Dear Fellow Paddlers,

It seems early but the paddling season is once again upon us. With this winter's heavy snowfall, already over 80 Mt. Mansfield, the whitewater season promises to be a beauty. With the change to daylight savings time occurring earlier this year, there should be some good midweek paddling as well. inches of snow on three weeks

This year thin Executive Committee decided to hold the whitewater clinic later in the season when the water is not as cold, in the hope of retaining sore of the students as active whitewater paddlers than has been the case in the past. The support of the experienced members will be required more than ever, not just for the classroom and river sessions, but also for the follow-on trips on local easier rivers, just when the New York rivers are becoming canoeable. Without the experienced paddlers for support, the follow-on trips could not exist.

As always, a lot of members played a part in making the Bow and Stern successful. Thanks to all the contributors, to Al Roberts who loaned us his PC to type it, and to the Schroeders at PIP printing, for printing this issue.

See you on the rivers,
Margaret & George McIntosh

The annual June potluck dinner meeting was held at Our Lady Of Grace Parish Hall, Colchester, on Wednesday, June 11, 1986 at 6:30 PM. The business meeting was called to order at 7:20 PM by president Rich Larsen.

Rich thanked:

• Sheri Larsen, John King and Mike Fullerton for dinner sign-ups,
• Charlie Thompson and Ray Gcnda for the planned program
• George and Margaret McIntosh for preparing the BOW & STERN
• Al Roberts for the spring schedule
• Ray Gonda for the summer schedule and his active efforts toward promoting conservation
• Anne Chetham-Strode, Rick Davis and Mike Fullerton for administering the successful Whitewater Training school
• The Executive Committee for useful (though sometimes loud!) meetings
• The paddlers who showed up for trips

Rich mentioned that Norm Lavoie continues to work on the Club History project. Members should give items of interest to Norm.

Rich elaborated on safety during whitewater trips:

• Everyone is responsible for himself/herself
• Get out if you are cold
• Make sure your gear is in good conditio
• Make sure participants know rescue procedures,
• Keep a check on the sweep boats

Special warning was given for the hydraulic below Pontock Dam on the Androscoggin River.

Ray Gonda added that there will be two trips on the Androscoggin River on which there will be practice for rescue techniques; June 28-29, and August 9-10.

Rich mentioned items of interest assembled on one table: canoe magazines, schedules of canoe trips in the U.S., ACA schedule of canoe events, Juniper Island race on June 28, and Peter Alden's photos of club members.

Cathy Chamberlain, treasurer, reported assets of $1,366.00. Two hundred of this is in the General Account. The rest is in the Safety Account.

It was moved and seconded to dispense with the reading of the minutes.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Whitewater Training School: Mike Fullerton thanked all the teachers of the training classes. He called for two new volunteers to run the training program next year. He and Anne Chetham-Strode are stepping down from the job.

Advanced Open Boat Clinic: Anne Chetham-Strode announced that the clinic will be taught by Anne and Keech LeClaire on June 21-22. The minimum class number will be eight people, each paying half price ($40.00) The club will donate $100 to $150. Ray Gonda made the motion that $150 come out of the Safety Account. The motion was seconded and carried.

Bow And Stern: Margaret McIntosh thanked everyone for contributions to the June issue. She asked that people please try to meet deadlines. The next deadline is February 13, 1987.

Publicity: Tim Marugg said his report is on page 4 of the Bow & Stern. Chuck Thompson said the club decals will be available by the next meeting (Feb. 1987).

It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM. Ray Gonda introduced Stark Biddle who showed slides of a four-week trip on the Kuujjua River, Victoria Island, Canada, during the summer of 1985. As far as Biddle knows, this was the first time canoes had traveled this river.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Schneider

The NVCC Executive Committee consists of the elected officers and appointed committee chairpersons. Other interested members are welcome to attend. Between club meetings, many of the key decisions on direction and activity are made by the executive committee. The following is an account of some of the discussion of the December 1986 and January 1987 meetings. See Rich Larsen if you are interested in participating.

