|
 
IWTA
Newsletter
Iowa Water Trails Association
July, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
| QUICK LINKS | |
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
Celebrate!
|
Happy Birthday, IWTA!
Our first IWTA Newsletter issue was July of 2012. Here we are, 4 years and 48 Newsletters later (plus all the MidMo Reminders and a few special issues). And, most importantly, we have grown to 1,270 subscribers!
Pat yourselves on the back, because sustaining and growing the IWTA Newsletter would not be possible without your support, input, ideas, and encouraging friends to subscribe.
Our sincere thanks to all of our valued subscribers!
We have reached the middle of the year, and essentially the middle of the WT paddling season. Are you getting enough "WT time?" Avoid those winter regrets--call some friends, grab a boat and get out there!
If you missed the Iowa Trails Summit, you missed a dandy. If you were among the 80 who attende, you know about the quality of the presenters and presentations, start to finish. In either case, please plan to attend the Trails Summit in 2017.
It's a busy summer on the Lower Des Moines River. Check out the items on Project AWARE and the official designation of another segment of the Lower Des Moines Water Trail in this issue. (Plus an opportunity to combine biking and paddling.)
We hope you enjoy this issue of the IWTA Newsletter.
To keep your newsletter relevant, please keep your info coming.
|
|
What Is It? Quiz
| |
Make your best guess,
then click on:
|
|
Jul 5-6; Iowa DNR Kayak School Session; More Coming in Aug & Sep!
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
Jul 9; "Demo Day" at Kohlman Park in Waverly
|
|
| | 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 Kohlmann Park in Waverly on July 9. 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):
= 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
|
| Jul 9-10, Jul 23-24; 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 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.
|
|
Jul 11; "WT Designation" for Another Segment of Lower Des Moines River
|
Great News from John Wenck,
Iowa DNR Water Trails Coordinator:
"As part of the Kick Off to the 14th Annual Project AWARE on July 11th, the Iowa DNR will officially designate (as a state water trail) the small segment of the Des Moines River that connects the city of Eldon with Selma as it meanders through Wapello, Davis, and Van Buren counties. This new 4.7 mile segment adds to the already state-designated 38-mile water trail on the Des Moines River in Van Buren County. This will bring the total state designated water trail miles in Iowa to 921.
"For the past two years the DNR and others have been intently gathering information and studying several waterways from the following perspectives: physical, environmental, wildlife, recreational, historical, cultural and social. The information gathered from the Lower Des Moines River moved us to add this small segment to the existing water trail. There are a number of cultural sites in close proximity to it, including the American Gothic House in Eldon and the largest known Ioway Indian village site known to exist. The city of Eldon is also excited about the prospect and committed to maintaining and managing its river access as a water trail access.
"While it's exciting to finally be adding to the column of state designated water trail miles, this designation ceremony also celebrates an important milestone in the history of Iowa's water trails program. This project and several others have either completed or are completing the existing conditions phase and moving into the master planning phase, which includes working closely with local communities to develop designs for prioritized infrastructure projects (new or improved accesses, parking, amenities, camping facilities, etc.). This phase also identifies goals for interpretation, conservation, and river restoration components. We've learned that establishing a solid base of information while engaging with the local communities sets the stage for future innovative and sound development.
|
|
Jul 11-15; Project AWARE Cleaning Up Lower Des Moines River
|
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 be downloaded at:
|
|
Jul 16; "Seize The Carp!," Take A Kid Outdoors Event in Iowa City
|
This free public event to encourage kids to explore the outdoors, enjoy nature, and get active & healthy will be held in Lower City Park, Iowa City, on Saturday, July 16. Registration will begin at 8:45 am and continue thru 2:00 pm. Events begin at 9:00 am.
Activities include a picnic in the park with live entertainment, yoga, archaeology, fishing, canoeing, prairie plants, birds & bees, owls, raptors, Native American and pioneer games, and how to identify and clean carp.
Help your kids become free, wild, and fearless.
Find more info about TAKO and "Seize The Carp" on the website:
|
|
Jul 17; "Hudson Days" Celebration to Include Blackhawk Creek Kayak Float
|
Danielle Carter informs us that a Sunday, July 17 Kayak Float, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm, on Blackhawk Creek, has been added to the annual Hudson Days weekend celebration:
Come wind down from a great weekend celebration on Blackhawk Creek!
Meet and put in at Hudson Road Access (Franck Park), take out at Ranchero Road Access.
Please check back on Facebook July 16th and 17th to ensure water levels are at recommended levels for the float.
