June Waterways Update

[Marcia B Barrett]



Hello Paddlers!

So glad to see so many of you at the Monday paddles. 

Peg and I attended a meeting for a stewardship program for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.  It's a big commitment, but we wanted to share with you in case anyone was interested in taking on the role of steward.  Becoming a Steward involves a 10-mile section of the canal.  See https://eriecanalway.org/explore/watertrail/stewardship/stewards  for more details. If anyone is interested in becoming a steward, we could reach out to the group and possibly schedule one or two volunteer days to assist you

Following are some items of interest for paddlers that I gleaned from the Department of Environmental Conservation bulletins I receive.

Saranac Lakes Wild Forest: A beaver dam is partially obstructing Spider Creek’s passage under Route 30 between Follensby Clear Pond and Upper Saranac Lake.

Water Conditions: Water levels throughout the Adirondack region are below average or low for this time of year. Check the USGS Current Water Data for New York for stream flow of selected waters. Water temperatures are still cold in many places. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka lifejackets) are strongly recommended to be worn by all anglers, boaters, and paddlers. Where bridges are not available, do not attempt stream crossings during periods of high, fast moving water.

Paddling Safety  (I feel this can not be stressed enough and while this mentions the Adirondacks, it really applies to any spring and early summer paddling)

Now that spring has brought warmer weather to the Adirondacks, many people are starting to get out on the water to enjoy paddling. Whether you paddle in a canoe, a kayak, or on a stand up paddleboard, make sure you wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD).

Immersion in cold waters can quickly cause hypothermia, shock, and an inability to move. Falling into swift currents can easily result in being pulled and kept under water and collisions with rocks, logs and other objects causing injury. A properly fitted PFD can prevent drowning in these instances.

State law requires all children under 12 to wear a PFD while on a watercraft. State law also requires all people on a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet long to wear a PFD between November 1 and May 1. Just because it is no longer required does not mean you should leave the PFD at home. Paddle safe by wearing your PFD at all times and following these other paddling safety tips:

• A helmet is strongly recommended when paddling in whitewater and other swift currents.
• Large waves can form on large water bodies with steady winds. Heavy winds can create large waves on small and medium-sized water bodies. Know your abilities and the forecast for wind before setting out.
• Turn you canoe or kayak to point into large waves (or wakes from motorboats) to prevent being overturned.
• Find shelter on shore when you hear thunder.
• Hire a licensed New York State Guide if you are unsure if your skill levels meet the challenges of paddling

Recreation Highlight: Give Turtles a Brake

Our native turtles are on the move in May and June seeking sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs. In New York, thousands of turtles are killed each year when they are struck by vehicles as they migrate to their nesting areas. If you are traveling to the Adirondacks for an adventure, be especially mindful of turtles near water crossings, roadside water access points, swamps and marshes, and sandy soil areas.

Always Remember:  Leave No Trace

Follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace to maintain minimal impact on the environment and the natural resources of the Adirondacks. Use proper trail etiquette to ensure an enjoyable experience for yourself and others, and tread lightly!

Below are the June and July paddles. Please note the newly added paddles. Don Socha has offered to lead some weekend paddles.  These are longer than the Monday paddles and look terrific! There will be more opportunities that might come up, so keep checking the ADK-GVC calendar and we will also send out updates when we hear of them!

Date	Day		Location	Trip rating
June 5	Saturday	Seneca Lake PTFL - Sampson State Park to Lodiodi State Park	Seneca Lake - Meet @ Busnell Basin Park and Ride	B+
June 7	Monday	Leisurely Paddle: Canandaigua Lake south	DEC parking lot Woodville, NY South end of Canandaigua Lake	C
June 13	Sunday	Paddle - Webster Park to Bay Outlet	Lake Ontario	B+
June 14	Monday	Canadice Paddle	Boat Launch - north end 6100 Canadice Lake Rd Springwater, NY 14560	C
June 19	Saturday	PTFL Paddle - Cayuga Lake Meyers Point to Long Point	Meet at Bushnell Basin Park and Ride off 490.	A
June 21	Monday	Leisurely Paddle	Genesee Waterways Center Genesee Valley Park 149 Elmwood Ave Rochester, NY14611	C
June 28	Monday	Leisurely Paddle	Erie Canal Clover St Pittsford Indoor Rowing Center 2800 Clover St Pittsford, NY 14534	C
July 12	Monday	Monday Paddle -Hemlock Lake S	South end of Hemlock Lake - paddling through the inlet	C+
July 23	Friday	Wilderness Canoe/Kayak Camping – Little Tupper Lake	Little Tupper Lake, Adirondacks	A+
July 26	Monday	Monday Paddle - Seneca River	DEC fishing access at Seneca River. Rt. 20 across from Montezuma Visitor's center	B-

Also, we are always looking for paddle leaders! It ca be just one paddle. Just let us know the date and we can help you get it on the calendar!

See you on the water!

Marcia & Peg