1. Conservation Issues - The consensus of the committee was that the primary club purpose was recreational, and that the club should not be a driving force for conservation issues, except as they impact river access and safety. Club meetings could be used to bring to the attention of members conservation issues. Pat Ezekiel was appointed as liaison to the Vermont Rivers Alliance, and was authorized to explore sponsoring a Vermont Rivers Forum in Chittenden County, under NVCC auspices.
2. Safety Focus - The need for a strong safety effort was emphasized. Organization on the river was a topic of concern Mike Fullerton and Anne Chetham-Strode will address at the March meeting. Anne was authorized to spend up to $200.00 from safety and education for first aid kits. Summer safety training trips are under consideration, as is a possible group CPR class.
3. Canoe School - To avoid the usual complaints of people dropping out due to cold water and air, the class will be tried, as an experiment, later in the season, probably May. Ray Gonda is canoe school chairman; Jay Appleton is kayak co-chairman. The goal is for a pool session on a weekday evening, if possible.
4. Colorado River Slides - Rick Davis offered to set up a slide show by Bob Foote, first person to paddle the Brand Canyon in an open canoe. This was subsequently set for 2/19/87.
5. West River Races - Ray Gonda proposed that the club sponsor the C & D races on the West River on the first weekend in May. This was approved pending Anne's finding enough volunteers to help, and assurances that the club be covered for liability under the ACA. This has occurred.
6. Decals - Chuck Thompson is looking into obtaining more club decals, with a report at the spring meeting.
7. T-Shirts - T-shirts are still available.
8. Charter - An update to the charter is felt to be needed. Limitations on the term of the president, and definition of the club goals were cited.
9. March Meeting - The March Meeting was targeted for 3/1/87, with Pat Ezelkiel in charge of arrangements. Tim Maruqg's Alaska trip was proposed as the program feature.

Rich Larsen

Have you ever wondered who to contact when you have a question or any other club business? Well wonder no more! Here is a list of all the contacts you ever wanted to know:

If you have questions, want to help, or even have some club business, please call the appropriate person(s).

Two dam releases are scheduled on the West River this Spring, a race release and a recreational release. The race release is April 30 through May 3 at 1800 cfs, a high water level. The following weekend, May 9 and 10, is the recreational release at a lower water level. Traditionally, Cruisers demonstrate a strong commitment to recreational releases. This year, the commitment has expanded to include the race release.

Race release events include the U. S. Slalom Team Trials and the West River CD Races. Team trials are races to select members of the national slalom team who will represent the United States at the world championships in France this summer. The best racers in the country compete in the team trials. Race courses are set in the Dumplings rapids, providing high excitement for racers, spectators, and photographers.

C-D races are open to all novice and intermediate open and decked boat racers. The West River C-D Races are popular events, attended by boaters from throughout the eastern United States. Events include a downriver race, a slalom race in Clamshell rapids, and a combined race where participants paddle both downriver and slalom in the same boat. NVCC members have enjoyed participating in past races, have placed respectably, and plan to race on the West in 1987.

The Northern Vermont Canoe Cruisers, in association with the West River Whitewater Association, is sponsoring the West River C-D Races on May 2 and 3. We are excited about the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the paddling community, and the publicity it generates for NVCC. Of course, publicity is favorable only if we do a good job.

We need help setting the slalom course on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1. We need help timing and scoring the slalom race on Sunday, May 3. Water will be flowing for four days; helping with the race does not preclude paddling the river or racing. This is a good opportunity to explore another aspect of paddling. Also, this is a good opportunity for non-paddling relatives and friends to be involved in our sport. Demonstrate your pride in NVCC by participating in these events. Please contact Anne Chetham-Strode at 656-1255 (days) or 434-2599 (evenings) to register or volunteer.

The American Red Cross offers an introductory first aid course, Multimedia First Aid, on the first Friday of every month. The course runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Topics discussed include rescue breathing, airway maintenance, bandaging, and splinting. Upon completion, participants receive a Multimedia First Aid certificate. Call the Red Cross at 658-6400 to register.

The Red Cross can make a special presentation of Multimedia First Aid for NVCC members, at our request and convenience. We could schedule a course for four hours on a weeknight, for two consecutive weeks, for example. The cost will be approximately $30 per person. Contact Anne Chetham-Strode to express your interest.

ALTHOUGH THE PRIMARY ACTIVITY AND GENERAL REASON FOR EXISTENCE OF THE CRUISERS IS RUNNING ORGANIZED TRIPS, PRIMARILY WHITEWATER TRIPS IN MORE RECENT YEARS, THE CLUB HAS ENGAGED IN AND CONTINUES TO ENGAGE IN A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING CANOE RACES, SUMMER PICNICS, PARTICIPATING IN ANNUAL SPRING GREENUP DAY, VERMONT RIVERS MONTH, RIVER TOURING, PADDLING CLINICS, RESCUE WORKSHOPS, AND FLATWATER DAY AND OVERNIGHT TRIPS.

ONE OF THE LEAST VISIBLE AND LEAST UNDERSTOOD ACTIVITIES (EITHER DIRECTLY OR ELSE INDIRECTLY THROUGH ACTIONS OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS) OF THE CLUB IS IN THE SPHERE OF ACTIVITIES WHICH COULD BE TERMED CONSERVATION, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "WATER RESOURCES" ACTIVITIES. THIS GENERAL AREA OF ACTIVITY CONCERNS ITSELF PRIMARILY WITH THE PROTECTION OR ENHANCEMENT OF THE PADDLING PHYSICAL RESOURCE.