FINE PRINT: Arrange for your own pick up/shuttle at Franck Park and Ranchero Road. Bring your own kayak; none are available for rental at the site. Participate at your own risk. Hudson Days, the Hudson Chamber of Commerce or the Lions Club are not liable for any incidents. Creek levels and debris in the creek can change rapidly during the float. Tubing is not recommended due to timing. Personal Floatation Devices shall be available on each kayak. Children under 18 will not be permitted unless attended by an adult. The entire float is 7 miles long. Experienced paddlers will be available to assist. Staggered launch times may be implemented depending on number of participants.
|
|
Jul 20; "Stand Up Paddleboard Clinic," Louisa County
|
Beat the heat and try something new this summer! This is Louisa County Conservation's second time of offering a Stand Up Paddleboard Clinic. You can reserve your forty five minute session for some Wednesday evening paddling on Odessa as the day winds down.
The session will open with directions from a trained instructor with Fin and Feather H20, then participants will be able to put their skills to the test on the water. Pre-registration is required for the three 45 minute session slots. Sessions will begin at 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Any participants under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) are a fairly new outdoor recreation trend. SUPs give you lots of options - you can sit or lay on them while paddling with your hands, or sit up on your knees, or even stand with relative ease while paddling around the lake. They may look a little daunting to the beginner, but most folks find their balance easily.
Additional Info
- Time: 6:00 pm-7:45 pm
- Location: Snively Campground
- Ages: Any participants under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult!
- Cost: $20 per 45 minute session
- Registration required by July 18. To register or for more information please call (319)-523-8381 or email lccb@lccb.org.
- You should know: All participants will be required to wear life jackets. All gear including life jackets will be provided.
|
|
Jul 22 & 23; July Canoe & Kayak Loan, Odessa WT, Louisa CCB
|
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 on Friday from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm, and on Saturday from 10:00 am- 4:00 pm.
|
|
Jul 25; "Paddle Wapsi II," Walnut Grove to Syracuse
|
The Wapsipinicon adventure continues on Jul 25, with "Paddle the Wapsi II," from Walnut Grove to Syracuse, 9:00 am till 4:00 pm. Meet at the Syracuse Wildlife Area Boat Ramp, in Calamus, Iowa. Meet at 8:45 am, shuttle vehicles, launch by 9:30, and complete the trip by approx. 4:00 pm.
You MUST REGISTER by calling Clinton CCB 563-259-1876 by noon on 22nd of July.
Sherman Park has a variety of campsites & a new shower house. It would be the best choice for an overnight for those participating in both Wapsi II and Wapsi III.
|
|
Jul 26; "Paddle Wapsi III," Syracuse Wildlife Area to Sherman Park
|
Double your enjoyment by continuing on with the July 26 "Paddle The Wapsi III," from Syracuse Wildlife Area to Sherman Park, 9:00 am till Noon. Meet at the Sherman Park Boat Ramp, in Calamus, Iowa. Meet at 8:45 am, shuttle vehicles, launch by 9:30, enjoy lunch at Sherman Park, then shuttle drivers back to Syracuse Wildlife Area.
You MUST REGISTER for this event by calling 563-259-1876 by noon on the 22nd of July.
|
|
Jul 31-Aug 6; "Great River Rumble 2016," Chippewa River & Mississippi River
|
|
| | "Locking Through" on the Mississippi River |
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.
Many Iowans participate in this annual event, along with paddlers from the Midwest, the nation, and occasionally, from other countries.
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/
|
|
Aug 5-6; "Four County Float," Little Sioux River
|
The Cherokee County Conservation Board is partnering with the Sanford Museum, Clay County, Buena Vista County, and O'Brien County Conservation Boards to provide you with a unique opportunity to paddle the Little Sioux River with an archeologist and four naturalists on August 5th and 6th!
Enjoy this leisurely float down the Little Sioux River while stopping at various sandbars along the way. Megan Stroh, the Sanford Museum's Archeologist, will be sharing her expertise with us about local history and helping identify potential artifacts that we may find along the way. Each naturalist will also be helping with bird, mussel, and turtle identification as well.
The paddle will begin each day at 9:00am and will take around 5-7 hours depending on weather and water conditions. On August 5, the float will begin at the Linn Grove Dam and end at Wanata Park near Peterson. On August 6, the float will begin at the Prairie Heritage Center and end at Martins Access. Participate in one day or both!
Plan on bringing a lunch and/or various snack items, dress for the weather, and wear sunscreen and bug spray.
