The Spring thaw is here in Vermont. Ice jams, temperature roller coaster is happening, 30 then 65 then more snow, rain, 67F, then… months later it’s June. Where are people wanting to go?
Are you running across wildly over priced campsites?
Herbicide use to control Invasives
I’m sure that as a paddler, recreationalist, you’ve come across an intersection of people trying to do the right thing from two sides. Keep a body of water true to its roots and one that evolves into the next phase of an estuary. ProCellaCOR EC is a new herbicide that is being applied to lakes and ponds to control Eurasian Milfoil. Here in Vermont the DEC, Department of Environmental Conservation, has put a priority on eradicating invasive above the needs of natural process and above the science that could bare out whether it’s safe to use.
Over the last several weeks, the DEC, has allow through the permit process, the application of this herbicide onto several of our lakes and ponds. The signage that warns the public, or should warn the public, looks like a 5th grader lost pet notice more so than a dire warning of public health.
Several attempts to get in touch with the DEC have been meet with contempt from them. “we’ll get back to you whenever..” The explanation of the permit process when the question is clearly over the signs.
Notice posted in the Lake St. Catherine area.
from the road… a 50MPH state route.
Categories: Environmental Issues
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Just say no to Wake Boats!!
The recreational boating industry has been pushing these “pleasure Craft” for years now. They are OK in very few selected bodies of water. The idea that small lakes are a good place to operate these destructive boats. Lake with fragile ecosystems are not a good place for these. Any lake where loomy , sand soil accounts for a large part of it is not a good place for them. Lake that are on the small sized are certainly not good places to use them. Lake where there are lots of fishermen, and paddle craft are not great places for them. It’s time to put a huge limit on selfishness.
Categories: Environmental Issues
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Long Time Gone
It’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to write anything here. Time has a way of slipping by. The biggest thing happening now is an environmental issue on Lake Bomoseen. The Lake Bomoseen association, a private association made up of mostly property owners with lake front property, are applying for a permit from the State of Vermont to apply an herbicide to mitigate the spread of Eurasian Milfoil. Battle lines are being drawn between a few and the many that don’t want this to happen.
River of Shit
This video made back in 2013 still speaks to us today if you care about paddling on a urban river.
Help your local water shed by bring attention to your issues with the local political process; City Hall, Town meeting, local colleges and universities, etc.
Categories: Environmental Issues
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Water Quality Check Points, State of Vermont
Planning a paddle that is just for fun does require a little bit of information. Water quality issues include not only flow rates, but things that might be in the water as well. This site provides a good amount of informational links that paddlers should use before heading out. https://anrweb.vt.gov/DEC/IWIS/
Paddle safe, have fun, and come back refreshed and alive
Categories: Environmental Issues
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Vermont’s Glen Lake
Glen Lake is located in between Fair Haven VT and Castleton, VT just a 1/4 mile away from the entrance to Lake Bomoseen State Park. This lake is shaped like a skinny topped anvil. The lake has large motor restriction so it’s a nice calm place to go paddling.
There is a put in that allows you to drop off your boat and then go park, or the short distance from parking to launch might be overcome by many except those with heavier boats that paddle alone.
43°39’35.21″N , 73°13’56.54″W
Should get you to the put in. There is plenty of fish and bird life to sight see and the area is close to other paddle locations.
Categories: Paddle Adventures Recommendations
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Vinabond is gone!
While a very useful product, it was discontinued because they just didn’t sell enough of it. I suppose that means it worked too well. Looking fro a new adhesive to adhere d rings to Royalex.
http://goindustrial.ca/index.php/en/resins-adhesives/vinabond
I’ll post here when I have info.
Categories: General Conversations
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Smart Phones and paddling
With the smart phones burning a hole, sometimes literally, in peoples pockets now I suppose I should address their uses to plan and conduct cool paddle adventures. They can be used as cameras, video devices, compasses, first alert weather, devices, etc. Remember however, they do need protection from the element we are out to enjoy; water.
List of apps and ideas soon.
Eric
Categories: General Conversations
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Moving is a process
I made a major move after nearly 18 years in Dallas, TX I relocated to a rural setting in West Central Vermont. The paddling opportunities are much different than TX. The season is different and the summer day are much longer. This will open up a whole new set of paddling new and information.
Let’s enjoy this together,
Eric
Categories: General Conversations
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