THESE ACTIVITIES HAVE CONSISTED OF SUCH THINGS AS FORMALLY EXPRESSING CONCERNS ON SOME HYDRO PROJECTS, OPPOSING SOME NEW DAMS, OBTAINING OR ASSURING CONTINUANCE OF RELEASES FOR WHITEWATER PADDLING AT SOME DAMS, AND PROTECTION OF WHITEWATER REACHES FROM DAMAGING STREAM ALTERATIONS BY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES, TOWNS OR PRIVATE ENTREPRENEURS. TO SOME EXTENT THEY INCLUDE ACTIVITIES WHICH MIGHT BE CONSIDERED NOT QUITE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE MECHANICAL ACT OF PADDLING DOWN A RIVER BUT NONETHELESS OF DIRECT IMPACT ON THE QUALITY AND ENJOYMENT OF A RIVER TRIP ,E.G., SUCH THINGS AS WATER QUALITY AND RIVER CORRIDOR ESTHETICS.

OTHER ACTIVITIES HAVE INCLUDED INVOLVEMENT IN CREATING RIVER GUIDES OR EXPLORING RIVERS FOR AGENCY STUDIES AND REPORTS, PARTICIPATION ON GOVERNMENTAL TASK FORCES TO STUDY OR DEAL WITH PARTICULAR RIVER-RELATED ISSUES AND INFORMAL MEETINGS WITH GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OFFICIALS TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS BETWEEN VARIOUS RIVER-RELATED RECREATIONAL PURSUITS OR GROUPS.

IN EFFECT, THE CUMULATIVE RESULT OF ALL SUCH ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN TO GIVE PADDLERS A VOICE IN THE VARIOUS PROCESSES AND FORUMS THAT INFLUENCE WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR RIVERS AND STREAMS AND HELPS ASSURE THAT A FULL HEARING WILL BE GIVEN TO MATTERS THAT AFFECT THE PADDLING RESOURCE.

IN GENERAL, CANOEING AND KAYAKING ARE CONSIDERED "SOFT" RECREATIONAL PURSUITS IN THE JARGON OF GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES. A LARGE, WELL-FINANCED AND WELL-ORGANIZED CONSTITUENCY FOR PROTECTING CANOEING INTERESTS DOES NOT EXIST AS IT DOES, FOR EXAMPLE, AMONG FISHERMEN. TO ILLUSTRATE THIS POINT, EVERY STATE HAS A FISH AND WILDLIFE AGENCY OF SOME TYPE. NUMEROUS FEDERAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS ESPOUSE THE PROTECTION AND/OR ENHANCEMENT OF FISHERIES RESOURCES AND TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ARE SPENT EVERY YEAR ON SPORT-FISHERIES RELATED ENDEAVORS. THUS FISHING AS A RECREATIONAL PURSUIT IS CONSIDERED A "HARD" RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY BY CONTRAST TO CANOEING AND KAYAKING. THE IMPLICATION HERE IS THAT PADDLERS MUST "FIGHT HARDERER" TO SEE THAT THEIR INTERESTS ARE PROTECIED AND, AT TIMES, MUST EXERCISE ALMOST HERCULEAN EFFORTS TO SEE THE PADDLING RESOURCE ACTUALLY ENHANCED.

THUS, THERE IS GREAT IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO PADDLERS ENGAGING IN CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES, AND SUCH ENDEAVORS SHOULD CONTINUE AS A LEGITIMATE AND ACCEPTED PART OF CLUB ACTIVITIES INTO THE FUTURE IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN OUR ABILITY TO PROTECT OUR INTERESTS. THIS SOMETIMES MEANS BEING ACTIVE IN CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES WHICH AT TIMES MAY NOT BE OBVIOUSLY NOR DIRECTLY CONNECTED WITH PROTECTION OF A SITE- SPECIFIC PADDLING RESOURCE AND IT ALWAYS MEANS COOPERATING WITH AND WORKING WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.

ON THE BELIEF THAT A CLUB WITHOUT A WRITTEN HISTORY IS LIKE A SHIP WITHOUT A KEEL IT IS APPROPRIATE AT THIS TIME TO GIVE A BRIEF BUT COMPLETE HISTORY OF CLUB CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES --- FOR BOTH CURRENT CLUB MEMBERS AND FOR FUTURE CLUB MEMBERS.

