2009 Oct-Nov The official newsletter of the Minnesota Canoe Association

October-November 2009 • Vol. 45 No. 5 • $2 • Official Publication of the Minnesota Canoe Association

E-paddlerM I N N E S O T A

Pike Island Cleanup, Sept. 27 ! • page 12

Boat Builders Contest • page 9

Fall Color Cruise • page 10Photograph by Bruce Gerbig

See Yourself in Minnesota Paddler!Minnesota Paddler promotes paddling in

the Upper Midwest, and supplies MCA members with useful and fun information about paddling. We welcome your paddling-related stories, articles, gear & book reviews, and photos. We’re especially interested in sharing information about upcoming events, good places to paddle, helpful tips and techniques, and interesting trips you’ve taken recently.

Want to see your smiling face on the cover? It’s a little easier than seeing it on the cover of Rolling Stone. Just send the editor your photo(s) along with a story of what happened. Did you make the best whitewater maneuver of your life? Are you building your canoe from scratch? Send us a photo!

Send the editor your plain text or Word files (for articles) and JPEGs (for photos). Please do not embed photographs in your Word documents; send them as separate attachments in the e-mail.

E-mail your photos, articles, and stories to [email protected] or mail electronic copies of them on CD to: Editor, Minnesota Paddler; PO Box 13567; Dinkytown Station; Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Official publication of the Minnesota Canoe Association, Inc.

The Upper Midwest's Paddling Resource

Contact Information

Editor - open -

Calendar InformationAndy Bergstrom612/[email protected]

Trading Post (Classified ads) - open -

Advertising Manager - open -

Web MasterJoe Conrad715/[email protected]

Minnesota Paddler © 2009 Minnesota Canoe Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

ISSN 0739-7445

The views expressed in Minnesota Paddler are not necessarily those of the MCA Board of Directors or of the MCA as a whole.

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InsIde

Photograph by Dan Domeier

From the Bow • 4From the Stern • 5

Mankato Paddling & Outing Club • 6A Letter to Friends of BWW • 8

Canoe Builder’s Contest Returns • 9Fall Color Cruise • 10

Pike Island Cleanup • 12

E-mail Addresses Needed • 14MCA Helps Heart of the Continent Partnership • 15

Board Minutes for August • 19DNR Conservation Agenda • 22

Greenleaf Lake SRA News • 23Make Your Own Canoe Paddle • 23

MCA Application • 25Minnesota Canoe Association • 26

Trading Post • 27

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T H E U LT I M AT E G U I D E T O C A N O E I N G O N L I N E W W W. C A N O E I N G . C O M

Page � October-November �009 • Minnesota Paddler

From the BowBy Tom Mings

Finally some summer weather and a chance at some milder early fall weather to stretch this paddling season a little further. As the weather cools it can be tempting to start getting reflective and reviewing the year – but first it’s time to look forward to what can be the best time of year to float a boat.

As always, there’s lower water going into fall around this paddling region – but there are gorgeous opportunities in every part of the region nonetheless. I’ll be looking for a day or two to beg off of work and wander down a short stretch of the Cannon near my house to sample the fall sites and smells…and to see how the new pup handles the boat. For those with youngsters in their circle of paddling acquaintances (or wishing to add some as I am always plotting with my grandkids, nieces and nephews), these next few weeks have potential to give them one last weekend look at the water while temps are friendly – a little something to whet their appetites for some spring 2010 softwater adventure. The water is cooling along with the air, prepare accordingly as the season progresses – small bodies take cooling a little harder than adults and it won’t be

many weeks before that’s an important issue to consider for all of us.

Contact your regional affiliates if you have questions about which way to head once the boats are loaded or which boat to take along… or are just looking for someone else to paddle with. In looking at the drought indices for the region, the water is surely low in some areas of the state, but there are always opportunities – some areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin have been wet-, not drought-impaired.

A couple of outstanding aesthetic opportunities present themselves for a group paddle if you are interested and the recently-inviting weather holds. Last years fall color cruises were fabulous days on the water and this year’s have potential to be the same:

MCA’s Fall Color Cruise is set for October 10 on the St. Croix River. This year’s cruise will be marked by the return of the Boat Builder’s Contest. The contest is being revived


by Don Ternes and his crew of builder volunteers. With a prize or two to make it interesting for the builders…and the opportunities for the rest of us to see a few of these beautiful craft, it should be an excellent day on the water. See the calendar for more information.

MCA will be putting on the second Near North Symposium on December 5, 2009 in cooperation with Midwest Mountaineering. There will be opportunities to assist if you are so-inclined and, as always the opportunity to just come and enjoy the presentations. Phil Cotton will be back from the Wabakimi Project – I traveled with him for a week and it is all the adventure you might imagine it to be as well as a great learning experience…we used to think to think we were hot stuff ‘cuz we have a little cow flop on our cowboy boots, but now that I’m older I realize that woodland caribou poo is the real razzmatazz.

For those looking for a service opportunity, we are looking for someone to take the lead in production of this news letter, The Paddler. Our current editor, Jay Hawkinson has done an incredible amount of work over the last few years and is looking to step back from the day-to-day tasks. As several knowledgeable folks have noted over Jay’s several years of service - he has put out a professional-quality magazine for MCA during his tenure, and deserves our thanks for both the quantity and quality of his work. If you are interested in helping put out the newsletter, please contact Jay Hawkinson (see the masthead contact info) or Tom Mings (651-332-0559) by phone or email.