Participants can bring their own canoe or kayak to the event or they can borrow one from one of the conservation board's for $10/vessel. Registration is required by August 1st. The paddle is open to everyone, but children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
|
|
IWTA "Outdoor Photography Box"
|
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
AUG 11-21 IOWA STATE FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT WILL PROVIDE IDEAS, INSIGHT, & INSPIRATION
If you are planning to attend the Aug 11-21 Iowa State Fair, we encourage you to spend some time perusing the Photography Exhibit. Outdoor photographers can learn much from considering why judges awarded prizes to specific photos, and a similar amount by considering the subjects, lighting, vantage points, and more in all of the photos selected for display.
|
| | Using a chauffeur to enhance
the outdoor photography experience. |
IOWA PHOTOGRAPHY CLUBS PROVIDE INFORMATION, EDUCATION, & ENCOURAGEMENT
Special thanks go out to Charley Starnes for sharing his updated list of Iowa Photography Clubs. Charley is the superintendent of the Iowa State Fair Photography Salon.
Here is a link to Charley's pdf listing of 22 Iowa photography clubs that would welcome your participation:
Return to Top
|
What IWTA Newsletter Readers are Following & Recommending
|
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.
Stream and Watershed Integrated Management (SWIM) Workshop July 5-7 at Springbrook.
The SWIM Workshop is designed to train individuals who work with stream/watershed principles and practices. It includes presentations by watershed and stream management professionals from Iowa State University, University of Iowa IIHR Hydroscience & Engineering, Iowa DNR, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship - Division of Soil Conservation, and the USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service. Classroom instruction in stream and watershed management is augmented with field trips and exercises where participants develop project plans for management of a local site. The SWIM workshop will be held July 5-7 at Springbrook Conservation Education Center. The registration materials are available online at www.iowadnr.com/swim. Please contact Jacklyn Gautsch (Jackie.gautsch@dnr.iowa.gov) for more information.
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:
Add Biking to Your WT Adventure Along the Lower Des Moines WT Aug 20- Aug 21.
"Bike Van Buren XXX," their 30th anniversary, is planned to be their biggest and best ride yet!!
As always, technical support, free bottled water, & SAG support will be available on the ride.
The route crosses the Des Moines River several times, often on historic bridges. The event will include a Bike Van Buren Breakfast in Keosauqua (both mornings) and a TREK bicycle raffle. Find more info at http://villagesofvanburen.com/bike-van-buren.html
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
Indian Creek Nature Center will Host "Amazing Space" Grand Opening Weekend of Sep 15-18.
"Amazing Space" is Indian Creek Nature Center's vision for the future! A comprehensive project that will enhance Indian Creek Nature Center for generations to come, this project focuses on developing an enhanced outdoor campus and a new, completely sustainable 12,000 sq ft building. Of particular interest to Eastern Iowa paddlers, this will be the site of the 10th Annual ICNC Paddle Day in January 2017.
|
|
A Quick Look At the 2016 IWTA Planning Calendar!
|
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 16; "Seize The Carp," Take A Kid Outdoors Event in Iowa City. Free public event, 8:45 am-3:00 pm in Lower City Park, encourages kids to explore the outdoors, enjoy nature, and get active & healthy. Activities include picnic in the park, live entertainment, yoga, archaeology, fishing, canoeing, prairie plants, birds & bees, owls, raptors, Native American & pioneer games, and how to ID & clean carp. More info about TAKO and "Seize The Carp" at: http://takeakidoutdoors.org/events/seize-carp/?eID=17 Jul 17; Hudson Days Celebration Kayak Float, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm, on Blackhawk Creek. Meet and put in at Hudson Road Access (Franck Park), take out at Ranchero Road Access. Please check on Facebook for participation details, and updates re water levels: https://www.facebook.com/hudsondays/
Jul 19; Full Moon, Tuesday, Sunrise 5:48, Sunset 8:37, Moonrise 8:19 CDT
Jul 20; Stand Up Paddleboard Clinic, Odessa WT. Beat the heat and try something new. Reserve your forty five minute session for some Wednesday evening paddling on Odessa. Directions from a trained instructor with Fin and Feather H20, then test your skills on the water. Pre-registration is required for the three 45 minute session slots. Sessions will begin at 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Any participants under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. There is a fee. Registration required by July 18. Call (319)-523-8381 or email lccb@lccb.org. Jul 22 & 23; July Canoe & Kayak Loan, Odessa WT. 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. Visit http://www.louisacountyconservation.org/ or call 319-523-8381. (Similar event July 22-23.) 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/
Aug 6-7, Aug 20-21; 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/
Aug 11-21; Iowa State Fair, Des Moines. Visit IDNR Building & Courtyard, with River Programs, Water Trails, & Project Aware displays. Also find inspiration in the Photography Salon exhibit. http://www.iowastatefair.org/
Aug 12-13; Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks. One of the best to observe, peaking at 60 meteors/hour.