REPRESENTATIVES OF FEDERAL AGENCIES EXPLAINED THE PURPOSES FOR BUILDING THE DAM ... NORMAND VOICED OPPOSITION TO THIS DAM. CLUB MEMBERS HAD RUN THIS RIVER AND THE ALLAGASH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT WAS LEARNED THAT THE CAUSES FOR THE FLOODING PROBLEMS, WHICH WERE PART OF THE REASON FOR THE DESIRE TO BUILD THE DAM, WERE IMPROPER LOGGING PRACTICES (MASSIVE CLEARCUTTING ON THE CANADIAN SIDE OF THE BORDER). POWER WAS TO BE TRANSMITTED TO A STATION IN BARRE.

A HYDROPOWER DAM WAS PROPOSED AT FIVE CHUTES NEAR ARROWHEAD LAKE WHICH WOULD HAVE INNUNDATED THE UPSTREAM RAPID AS WELL AS THE CHUTES. DISCUSSIONS WITH THE POTENTIAL DEVELOPERS INDICATED THAT AN ARTIFICIALLY CONSTRUCTED COURSE AROUND THE DAM WAS NOT FEASIBLE. THE CLUB FINALLY OPPOSED THE DAM.

SUPPLIED DESCRIPTIONS OF RIVERS AND OTHER INFORMATION FOR RIVER GUIDES AND IN SOME CASES ACCOMPANIED ROIOLI ON EXPLORATION TRIPS.

EXPLORED WINOOSKI RIVER OVER 3 DAY WEEKEND BY CAR AND BY CANOE WHICH FORMED THE BASIS FOR THE PRESENT DAY CANOEING GUIDE SOLD BY THE WINOOSKI VALLEY PARK DISTRICT. AT THE SUGGESTION OF NORMAND LAVOIE, A BOY SCOUT TROOP BUILT A CAMP SITE ACROSS THE RIVER FROM THE IBM PLANT COMPLETE WITH A FRESHWATER SPRING OUTFITTED WITH A PIPE.

NORMAND LAVOIE -- DISCUSSIONS WITH HATCHERY PERSONNEL REVEALED THAT CAMPSITE WAS OFF LIMITS. THE SITE HAD FOR YEARS BEEN USED FOR OVERNIGHT CAMPING BY TRIPPERS. NO AMOUNT OF PERSUASIVENESS SUCCEEDED IN RESTORING THE USE OF THE CAMPSITE.

SUGGESTED MINIMUM FLOWS; REQUESTED ARTIFICIAL WHITEWATER COURSE; DAM PROPOSAL EVENTUALLY MELTED AWAY. A NEW PROPOSAL FOR A SCALED-DOWN PROJECT IN NOW BEING ADVANCED.

TWO YEARS OF MONTHLY STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS LED TO FINAL REPORT BY BOB MANNING OF THE UVM SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES. IT IS AN EXCELLENT STUDY OF THE RECREATIONAL USES AND IMPORTANCE OF VERMONT'S RIVERS IN THE STATE'S ECONOMY.

THREE SEPARATE PROPOSALS HAVE EXISTED TO DEVELOP HYDROPOWER AT BALL MOUNTAIN DAM. ONE WAS A TUNNEL BYPASS THROUGH BALL MOUNTAIN WHICH WOULD HAVE DE-WATERED THE UPPER WEST RIVER CLASS 3 RUN. THE EFFORT INVOLVED THE APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB - 6 OF 11 CHAPTERS, KEN STONE OF THE AMERICAN CANOE ASSOCIATION, DATA FROM THE VT DEPT OF PARKS, FORESTS AND RECREATION AND THE PLANNING OFFICE OF THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AGENCY.

COMMENTS WHICH WERE WRITTEN AND FILED ON BEHALF OF THE NVCC AS PART OF THE LEGAL INTERVENTION PAPERS FOR THE SECOND PROPOSAL NOW FORM THE BASIS FOR THE STATE OF VERMONT'S POSITION ON THE SINGLE REMAINING PROPOSAL. THESE COMMENTS ADDRESS RELEASES FOR WHITEWATER PADDLING EVENTS AND OTHER SERVICES FOR PADDLERS. OF NOTEWORTHINESS HERE IS THAT INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS IN THE WEST RIVER BASIN WHO ARE UNRELATED TO THE NVCC HAVE BEEN A HELP IN PROTECTING OUR INTERESTS IN EXCHANGE FOR OUR ASSISTANCE IN PROTECTING THEIRS.

SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE SIERRA CLUB, APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB, AND STEVE WRIGHT FROM CRAFTSBURY COLLEGE (NOW FISH & GAME COMMISSIONER). INVOLVED ALSO WERE STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES, TOWN OF HARDWICK.