From the SternBy Jay Hawkinson

I completely missed the August/September newsletter. We never got notice of the ‘The Dose!’ canoe race and now we are late for the Pike Island Cleanup and all the work Mel Baughman has done to prepare.

I don’t know what to say, other than I am culpable. A lot more could be said, but it is probably best not to say it.

Do you remember your Mother’s advice? “If you have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.”

It is time to move on. If you know anyone that can help the MCA with the newsletter, please send them to the board.

I have enjoyed working with some excellent people and appreciate the contributions of some great local talent. From authors like Lynn Diebel and Rob Kesselring, to professionals at the DNR and other non-profit organizations. We will all miss Brand Frentz articles from the MPOC.

I has been great to see how many businesses support and share the ideas and goals of the MCA. They understand that we are all in this together.

I will be around. Please, don’t think twice about calling me. My lines are open and I will help when I can.

Well, I hope to see you on the water. Thank you for allowing me to be the editor for the MCA.


By Brand Frentz, MPOC Secretary

The Long Gone Blues

It’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy. We paid our weather dues in the winter, waited patiently through a long, cold spring, and now here it is – lush green woods and fields, warm sun, lazy days, the splash of the paddle and our boats cut through the water. The MPOC is paddling now, canoes and kayaks all over the Southern Prairie: river trips, lake excursions, rides for the public, even a river clean-up.

The low water in early May was probably helpful for the annual river clean-up project – more tires were exposed, to be dug out. Crews worked hard on the Blue Earth and LeSueur rivers for two days, removing nearly half a ton of trash not counting recyclable materials and tires. And as always, the camaraderie was great.

A hardy group showed up at Swan Lake for the war canoe’s first

voyage of 2009, 10 in the big boat with Warren Wagner and Peggy Kreber paddling their own tandem canoe (and one member who “didn’t like the looks of those waves” stayed

on shore). Actually no one liked the wind, but we had confidence in the big boat, steered by Mark Bosacker and powered by Paul Schafer in the bow. St. Peter naturalist Bob Dunlop was on board and provided a good commentary, to those close enough to hear him over wind that

was howling out of the south at 20 mph,

gusting to over 30. It was okay going directly against it and with it, but the turns were hairy. I didn’t know the war canoe could tip that far and not go over. We came back lucky to be dry (and Mark was bushed). Warren and Peggy had a good show, as they stayed protected in the weeds and watched us fight our way around in the middle of the lake.

Brand Frentz is the Secretary of the Mankato Paddling & Outings Club.

RepoRt fRom

mankato paddlIng & outIngs Club

by Brand Frentz


Hiniker Pond – Action Central

Hiniker Pond in North Mankato saw plenty of the MPOC too. About 30 people came to our rides-for-the-public evening in late May. We had lots of enjoyable cruises around the small lake, and one mishap where justice reared its ugly head. A loud, burly citizen said he “didn’t need no help” launching the canoe so we stood back and watched (closely). He grabbed the stern and started running, pushing it straight out -- and capsized within 10 feet. Mumbling fiercely he turned and stamped off, leaving his partner in the bow wet and wondering. We quickly emptied the canoe and found a member to paddle the partner around, safely.

Then we had the annual potluck and boat trials at the Pond, and again the water was dotted with colorful boats zipping here and there. Roger Kontak brought his beautiful homemade woodstrip tandem canoe that everyone admired (but it is a little tippy), Brand Frentz offered his inflatable Airis kayak for sale but got no takers, and little Allen Schafer paddled non-stop for two hours in every boat we had! If he keeps it up (he is 9) he will be a champion paddler.

Eight o’clock Sunday morning, June 28. Hiniker Pond is in an uproar as 70 athletes hit the water at once – the North Mankato Triathlon! The churning mass of swimmers plows ahead under the watchful eyes of lifeguards riding in – you guessed

it – MPOC canoes. For the 11th year we carried the water safety team at this event. We were able to help a couple of struggling swimmers and, like all the triathlons before it, this one came off without incident.

And Now … Goodbye

Ten years is enough. I wrote my first Mankato Report for HUT! magazine in the August 1999 issue – I am writing this, my last MPOC report, for the August 2009 Minnesota Paddler. A lot has happened in those 10 years – spectacular paddling moves, scary near misses, unforgettable trips, warm summer evenings, biting early spring trips with snow in the air... We have a lot of fun paddling in the Mankato area. And I am sure it will continue, whether reported or not.

On leaving I want to thank the MCA for providing this forum, the editors who all work so hard to produce the magazine, and my fellow MPOC members who supplied the stories – Peggy Kreber with her vast knowledge of our waters, Mark Bosacker for his calm, reliable guidance, Warren Wagner for his humor and wisdom, and all the rest: Tom, Dean, Paul, Scott, Joe, Bob, everybody! My hat’s off to all of you!


A Letter to the Friends of the Boundary Water Wilderness

8/27/09

To: Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness(Entered as a message on the Friends Website)

The Minnesota Canoe Association will donate $200 toward your educational video on sulfide mining. In addition, one of our Board members, Joe Conrad, will donate an additional $100 on behalf of the MCA. We will mail these checks to you within a few days.

