th of June.
Jun 11; Annual Great Iowa River Race, Sturgis Ferry Park to Hills Access, Iowa City. Runs 9.25 miles, divisions for Canoe, Kayak, Racing, Recreational, Youth, Paddleboard, etc. Check in starts 8:00 am at Fin&Feather, race starts 10:00 am. Divisions available in canoe, kayak, and paddleboard. More info about the race, classes, rules, shuttle, breakfast, and registration at: https://greatiowariverrace.eventbrite.com
Jun 11-12, Jun 25-26; Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT. Free tours of historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site, Noon-5:00 pm on scheduled weekends, group tours by appointment. Consider combining the tour with a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River Water Trail. Motor Mill Historic Site, Galaxy Road, Elkader; call: 563-245-1516 or visit: http://motormill.org/ Turkey River WT info at http://www.turkeyrivercorridor.com/trails/water-trails/
Jun 14; Flag Day.
 Jun 16-17; Iowa Trails Summit, Cedar Falls, presentations re strategies, policies, & development opportunities vested in partnerships creating new trails. Relates to all types of trails-water, hiking, biking, equestrian, snowmobile, off road, etc. Info at
Jun 17-19; Charles City Challenge: WhiteWater Weekend. Kayak & SUP competition, riverfront activities; info & webcam at www.CCWhiteWater.com.
Jun 18; "Let it Flow, Riverfest," Celebration of Manchester Whitewater Park & Riverfront. 10:00 am-8:00 pm along Riverfront in downtown Manchester. Building on last year's inaugural Riverfest, this should be another fun-filled event for all ages, with on-water demonstrations, vendors, music and food. Free concert at 4:00 pm will feature David Zollo & the Body Electric. http://manchesterwhitewater.com/index2.php#/home/ June 19; Father's Day. Jun 19; Annual Father's Day Float, Noon-3:30 pm, Launch from Prospect Park, Hickman Road, Des Moines. Celebrate dad with this Father's Day paddle. Beginning paddlers and families encouraged to attend. Participants will launch from Prospect Park, Hickman Road, in Des Moines. Paddle any time between Noon-3:30 pm, but the actual trip from Prospect Park to Birland Park will take about half an hour. Sponsored by Des Moines Park & Recreation, Iowa DNR, and Central Iowa Paddlers. No registration required. For more info, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/ Jun 20; Summer Solstice, 1st Day of Summer. Jun 20; Full Moon, Monday, Sunrise 5:31, Sunset 8:46, Moonrise 8:50 CDT Jul 4; Independence Day, Saturday. Jul 5-6; (Tue-Wed) Two-Day IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River). Oriented toward naturalists guiding groups on trips or conducting kayak instruction. About 1/3 classroom, and 2/3 on-water, focus is on skills, hazard and river feature identification, teaching to different learning styles, and risk management. This for kayak only. Cost approx. $25 (you can camp, rent a cabin or stay in town at a motel). Maximum 10 participants. Instruction conducted by two American Canoe Association certified canoe instructors: John Wenck, Todd Robertson. Directions to site: http://conservation.hamiltoncountyiowa.com/images/map/master-briggs-2-2-06.pdf Jul 9-10, Jul 23-24; Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT. Free tours of historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site, Noon-5:00 pm on scheduled weekends, group tours by appointment. Consider combining the tour with a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River Water Trail. Motor Mill Historic Site, Galaxy Road, Elkader; call: 563-245-1516 or visit: http://motormill.org/ Jul 11-15; DNR Project AWARE, Lower Des Moines River. Eldon (Wapello Co.) to Turkey Run Access (Lee Co.). 2016 event will be a 5-day, 4 night event (Mon - Fri) with Mon & Fri half days on the river and Tue - Thu full days. Event includes paddling & gathering trash, limited number of canoes available, daily educational programs, catered meals, & tent camping. More info at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Project-AWARE Jul 19; Full Moon, Tuesday, Sunrise 5:48, Sunset 8:37, Moonrise 8:19 CDT Jul 24; Parents' Day. Jul 25; Paddle the Wapsi II, Walnut Grove to Syracuse, 9 AM till 4 PM, Syracuse Wildlife Area Boat Ramp, Calamus, Iowa. Meet at 8:45 am, shuttle vehicles, launch by 9:30, complete trip approx. 