MEETING ON FIRST PROPOSAL WITH TOWN OFFICIALS INCLUDED AL ROBERTS, RICH LARSEN, TIM MARUGG, JOHN KOHN AND RAY GONDA AND CULMINATED IN SATISFACTORY CONDITIONS BEING PUT INTO CORPS OF ENGINEERS PERMIT FOR STREAM ALTERATION WHICH PROTECTED THE INTERESTS OF PADDLERS.

NVCC HELPED ORGANIZE MEETING WITH JIM CUBIE - SENATOR LEAHY'S STAFF PERSON, ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS, STATE PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE AND ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY PERSONNEL AGENCY ON CONCERNS AND THE NEED FOR PROTECTION OF VERMONT'S RIVERS. SECURING FUNDING FOR THE STILL-IN-PROCESS VERMONT RIVERS STUDY WAS DISCUSSED.

ACTION INITIATED BY THE APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB (COMMENTS BY RAY GONDA TO THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION), SUCCEEDED IN SECURING RELEASES AND OTHER AMENITIES FOR WHITEWATER PADDLING ON VERMONT'S MOST IMPRESSIVE RAPID FROM BOISE-CASCADE CORPORATION HYDROPOWER PROJECT (STATE'S LARGEST), EFFORT INVOLVED NVCC MEMBERS LETTER WRITING SPREE WITH SUPPORT FROM THE SIERRA CLUB, AND INCLUDED BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES, STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND BOISE CASCADE CORP.

PURPOSE: TO FIND A CONSENSUS ON THE RELEASE REGIME FOR WHITEWATER RECREATION / RACES FROM BALL MOUNTAIN DAM AT JAMAICA. OF PARTICULAR CONCERN FOR PADDLERS IS THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF ONE OR MORE OF THE RELEASES DUE TO THE SALMON RESTORATION EFFORTS.

TASK FORCE MEMBERS:

• TED ACTON - APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB
• KEN COX - VT DEPT OF FISH & WILDLIFE
• JOE FINNEGAN - ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS - WALTHAM MA.
• KEN FISHER - WEST RIVER WILDWATER ASSOCIATION
• RAY GONDA - NVCC & AMC, VT CHAPTER
• RAY HARW00D - VT DEPT OF FORESTS, PARKS AND RECREATION
• ANGELO INCERPI - VT DIRECTOR OF FISH & WILDLIFE
• STEVE SEASE - VT AGENCY OF ENV. CONS., PLANNING DIRECTOR
• LARRY SHIMANO - VT DEPT OF FORESTS, PARKS AND RECREATION

LETTERS TO VAEC OPPOSING DAMS - SUBSEQUENT USE OF LETTERS WITH DEVELOPERS SUPPORTED OPPOSITION OF VAEC TO DAMS.

RAY GONDA - NVCC REPRESENTATIVE; INVOLVEMENT ASSURED THE NVCC A VOICE IN THE PROCESS IN THE FUTURE

STATE OFFICIALS CONSULTED WITH NVCC ON LOCATIONS FOR SUCH SITES AS PART OF THE PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS PRIOR TO COMMENCING CONSTRUCTION.

SUBJECT WAS CUMULATIVE GROWTH IMPACTS ON VERMONT'S ENVIRONMENT WITH EMPHASIS ON IMPACTS TO RECREATION. ORGANIZED AND SPONSORED BY VERMONT NATURAL RESOURCES COUNCIL AND VERMONT LAW SCHOOL.

A CONTINUING STUDY WITH ABOUT 18 OR SO MORE RIVERS NEEDED TO BE EXPLORED AND DESCRIBED.

NEW HAVEN RIVER STREAM ALTERATION - LATHROP'S MILL; TASK FORCE DECIDED COURSE OF ACTION TO TAKE ON ILLEGAL AND DAMAGING STREAM ALTERATION OF THE RIVER. INVOLVED STATE DEPTS. OF WATER RESOURCES & FISH AND WILDLIFE, TOWN OF BRISTOL ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEER PERSONNEL FROM WALTHAM MASS. AND ESSEX JUNCTION, VT AND TOWN OF BRISTOL. RESULTED IN RESTORATION OF RIVER BY LATHROP AT OWN EXPENSE AFTER CONSENT DECREE OBTAINED BY ARMY CORPS IN FEDERAL COURT. RAY GONDA REPRESENTED THE VERMONT PADDLING COMMUNITY ON THIS TASK FORCE. INVITATION EXTENDED BECAUSE OF THE ROLE RAY PLAYED IN BRINGING PUBLICITY TO THE DAMAGES AND IN ALERTING THE VT LEGISLATURE AND VERMONT ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS TO THE ISSUE. THIS PUBLICITY HAS BEEN CITED AS THE REASON FOR THE TIMELY RESTORATION OF THE RIVER. APPARENTLY IT WAS THE FIRST ACTION OF THIS NATURE THE CORPS HAD INITIATED IN VERMONT.