In return for these contributions, the MCA would like to have our name and/or logo shown on the video where you list other contributors or sponsors. We will send you a CD with a couple of logos on it.

We appreciate the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness producing an educational video that does not advocate for or against this mining. It is a complex issue that requires an in-depth knowledge of mining engineering, hydrology, chemistry, legislation, and regulations to understand. Because of its complexity and the uncertain legislative and regulatory environment, an unbiased educational video is very appropriate.

While we expect the video to be relatively unbiased, the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness website leans strongly toward antagonism about sulfide mining and tends to create a built-in bias about this industry. It may hurt your efforts to conduct education around this issue. In bold print on your Web, you state, “It has decimated water supplies, killed fish, destroyed entire landscapes, and left taxpayers holding the bag for expensive clean-up operations almost everywhere it’s been done before.

Now, the sulfide mining industry has set its sights on northeastern Minnesota, including many areas at the very edges of the Boundary Waters.”

The MCA Board encourages you to maintain an educational mindset on your Web as well as in the video.

We look forward to seeing the video and including it in discussions with MCA members.

-Mel BaughmanMCA Conservation Director

http://www.canoe-kayak.org Page 9

Canoe Builder’s Contest ReturnsBy Joe Conrad

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009Judging at 1:00 PM at the Mn

DNR Picnic Area at the Osceola Bridge

In conjunction with the 44th Annual St. Croix Color Cruise

Bring Your Canoe or Kayak Now

Yes, canoe and kayak builders and MCA friends, our Building Contest is back. We know that canoe building is a continuing activity of our paddlers. These craftspeople deserve a chance for the rest of us to be impressed and to compliment them. In turn we will all have a chance to vote on the “best” canoe.

Charlie Rader has a new single….I’ve seen it and it will be competitive in any contest. Bob Brown is rumored to have a new model (and since when does he not?). We’ll try to get Al Button to bring his special BWCA single tripping canoe…we think he has built two of them. Doug Nordang may have an original. Others builders are out there. If your boat has been built within the last 4 years, we will consider you as eligible for our prize. However, if it is older, and you are still proud of it, bring it along, maybe we’ll work up an “ancient boat” category.

In the past we have recognized those special souls who have repaired and refurbished a classic rib, plank and canvas canoe.

Voters will receive a brief “ judge’s guide” with what to look for….like

“overall beauty”, hull smoothness, fittings and trim quality, originality of design, quality of glass/fiber work with resin, etc.

This is basically a “popular vote” contest. We want to give some recognition to the continuing craftsmanship of the hand built canoe or kayak. Also, if you’ve built a paddle or decorated one (or several) bring ‘em along.

See all of you there and we hope you also enjoy our Color Cruise down the wild and scenic St. Croix.

Joe Conrad, Don Ternes and Doug Nordang.

Wolf River GuidesWhite Water CanoeAnd Kayak School

Beginning Kayak& Canoe Classes

Tripping WhitewaterClasses

River Rescue

Kids Classes

Advanced Playboating

Look us up on the web at:

www.wolfriverguides.com

or call us at: 715-882-3002

Page 10 October-November �009 • Minnesota Paddler

And the return of the Canoe Builder’s Contest

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009

Come and join our MCA cruisers at the MCA’s oldest general event.

View the fall colors of our beloved Saint Croix River.

Picnic with fellow kayakers and canoeists at the Osceola bridgelanding (bring your own food/beverages).

Bring a child under 17 and be eligible for a River Prize Drawing

Basic Route: Interstate Park at Taylor’s Falls to O’Brien State Park Lunch stop at the Osceola Bridge

Schedule with Alternatives: (Mn State Park Stickers or Daily Entrance fee required at Parks)

1. 9:30 AM Arrive at Interstate Park (MN side) canoe landing, sign in, unload, etc. (see map)

9:45 Start shuttle to O’Brien with other drivers Wait for drivers to return

10:30 Paddle Away!12:30 Stop at Osceola Bridge/

Landing have lunch; drawing for River Prize.

1:00 Canoe Builder’s Contest Judging

1:30 Depart after lunch, paddle to O’Brien (maybe stop on sandbar

or “Big Island” for a while) 4:00 Arrive at O’Brien, begin

shuttle drivers back to Interstate 5:00 Last call for drivers for

shuttle

2. Fast paddlers can put in at Osceola, paddle upstream for a while and return to Osceola to join us for lunch. Paddle on down to O’Brien for the afternoon or enjoy fall colors on your own.

3. Come to Osceola at noon, hang around for lunch with everyone, then paddle with us on down to O’Brien. MCA will help drivers arrange shuttles at lunch.

4. Arrange your own put-in, take-out and shuttle, yet join us for lunch at Osceola. (See alternative put-ins and take-outs on the map.)

5. Whitewater boaters can spend the day in the rapids at Taylor’s Falls and drive down to O’Brien for a picnic supper and greet cruisers as they come in starting around 4:00 pm

6. Impromptu gathering for supper at O’Brien or other restaurants on the way home.

44th Annual St. Croix Color Cruise By Joe Conrad

Page 1� October-November �009 • Minnesota Paddler

Please come to the MCA’s Pike Island cleanup -- our biggest public service project of the year. Several natural resources student clubs from the University of Minnesota also are invited to bolster our turnout.