Aug 16; Best Time To View Planet Mercury. Low in western sky just after sunset.
Aug 18; Full Moon. Thursday, Sunrise 6:18, Sunset 8:02, Moonrise 8:16 CDT
Aug 19-20; Annual Floatzilla in Quad Cities. Floats, training sessions, food, live music, tee shirts, world record attempt for largest flotilla of kayaks & canoes; http://www.floatzilla.org/
Aug 19-21; Lower Wapsi River Clean-up Project (32.3 Miles), Syracuse Wildlife Area to Gambril Access, Sherman Park, Calamus, Iowa. Gather and camp at Sherman Park off 160th Avenue. On Friday we'll have an early bird half day clean-up from 1 till 4 PM covering 6.3 miles above the park. Saturday's stretch is 11.5 miles and 14.5 on Sunday. You MUST REGISTER online at coordinator@ lowerwapsicleanup.org or by calling 563-349-0811 by noon on the 12th of August.
Aug 21; Senior Citizens Day.
Aug 20-21; "Bike Van Buren XXX" Criss-crosses New Lower Des Moines River WT.
Add Biking to Your WT Adventure Along the Lower Des Moines WT. Bike ride crosses Des Moines River several times, often on historic bridges. Technical support, free bottled water, & SAG support. Bike Van Buren Breakfast in Keosauqua (both mornings) and a TREK bicycle raffle. More info at http://villagesofvanburen.com/bike-van-buren.html
Aug 27; Rugged Toad Adventure Triathlon in Waverly. Get your "wart on!" 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 held rain or shine, delayed due to severe weather / lightning. For info on registration, classes, prizes, shuttles, equipment, or volunteering, visithttps://www.athletepath.com/rugged-toad-adventure-triathlon/2016-08-27
Aug 27; Conjunction of Venus & Jupiter. Extremely close in western sky just after sunset.
Do you have WT-related events or planning info for 2016?
|
|
Where Is It? ANSWER
|
|
| | The Cedar River has cut a channel around this old dam.
|
This old dam is on the upper Cedar River between Otranto and St. Ansgar, in Mitchell County, NE of Mason City. It normally presents no hazard to passing paddlers--the river cut a new channel to the west, bypassing the man-made constraint. Paddlers should bear to the right, and enjoy the swifter current or riffles, depending on river level.
In the book "Paddling Iowa: 128 Outstanding Journeys by Canoe and Kayak," author Nate Hoogeveen writes, "The uppermost Iowa section of the Cedar makes an impressive debut in Iowa. Shortly past the put-in downstream of the (Otranto) dam, mossy cliffs arise on the river right. The stream continues rapidly, widening into a twisting series of swift channels at a broken-down dam. The takeout at Acorn Park is just past the bridge on the river right. It's possible to continue on downstream to Interstate Park, but the trip includes two long, slow impoundments and dam portages to negotiate."
Most experienced Iowa paddlers already own a copy of Hoogeveen's book, but anyone new to paddling in Iowa will find it interesting and helpful. It's available at most paddle shops and bookstores, but you can find more details about the book at https://www.amazon.com/Paddling-Iowa-Outstanding-Journeys-Canoe/dp/0615579477
|
| | Paddlers complete the "scenic route" which the river cut around the dam |
Special thanks to members of the 30th Annual "Disorganized Cedar River Canoe Float" for allowing the editor and a couple of friends to join them for an enjoyable day of paddling on the upper Cedar.
|
| | Scenic Cedar River, looking upstream from Sportsman Campground south of St. Ansgar |
Photos by G.Stark
|
|
|
We Hope That You Are Enjoying the "Award-Winning" IWTA Newsletter
|
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.
- Readers who shared items they are reading, or otherwise found interesting.
- Other groups who have added our IWTA Website link to their own website; we like to network!
We do our best to include all corrections, cancellations, and reschedules ASAP in our newsletters and other materials, but the most current info on events will probably always be the Events Calendar on the IWTA Website:
Please continue to share your events, reports, ideas, quiz topics, suggestions, and corrections with us at
If you are not one of over 1,200 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
|
|
|
|
|