RAY GONDA REPRESENTING THE CRUISERS BY INVITATION

SERVES AS REPRESENTATIVE TO VERMONT RIVERS ALLIANCE MEETINGS; MAY ASSIST IN ORGANIZING AND HOSTING A RIVERS FORUM IN CHITTENDEN COUNTY.

THIS BRIEF HISTORY OF CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN THE CLUB SHOULD, IN AND OF ITSELF, CLEARLY POINT OUT THAT A CONTINUED PRESENCE IS NEEDED IN CONSERVATION ISSUES BY CLUB MEMBERS. OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WILL NOT DO FOR US WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING OURSELVES. BUT THEY CAN HELP US.

A NUMBER OR THE ISSUES LISTED PERSIST AS ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED. FOR EXAMPLE, THERE ARE GOOD REASONS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE TO RESTORE THE USE OF THE BETHEL HATCHERY CAMPSITE.

BUT OF PARTICULAR INTEREST AND IMPORTANCE AS WE PROGRESS INTO 1987 ARE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS FOR RIVERS CONSERVATION EFFORTS NOW IN THE HANDS OF THE LEGISLATURE. AS A RESULT, MANY OF THE SITE-SPECIFIC ISSUES, SUCH AS HAVE BEEN LISTED ABOVE, HAVE A CHANCE OF BEING AVOIDED IN THE FUTURE IF THESE PROPOSALS GET PRIORITY TREATMENT BY THE LEGISLATURE AND RESULT IN ENHANCEMENT TO THE STATUTES ALREADY EXISTING IN VERMONT CONSERVATION LAW. A BIT OF INVESTMENT NOW MAY PAY FOR ITSELF MANY TIMES OVER IN THE FUTURE IF THESE PROPOSALS TAKE A FAVORABLE DIRECTION. THAT CAN ONLY HAPPEN BY HELPING TO STEER THEM IN THAT DIRECTION.

RAY GONDA & NORM LAVOIE

Hudson Gorge NY: May 31, 1986

My most vivid memory of this trip is, again, that of the formidable Indian River ... always such a joy' Even though we put in well downriver, at the island, the river in its final pitches, as it descends to the Hudson, lashes out with renewed and even greater fury than earlier in its course. It is as though it was not allowing us to escape its rancor by cheating it with the ploy of running only the last section. The run, however, was done about as safely and as smoothly as possible.

Except for the disconcerting wind on the rapids of the Hudson, the rest of the trip was anti-climactic. Of notable exception was an admirable self-rescue by Cathy Chamberlain of herself and her boat at a rock in the middle of the rapid above Blue Ledge. Eric Bishop delighted the group with some clowning in the hole below Big Nasty rapid. Ever see anyone side-surf a hole while standing and without a paddle? It inspired several of us to do likewise ... only to take our first swim of the day.

This was my first trip in big water with a unbalanced and properly outfitted N.E.. It was a joy, particularly, after running the tripper over the years.

Ray Gonda

Hudson River Gorge: June 1, 1986

This run was for the Gorge die-hards. It seemed a bit less eventful since the group was smaller than the previous day, the water level was a bit lower, but the weather was great.

Ray Gonda

The Forks (Dead & Kennebec Rivers) ME

The size of the group for this trip fortunately permitted simultaneous trips on both the Lower Kennebec and the Dead. The lower Kennebec is relative new to club members and is definitely 816 water' Nat really difficult, just big and EXCITING! It's approximately an 8-mile run with all the big stuff in the first 2 miles. I would recommend it to all who are capable of handling the Dead River but want to get the feel of really big water. A swim here can be intimidating ... not necessarily or particularly dangerous ... but long. Running alone, one might lose their boat in an upset ... to be retrieved who knows where? Most advanced paddlers in the club are familiar with the Dead so not much need be said there except that the weather was ideal.

But, of special concern, is that trips on the Dead are getting out of hand due to the numbers of people involved and it is only going to be with the cooperation of ALL trip participants that the dangers associated with the disarray that is occurring, when on the river, are going to diminish. Many individuals in the club see no need for group organization on the river and the dangers which result from that attitude are becoming clearly evident on the river. This is a concern which needs to be directly addressed by the club membership...soon.

Ray Gonda

Advanced Open Boat Clinic - Rouge River, Quebec, Canada: June 21-22, 1986

The Advanced Open Boat Clinic provided a weekend of instruction and big-water paddling for open boat tandem teams. Emphasis was on stroke technique and strategies for running large-volume rivers. The instructors were experienced guides and teachers who hold national titles in tandem open boat racing. They were outgoing and enthusiastic. Participants found that effective teamwork, coupled with benevolent deception by the instructors, allowed them to run faster, heavier whitewater than they would have attempted otherwise.