Your State Park entrance fee will be waived if you tell staff at the entrance booth that you are helping with the MCA’s Pike Island Cleanup.

Meet at the end of the park road closest to Pike Island. The clean-up starts at 1:30 pm. Gloves and trash bags are provided by the DNR, but you still may want your own gloves. Most work is done by walking the banks, but we need a few canoes to pick up full bags on the banks and return them to a dumpster. If possible, share your canoe with a student so they have a chance for some paddling fun after the work.

When the cleanup ends about 4:00 pm, we will have a potluck. The MCA will provide brats, buns, beverages, plates, and tableware. Bring a dish to share with MCA members and U of M students.

Fort Snelling State Park is located on Post Road off State Highway 5, just west of the main terminal exit for the Minneapolis – St. Paul International Airport. FMI: Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Rd, Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4116, (612) 725-2389, http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fort_snelling/index.html

Advance registration is recommended so we bring enough food and can notify the park about how many cars to expect. Contact Mel Baughman, MCA Conservation Director, [email protected], home (651) 645-9409.

Pike Island Cleanup

MCA’s Public Service ProjectFort Snelling State Park

Sunday, September 27, 20091:30 – 5:00 pm

http://www.canoe-kayak.org Page 1�

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E-Mail !Yes, that modern mode of communication.

Addresses needed.We need to take advantage of this swift outlet for MCA news and info about our functions. Print media is expensive and not always easy to maintain. Sometimes event info comes in out of sync with our bimonthly publication schedule.

We know that everyone is been leery of spreading their e-mail address around. The MCA has never and will never share our contact information with any other entity or organization. Any organization that wishes to contact our members must go through the Board of Directors and even if approved, the info will be sent by the MCA, Inc. With the option and availability of a special e-mail address (through Google, Yahoo, or others) in addition to the one supplied to you by your Internet Service Provider, you can always change the second address and keep your “home address” safe.

How to do this? It is easy for our members to obtain an e-mail address just for MCA use (or any other that you desire.) You can get a free e-mail address from Google.com---look for Gmail on the Google home page. Yahoo.com also provides this service. There are many other options.

Please supply the MCA with an operative e-mail address. Send an e-mail to Gary Hennes, our membership director. Be sure that your message gives clear info on your identity so we can get your info into our database.

[email protected]

[email protected]

Try to choose an address that will help us keep our membership info straight, such: [email protected] or, [email protected]

Our members miss some canoe/kayak events and club functions because information simply doesn’t always arrive in a timely manner.

Help us help you!

Joe Conrad for the Board of Directors.


By Rob Kesselring

The Boundary Waters – Quetico Wilderness is located in the center of the North American Continent. It is roughly 1500 miles from salt water whether you look east to the Atlantic Ocean, south to the Gulf of Mexico, west to the Pacific Ocean or north to the Polar Sea. And it is big, when you total up the acreage of Quetico, BWCAW and the remainder of Superior National Forest, Voyageurs National Park and some of the smaller parcels of protected lands in parks and land trusts, it emerges as arguably the largest protected natural area south of Alaska and northern Canada. It is a true wilderness located at the heart of the continent.

Even so it does not have as strong a worldwide reputation as does Yellowstone, Banff or Yosemite. Maybe this is because it lacks the singular feature, which distinguishes the more famed parks - no picture postcard canyon, or jagged mountain peaks cloaked with glaciers. Or maybe the fame of the border lake country is

diluted because it is fragmented by different political and administrative jurisdictions. Straddling the international border are the two largest preserves, the BWCAW and Quetico, which together total over two million acres in size. The BWCAW, as part of the Superior National Forest, was first given some protection by the US Forest Service almost

The MCA helps out The Heart of the Continent Partnership

Heart of Continent Steering Committee Chair Rich Kelley and David Shanteau.

Photo by Sue Plankis


100 years ago, and eventually gained stringent and specific preservation under the Wilderness Act of 1964. It continues to be administered by the US Forest Service. North of the border, Quetico was established by the provincial government of Ontario, again, almost 100 years ago and it is currently administered by Ontario Parks. These events did not happen by themselves. Visionary Canadians and Americans worked together to ensure that the beauty and recreational value of these lands would endure for future generations. Voyageurs National Park was formed much later, in 1975, and is part of the American national park system. Hunting is permitted in the BWCAW but not in Quetico or Voyageurs. Motorboats are okay on the big lakes of Voyageurs, but not in most of the BWCAW or Quetico. Fishing and camping regulations are different in all three places. Adjoining these

three large areas are many smaller parcels of state, provincial, crown, federal, aboriginal, private and non-profit holdings with still different regulations, histories and reasons for existence!

However, to the wandering moose and wolves it all looks much the same. And maybe the animals are on to something. Each of these places has multiple administrative units, advocacy and guardian groups. In many cases they are doing similar things but not always with the awareness of what is happening a few pine trees to the north or to the west. Five years ago, Superintendent of Quetico Park, Robin Reilly, with the help of the Quetico Foundation pulled together a group of 15 interested parties that recognized the potential value of meeting together to share common interests and concerns. The approach of the 100th year

Reese, a Chinese foreign exchange student participating in the “Paddle the Heart” clinic with David Shanteau and Rob Kesselring, author.