4:00 pm. You MUST REGISTER by calling Clinton CCB 563-259-1876 by noon on 22nd of July. (Sherman Park has variety of campsites & new shower house; best choice for an overnight before or after Wapsi III.) Jul 26; Paddle The Wapsi III, Syracuse Wildlife Area to Sherman Park, 9 AM till Noon, Sherman Park Boat Ramp, Calamus, Iowa. Meet at 8:45 am, shuttle vehicles, launch by 9:30, lunch at Sherman Park, shuttle drivers back to Syracuse WA. You MUST REGISTER for this event by calling 563-259-1876 by noon on the 22nd of July. (Sherman Park has variety of campsites & new shower house; best choice for an overnight before or after Wapsi III.) Jul 28-29; Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower Peaks. Average shower, peaking at 20 meteors/hour. Jul 31-Aug 6; Great River Rumble (GRR), Eau Clair on the Chippewa River to Winona on the Mississippi. Paddle past Red Cedar River confluence, through the "Driftless Zone" and Lower Chippewa River State Nature Area, navigate three locks on the Mississippi. Annual weeklong 100+ mile paddle with shuttles, campsites, meals, & gear transport. Info, itinerary, & registration at http://www.riverrumble.org/
Do you have WT-related events or planning info for 2016?
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Where Is It? ANSWER
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| | On a recent overcast morning,
Bill Schoon paddles through a forest of what is normally low stumps,
only a few inches above the water. |
One of the best attributes of canoes and kayaks is that they displace mere inches of water, allowing paddlers to skim across the surface, accessing backwaters, shorelines, and some great wildlife habitat.
But, do you ever wonder what you are paddling over? What is the unseen terrain of the lake bottom? Is there natural or man-made fish habitat? Are there any lost fishing lures or other "treasures?"
Visitors to Pleasant Creek State Park, near Palo, currently have an opportunity to see much of what is normally unseen. The lake is approximately 15 feet below its normal level.
Kids can claim their souvenirs from among the millions of small clam and snail shells, or maybe the occasional shock absorber.
We suggest that you take a bag or bucket to help remove some of the many cans, bottles, and other bits of trash that have also been exposed. It all helps, and it's a great lesson for the kids.
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Exposed tree stumps offer opportunities for outdoor photographers to experiment with light & shadow, form & texture.
The 410 acre lake at Pleasant Creek SP has been drawn down about 15 feet. Delays relating to corroded regulating valves, an unusually warm winter, etc. mean that the lake will remain at this lower level through the 2016 summer season, with a return to normal levels projected for 2017. The swimming beach is closed for 2016, but some of the boat ramps have been temporarily extended with crushed rock. While the sandy launch area for windsurfers (and paddlers) now transitions to mud, canoes and kayaks can be launched alongside the extended boat ramps.
Unusual "artwork," pieces, constructed of plastic buckets, plastic pipe, & concrete are apparently a form of fish habitat.
From a November 30, 2015 Cedar Rapids Gazette article:
"DNR fisheries biologist Paul Sleeper said the project, funded primarily by the state's Lake Restoration Program, will stem shoreline erosion, improve water quality and create better habitat for fish and more spots where anglers can connect with them. Five miles of shoreline will be armored with rock, and an estimated 40,000 cubic yards of lake bed material will be rearranged to create more diversity in depth and bottom content."
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| | Joe Trumm prepares to "run the gauntlet." |
Photos by G.Stark
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We Hope That You Are Enjoying the "Award-Winning" IWTA Newsletter
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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 participation. Thank you for your continuing support and encouragement.
- Readers who forwarded info about WT-related events around Iowa.
- Readers who are providing & updating items for the IWTA 2016 Planning Calendar.
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Sincerely,
Gregg Stark
Editor, Iowa Water Trails Association Newsletter
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