We drove to the Rouge River in Quebec on Saturday morning. After lunch, we paddled the Huberdeau section of the river, upstream and less intimidating than the Harrington Canyon or Seven Falls sections commonly run by decked boaters and rafters. Instructors helped students polish stroke technique. They demonstrated strategies for scouting inaccessible drops and running big-water. Students became acquainted with fast currents and heavy hydraulics that develop in large-volume rivers.

On Sunday, we paddled the Harrington Canyon section of the Rouge River, a class II through IV run through scenic gorges with blind bends and significant drops. As we entered one steep, narrow gorge, our instructors told us to, "turn right below a large boulder in the center of the river, avoid its eddy, then make a sharp left turn." They did not mention that the left turn led over a drop eight feet high, with a hydraulic recirculation at the bottom! Everyone survived, in and out of boats, agreeing that it was the biggest drop most of us had attempted in our open-boating careers. Also, we agreed that we would do it again, probably.

The Advanced Open Boat Clinic was organized through the NVCC Safety and Education Committee. The committee plans to arrange advanced clinics in the future, if sufficient demand exists. Contact me or Mike Fullerton to express your interest and suggest topics.

Anne Chetham-Strode

Androscoggin Rescue Workshop Weekend: June 28-29, 1986

Several years ago I had perceived a need among club paddlers for an understanding of some basic rescue techniques, particularly self-rescue. A number of the more experienced paddlers had acquired a sufficient measure of understanding of how to rescue others in trouble, enough to get by with, but I saw little expansion of technique beyond that. Of more concern was that these skills were not being consciously and deliberately passed on to newcomers.

Less than a year ago I received a certification as a whitewater instructor from the American Canoe Association. I had also attended several rescue clinics, most notably with the Appalachian Mountain Club. I felt the logical next thing to do was to tackle the problem of passing on both state-of-the-art skills of rescue as well as skills I had acquired and employed from years of paddling.

With this in mind I had invited a number of individuals whom I expected would be interested to a meeting at my house to discuss what form such a workshop would take. Of those invited, thanks to Dave Behaney, Pat Russell and Melanie Israel for attending and helping with the planning.

The basic form of the workshop included a morning (2-3 hrs) of discussion at the Mollidgewock campground followed by a complete inspection of flotation and rigging of each canoe. Then some self-rescue demonstrations were done in flat water at the camp. In this effort Dave Behaney did a super job with assistance from Melanie. The rest of the afternoon was running the 5 miles downriver to the wooden bridge where the real work was to take place on the following day. Of critical importance this day was to be sure all boats could perform the basic 'upstream ferry' in most river current conditions, this being necessary for boat assisted rescue of others, and considerable progress was seen. Many of the participants were new to clean efficient ferry technique. Also at the base of the rapid below the camp, most everyone swam the rapid, some several times over.

The basic program which we hoped to cover was:

• Outfitting of Boats
• Outfitting of Self
• Group Organization on the River
• Swimming a Rapid
• Self Rescue
• of self
• of boat
• of self and boat with second boat assist
• water re-entry of boat

Rescue of Others

• Shore based rescue (canoe & kayak)
  • with rope
  • with another boat
• Water based rescue (canoe & kayak)
  • ferry position - various combinations of swimmer/boat
  • boat over boat
  • get aboard' technique

The entire program outline listed above was documented in considerably more detail prior to the techniques not specifically listed above. A risk waiver was signed by all participants.

The second day began at the wooden bridge and started with shore-based rescue. Everyone got the chance to rescue with and be rescued by a throw bag while swimming the drop below the bridge (throw bag practice at the campsite preceded moving to the river).

Unfortunately it took most of the weekend to get to the 'meat of the workshop', and we got only part way through the rescues involving swimmers and boats. Specifically self-rescue with boat in the drop at the bridge sapped most of the participants' energy leaving little time or inclination for advanced techniques. So the balance of Sunday was spent running the reach of river below the new dam. Thanks to Rick Davis for the discussion at the dam relating to the recent drowning incidents. Thanks to Julie Schroeder who faithfully ran shuttle throughout the weekend and to others who assisted in this regard.

In summary it appears everyone had a great weekend with plenty of paddling time. Being the first time offered, the discussions perhaps took too long, given the discomfort and heat from the sun at the time, and a way might be found to be more effective with this part of the session, perhaps by distributing it over the two days to break it up. Comments were that such a session would be very welcome closer to home. Another session will be held this summer.