Photo by Sue Plankis


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anniversary of Quetico Park and the Superior National Forest provided a little added stimulus for a coordinated approach to a possible celebration.

This group of 15 has expanded to become the “The Heart of the Continent Partnership” and has a growing list of participating individuals and organizations. The partnership does not take stands on issues of public policy but rather works toward cooperative relationship building and free exchange of ideas and information. This intention is reflected in the mission statement, “The Heart of the Continent Partnership seeks to sustain and celebrate the health, beauty, diversity and productivity of the natural and cultural resources of the Border Lakes Region through collaboration to meet the needs of present and future generations.” Similar initiatives have occurred in the past with the goal to

network and share information.

What distinguishes this new effort is the scientific evidence that makes sharing of knowledge and expertise not just helpful but imperative. Increasingly research is proving that parks and preserves cannot operate in isolation. For example, the health of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem hinges not on the protection of individual parks alone but on the coordinated actions of agencies that span the ecosystem. The Yukon to Yellowstone Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) has grown to a network of over 800 institutions, foundations and groups. Similar efforts are underway in Africa to link park agencies that were once thought to be able to stand alone, but are increasingly becoming aware that their survival as viable sanctuaries is dependent on staying connected in a much larger ecosystem. In Minnesota,

WANTED!Editor

and Layout Designer

for the Minnesota Canoe

Asoociation newsletter. Need

skills in Photoshop

and InDesign.

M i n n e s o t a


GPS collars on wolves illustrate just how fluid the movement of wildlife can be. I learned from a DNR biologist recently that a BWCA wolf had wandered as far south as the outskirts of Des Moines, Iowa!

Clearly, park boundaries are being crossed by many species. A “So what?” attitude is quickly tempered with the awareness that invasive exotic species, blights and diseases are also quickly crossing boundaries with possible far-reaching and negative results. Add to this the specter of climate change and the need for a structured, supportive network for the people who care for and care about the area is crucial

The Minnesota Canoe Association became actively involved in the HCOP this spring when long time MCA safety and instructional director, David Shanteau, hosted a North Canoe clinic on the St. Croix River. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of

Quetico Park and Superior National Forest the HCOP has planned an 18-day 350-mile voyage by a 26-foot North Canoe at the end of July 2009 to weave through the wilderness of the border country. Over 30 different members of the partnership will paddle legs of this voyage. The purpose of the trip goes beyond celebration to building collaboration between partnership members and to promulgate the values of “no-trace camping” and awareness about the risks posed by invasive species. The MCA helped ensure that the voyage would be successful and safe.

Rob Kesselring is a frequent contributor to The Minnesota Paddler. His books, Daughter, Father, Canoe Coming of Age in the Sub-Arctic and River Stories are available through his website at robkesselring.com

Opportunity: Advertising Manager

From Pam McDonald

I joined the MCA in 2002. While improving my paddling skills at Canoe-U. I met some great folks who were involved in various roles supporting the organization. Interested to become more involved in the organization and the paddling community I volunteered for the Advertising Manager position.

It’s a great opportunity to be involved without making a significant time or schedule commitment. No marketing or advertising experience necessary. It takes less than 2 hours a month. If you are interested to know more, please call 612-618-0308 or E-mail [email protected].

Thank You.

http://robkesselring.com/

http://robkesselring.com/

http://www.canoe-kayak.org Page 19

Board Minutes for AugustMinutes: MCA Board MeetingDate: Aug. 20, 2009Place: Midwest Mountaineering Conference Room

Attending: Tom Mings, Jay Hawkinson, Joe Conrad, Karl Willson, Mel Baughman (5, which is two short of a quorum…..consequently votes are held open until a quorum has registered their votes)Visitor Jim Horan Will those absent please respond and record votes on the motions which are held open until more board members have voted?

1. Motion (Karl/Jay): to approve the July minutes as submit-ted by the Acting Secretary. (Tom,Jay,Joe,Karl,Mel in favor) need votes here!

2. Jim Horan was introduced by Tom Mings. Tom has a long time interest in kayaking and canoeing. He has a background in law (degree from W. Mitchell in St. Paul). He has been a chef, and has experience in PR with groups in Wash. DC, and currently working with the Citizen’s League. He lives near Lake Nokomis. Motion (Joe/Karl): The MCA Board appoints Jim Horan to fill the position of Public Relations Director until Annual Elections on Feb. 6, 2010. (5 in favor; Tom, Jay, Joe, Karl, Mel) Acting Sec. contacted Kenn

Ketter by phone (in favor) and Don Ternes & Andy Bergstrom at the picnic (both in favor) The motion then carried by 8 to 0, and Jim is our new PR Director.

3. There was a brief discussion of printing issues. Gary’s operation has been absorbed by / combined with “Sir Speedy”. The current price for printing Minnesota Paddler will be honored for the time being. (indefinite…presumably through the end of the year.)

4. We have confirmation of our membership in Friends of the Mississippi ($250 level. We have a check for membership in Am. WhiteWater Assoc. returned for no signature. Tom Mings signed, but was not sure of his signature authority. Andy was found at the picnic and signed. Joe will send the check on to AWWA.

5. Annual Picnic: Joe brings Weber Grill and Charcoal, etc. contacts Tom by Cell Phone as to how much meat, etc. to purchase on Sat. morn. Tom will buy burgers, brats, buns, and condiments. Members BYOBev as well as potluck dish. Banner? It is believed that Dave Shanteau has “The Box” with banner and other meeting/booth/display

6. Educational Issue: Friends of

Page �0 October-November �009 • Minnesota Paddler

BWCAW have produced a video which describes the ins and outs of sulfide mining (Copper and other metals) which has been proposed near the BWCAW. It is ~15 min. in length. They have asked the MCA to be support the costs by being a sponsor. It is assumed that the MCA will be credited as such.Motion (Mel/Jay) The MCA will support this educational video at the level of $200. In favor, Mel, Jay, Karl, Joe (Tom abstained due to possible conflicts of interest with his job) 4-0 at the meeting. Since then Kenn has not recorded a vote, though appraised of the issue. Gary, Andy and Don all voted yes at the picnic. (Sorry, Carl, both of us were running around doing different things and I forgot to present these pending issues to you at the picnic.)Hence there are 7 votes in favor with one abstention. Since only Lloyd, Dave, Carl, and Kenn have not recorded a vote (and Jim if he should be counted on this vote) the motion has passed. 8/28 addition: Kenn has recorded a no vote, so it stands at 7-1 with one abstention.

7. Fall Clean-up at Pike Island: Mel would like to lead a clean-up day at Pike Island (in Fort Snelling State Park). He has some student contacts on the St. Paul Campus that could generate some “hands” for such a project.Motion (Joe/Karl) To authorize Mel to organized a clean-up at Pike Island with student help. Date to

be determined; either Sat. Sept. 26 or Sat. Oct. 3. Reach members though the website, an e-mail, and/or Mn Paddler.Budget up to $100 (bags, gloves, etc, snacks??) In favor: Jay, Karl, Joe, Mel, Tom, later votes, Kenn, Gary, Don, Andy. Motion passed.

Note to Jim Horan….could we use Facebook and Twitter to help get the word out for volunteers for this type of event? If so should the MCA, Inc. channel all such “Tweets” or facebook posting through one person??

8. The next major event is the St. Croix Color Cruise, Sat. Oct. 10 (with builder’s contest) Info is up at the website and to Jay for Paddler. (Should an e-mail be sent?)

9. Paddler production. Jay told us that he is resigning from this duty. Status of the Aug/Sep issue was discussed. Jay said that something would be readied to be sent out.We will need a major recruitment to fill this job. Jay has done yeoman service for nearly four years and deserves a great big THANK YOU for all that he has done.Jay says that he has been doing both editing (story, report, photo gathering) as well as layout. We need separate people to help disperse the load:EditorLayout Advertising

http://www.canoe-kayak.org Page �1

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10. The need for a “Door Prize Solicitor” was discussed. A couple of people who have indicated willingness to help with promotions were mentioned. Joe volunteered to contact them as well as the woman who did this very successfully for the MCA for several years.

11. Insurance was again brought up. We have another letter in reply to Jay Hawkinson’s inquiries. Jay said that he would scan this letter along with 2-3 others that he received and send them out to each of us.

Someone (Mel B.) stated that we probably need to supply some specifics of what we think we need to a firm that might consider providing this service.It was also stated that this should be a great benefit in selling MCA, Inc. to new members.

12. Not discussed at this Aug. meeting, but still “on the table” is:the recent e-mail that we received from Diane Tessari about a presentation on the Ernest Oberholzter / Billy Magee 1912 canoe trip to Nuelthin Lake and Hudson Bay. One idea is to have the presentation as the program at the next MCA Annual Meeting (first Sat. in Feb….Feb. 6, 2010).Another is to have is as a special meeting of the members where the sole content is the presentation of the Ober/Magee trip.Consensus was to have Joe work on this and to utilize Lee B’s volunteer energies for location, promotion, etc.

13. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Joe Conrad, Dir ‘11.

Next Board Meeting: Thurs., Sept 24 at Midwest Mtn’g

Page �� October-November �009 • Minnesota Paddler

By Erik Wrede

The DNR recently released its new 5 year conservation agenda, which you can find at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/conservationagenda/index.html. This is a summary document, with a more detailed follow-up document due for release this fall. I hope to get some detailed Water Trails program focus in the follow-up document.

This strategic plan will give you a good sense of where the DNR is heading, and how it is planning on dealing with emerging trends. One of those trends is the decline in outdoor recreation participation. I’d like to point out that we have seen a 68% increase in kayak registration in the past five years, and a 7% overall increase in canoeing and kayaking registrations combined. To some degree, we can assume that more toys equals more play, but we hope to also conduct participation surveys to verify

the amount of use our water trails are getting.

Please take a few minutes to skim or read the conservation agenda. It is packed with good info, and I would really appreciate any input from you on how you think this agenda could be used to better promote and understand the use of our Water Trails system. Thanks.

Erik WredeWater Trails CoordinatorMN DNR Trails & Waterways500 Lafayette RoadSt. Paul, MN 55155(651) 259-5624 For info on 30 Minnesota rivers

managed for canoeing and kayaking: http://www.mndnr.gov/watertrails

For info on kayaking the Lake Superior Water Trail: www.mndnr.gov/kayaking/lswt

DNR Conservation Agenda

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/conservationagenda/index.html



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By Brenda Black

This is to update you on a few things going on around the Greenleaf Lake SRA area. I wanted to make sure that you know what is happening since you have expressed an interest in the area in the past.

The state currently owns 108 acres on the west side of Greenleaf Lake (in addition to the public access which is not in the SRA). Additional acres should be acquired by Spring of 2010. Keep your eyes open for a news release about that.

The Greenleaf Lake SRA Plan is still under review as DNR re-

examines the various types of units in the state’s recreation system and how recreation areas fit in, how they are different from state parks and what clientele they should serve. Please note this means by law the area is not open for general public use at this time.

Thanks for your interest and support in the past and I look forward to working with you in the future as we grow the Greenleaf Recreation Area.

News ReleasesSpecial youth archery hunt set for

Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area

Greenleaf Lake SRA News

Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayOctober 20-22, 6:00-9:00pm

The experts at Urban Boatbuilders, a St Paul based nonprofit, will guide you step by step through the making of a canoe paddle. On the 1st night you’ll choose your paddle design, the specific pieces of wood and glue together a paddle blank. Before the 2nd night Urban Boatbuilders will run the blank through their bandsaw to bring the paddle blank to a managable working size. On the 2nd and 3rd nights you’ll shape your custom paddle with spokeshaves and draw knives. At the close of the 3rd night there will be a demonstration of how to apply varnish at home. Suggestions for paddle decorations will also be made. Preregistration required. Space limited to 7 participants (father-daughter, mother-son counts as one participant). Instruction cost $70. Materials cost $30. Total class cost $100. Entire class cost to Urban Boatbuilders. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering To preregister for any clinic please call the store. 612-339-3433 ext. 123 or contact Bear Paulsen: [email protected]

Make Your Own Canoe Paddle Workshop with Urban Boatbuilders


(Released September 3, 2009)

Three young bow hunters from Litchfield, Faribault and Morristown have been selected in a lottery to participate in the first Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) archery deer hunt this fall sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The hunt will take place Oct. 15 - 18 on state-owned land within the new SRA near Litchfield.

While the Greenleaf Lake SRA is not yet open to the public, DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten has approved the special youth hunt. Each youth will be accompanied by an adult mentor.

Mike Kurre, DNR youth mentoring coordinator, noted that todays youth are growing up in a world with numerous distractions that take away from the time they spend on nature-based outdoor recreation. Providing more quality, nature-based outdoor recreation opportunities for youth is a high priority for the DNR and other organizations.

The Greenleaf hunt is just one example of an effort to bond a parent or guardian to a youngster by interacting with the sights, sounds and skills needed to appreciate all that the outdoors has to offer, Kurre said. Once they get a taste of that, they’ll hopefully want to continue to look for other outdoor adventures as they get older.

Waterfowl hunting will continue on Greenleaf and Sioux lakes

(Released September 17, 2009)

With the 2009 Minnesota waterfowl season set to open on Saturday, Oct. 3, hunters who wish to hunt either Greenleaf or Sioux lakes in Meeker County are advised that both lakes will be open to hunting.

LeRoy Dahlke, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife supervisor at Willmar, said there have been questions due to the establishment of the Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) adjacent to the lakes.

While the upland area that is currently in the Greenleaf SRA is not open to public hunting (with the exception of a limited youth deer archery hunt), we do not plan to change the way hunters can use the lakes for waterfowl hunting, Dahlke said.

Hunters will be able to access either Greenleaf or Sioux lakes from the west public access and are allowed to hunt anywhere on the lakes provided they can conceal the boat in emergent vegetation that is in water. Decoys can be used as normal.

Dalhke also noted that a construction project on the road leading to the access may not be completed prior to the Oct. 3 waterfowl opener. Hunters are advised to check the roads condition prior to the opener.


M innesota Canoe Associat ion, Inc.www.canoe-k ayak.org

The MCA is an all volunteer organization.Please tell us about activities and volunteer opportunities that interest you.

® Administrative Support / Serve on the MCA Board® Staff / Organize MCA Exhibit for Public Events / Symposia® Conservation and River Clean-ups® BWCAW Trail Clearing Trips® Boat Building® Day Trips / Cruising®Marathon Canoe Racing® Sea Kayaking® Whitewater Paddling®Wilderness Tripping® Teaching Paddling Technique / Safety & Education® Photograph / Videotape MCA Activities® Write Articles or Trip Reports for the Minnesota Paddler® Other

MCA chapters and affiliate clubs offer count-less opportunities for paddle-sport recreation.I’m also a member of:

® Inland Sea Kayakers (ISK)®Mankato Paddling & Outings Club® Rivers Council of Minnesota® Rapids Riders® River Ramblers® South Dakota Canoe Association® Superior Kayak & Outdoor Adventure Club

(SKOAC)® Mississippi Whitewater Park®Women’s Affiliate® American Whitewater Affiliation® United States Canoe Association®®

American Canoe Association

Membership Application

Number of house hold members at this address:

Please mail your application to:

Minnesota Canoe Association, Inc.P.O. Box 13567Dinkytown StationMinneapolis, MN 55414-5567

Checks (US funds) Payable To:Minnesota Canoe Association, Inc.

MCA Membership® 1 Year MCA Membership $22® 2 Year MCA Membership $42® 3 Year MCA Membership $60® 1 Year MCA Supportive Member $50

The MCA membership roster may be shared with MCA chapters and affiliate clubs. TheMCA does not distribute or sell member names to any other organizations. The MCA and its chapter affiliates periodically call ore-mail members regarding club events. Check here to opt out:

® E-mail ® Phone

® I would like to receive the newsletter via E-mail.

Name

Address

City

Phone

E-mail

State/Zip

Year of birth

Headwaters Canoe Club


MCA Chapter/Affiliate RepsInland Sea Kayakers (ISK) Jeff [email protected]

Mankato Paddling & Outings ClubPeggy Kreber507/[email protected]

Headwaters Canoe Club Fannie Tjader218/4445477

River RamblersMary Hoffman612/327-2311www.river-ramblers.org

Minnesota RiversBruce Johnson320/[email protected]

Rapids RidersChad Kehn612/[email protected]

South Dakota Canoe Assoc Dave Greenlee 605/[email protected]

Superior Kayak and Outdoor Adventure Club (SKOAC)Jerome Rausch(612) [email protected]

Whitewater ParkBill Tilton651/[email protected]

Link to many of these organizations through our web site www.canoe-kayak.org

MCA Mission StatementThe MCA serves paddlers in the upper Midwest by promoting safe, enjoyable, and quality pad-dling opportunities on our region's waterways.

Minnesota Canoe Association

The MCA is an affiliate club of the American Canoe Association and the United States Canoe Association and member of the American Whitewater Affiliation

P.O. Box 13567 • Dinkytown Station • Minneapolis, MN 55414www.canoe-kayak.org • [email protected]

PresidentTom Mings651/[email protected]

Vice PresidentJay Hawkinson715/[email protected]

SecretaryLloyd Brandon [email protected]

TreasurerAndy Bergstrom612/[email protected]

Building DirectorDon Ternes651/[email protected]

Conservation DirectorMel Baughman651/[email protected]

Cruising DirectorOpen

Education & SafetyDavid Shanteau651/[email protected]

Membership Director Gary Hennes763/537-2945 [email protected]

Racing DirectorCarl Shaffer763/[email protected]

Public Relations DirectorJim Horan 612-432-7072 [email protected]

Publications DirectorOpen

Volunteer DirectorOpen

Director through ‘09Kenn [email protected]

Director through ‘10Karl Willson651/[email protected]

Director through ‘11Joe Conrad715/[email protected]

2009 Board of Directors


FOR SALE: Walker Bay Airis Sport 11 inflatable kayak, like new with full gear, $500/best offer, Brand Frentz 507-947-3268 or [email protected]

For Sale: BELL, MERLIN II, 15 1/2 ft. solo canoe. Lightly used. Kevlar, wood trim. Owners manual included. Reason for selling: I need a tandem. Price: $2,000. Call 651-777-1224 and leave mes-sage for Art with best time to call you back. All calls will be answered.

For Sale: 1995 Wenonah flat water sprint boat, used once, and a Polish kevlar racing paddle. $800 for both. E-mail: [email protected]

For Sale: 2 Sea Kayaks: Necky Arluk II, 17’6” fiber-glas, like new $2,000 and Aquaterra Sea Lion 17’ in excellent condition $900. Reason for selling: switching to smaller lighter kayaks for day trips on lakes and rivers. Contact Cathy 952-938-7627 or [email protected]

Wanted: used or newer river kayak with bulkhead and hatch, 10-13’ no more than 48#. Contact Cathy 952-938-7627 or [email protected].

Trading Post ads are for boats, camping equipment, and related gear. No ads will be considered for real estate, cars, auto parts, etc. Ads run for 2 issues unless the editor is notified otherwise. Special ads for cabins, special events, etc., can be purchased for $3.75 per line. E-mail or mail your ads; no telephone ads will be accepted. To place ads send copy information to the Trading Post editor. Contact information and deadlines are listed on the inside front cover of this issue.

Northwest Canoe Co. 308 Prince StreetSt. Paul, MN 55101 651-229-0192 www.northwestcanoe.com

Bemidji Woolen Mills 301 Irvine Avenue NWBemidji, MN 56601 888-751-5166 www.bemidjiwoolenmills.com

Kickapoo Canoe & Kayak N3257 State Road 71 Elroy, WI 53929 608-462-5065 [email protected]

Vacation Sports 4461 Lake AvenueWhite Bear, MN 55110 651-653-7401www.vacationsports.com

North Bay Canoe MW Territory 205 7TH Street Bemidji, MN 56601 218-444-7777www.paulbunyan.net/users/nbcanoe

Cambridge Custom Boatworks763-286-8973

MCA Discount VendorsThe following vendors give a 5% discount off the regular retail price of certain building materials:

Index to AdvertisersBoundary Waters Journal • 22

Canoe Frontier • 21

Canoeing.com • 3

Cooke Custom Sewing • 4

Wolf River Guides • 9

For Sale

tRadIng post

Free classified adsfor MCA members.

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Documents

2009 Oct-Nov The official newsletter of the Minnesota Canoe Association