Ray Gonda

Dead Creek Wildlife Area: July 19, 1986

Participants:

Collie Chambers, Sheri Larsen, Cilia Kimberly, Cathy Meacham, Susan Miners, Chris Ariel, Nary Lavigne, Ray Gonda, Betsy Schneider.

Five canoes put in at the access area on Nortown Road south of Addison four corners. Sheri was the sole solo-paddler.

We first traveled south as recommended by Bill Crenshaw, Manager of the Addison Wildlife Area. We saw painted turtles, jumping fish, heron, ducks, kingfish, eastern kingbirds, vultures and the ubiquitous redwing blackbirds.

After a leisurely lunch on a shaded bank, we returned to the access where some took out. Others went north and saw schools/nests of very small bullhead, a bittern, multitudes of blue heron and one green heron. One reedy area was filled with quite loud sucking sounds. The noises came from large carp half out of shallow water among the reeds. Bill Crenshaw said they feed by sucking up mud, spitting it out, and then picking out the edible vegetation and insects.

Betsy Schneider

Dead River ME: July 19-20, 1986

Participants:

(OC1) Mike Fullerton, Al Roberts, (OC2) Bob And Marvie Campbell; (C1) Alan Plumb; (K1) Stark Biddell, Cindy Sprague, Pat Ezekial, and special guests, soon to be members, Bob Distler (Northboro, MA), and Steve Messino (Tewksbury, MA).

Things are different on the Dead this year. If you haven't already heard, the famous shuttle now follows a smooth road all the way in, instead of the various trucks, we all go on a bus! And there are rafters. Actually we found them funny, as the river is too rocky and technical for large rafts. They provided endless entertainment, hanging up on rocks, leaving people stranded in midstream etc.

The weather cooperated well, despite morning clouds, and the water while not high, was adequate. Aside from minor damage to one Kevlar boat, (saved with duct tape as usual!) there were no problems. I find that even after 21 runs, this river is still fun.

Michael Fullerton

Tubing Trip: August 2, 1986

Participants:

Thompson, Fuhr, McIntosh, Larsen and Gerlack families, plus Cathy Chamberlain, John Krier, Jean Hunt, Eric Bishop, and two guests. About 21 tubers, plus Marion Thompson as a shuttle driver.

The tubing trip met with a number of problems. The day was supposed to be clear, temperatures in the eighties, with water releases to be continuous thru the day. The temperature turned out to be in the seventies, cloudy, and the water release was not to be found. Around noon, a decision was made to move to the Glen section of the Hudson. One of eight cars decided to return home, two others got lost on the trip to the Hudson (one returned to the Sacandaga and tubed the afternoon release, the other turned up later on the Hudson). We put in at the Glen Bridge, where the gauge read 5.5' (equal to 5.0' at North Creek). The heavy drop in river center and right, about 1/4 mile below the bridge, was big, but had no hydraulics. We tubed about four miles, through one more big drop, and took out where the roads come to the river on either side. We ran it twice.

As a footnote, the organization broke down somewhat on the trip. Each car should know where the meeting point is, rather than depending on keeping a convoy together. This trip leader, for one, will remember that in the future.

Rich Larsen

Moose River VT: August 9, 1986

Participants:

(OC1) Mike Fullerton, Bill Gerlack, Ray Gonda; (OC2) Steve Dingle & Cuc Huynh; (K1) Josh Coggeshall, Jeanne Hunt, Alan Rexford

This was a long awaited for trip on a river that many had been anxious to do. Fortunately, the weather and summer rains were in our favor so an impromptu trip was organized in one day's time and it turned out to be a great trip. We met at the Fairbanks/Morse plant east of St. Johnsbury, which would act as the take-out. We put in at the snowmobile bridge at the head of the first rapid at Victory Bog. The run took 5.5 hours and much of the latter half of it was through summer rains. The rapids at Victory were a delight to the closed boaters and the lower portion of the run through Concord to East St. Johnsbury was pleasing to most due to the scenery. A postcard a few days later from Josh indicated that he and Alan returned the next day to do just the rapids at Victory and finished by doing the gorge at St. Johnsbury...the last 2.2 miles of river. Josh and Alan indicated that they were very pleased with the river. Rated the gorge as high class 3 with some class 4 spots. The water was about 4 inches higher for their run. A good gage of appropriate water level is that if the water is to the top of the channel and just beginning to run into the grass at Damon crossing in Victory Bog, then it's a good runnable level. How much lower it can go and still be runnable, has yet to be learned.

Ray Gonda

Lower Lamoille: August 10, 1986

Participants:

(OC1) Ray Gonda; (OC2) Jim Morris & friend, John & Eric Schroeder; (K1) George McIntosh.

This was another impromptu trip, arranged because the weather was good and the water was there. It was a typical trip on the Lamoille with rain which threatened but never came until we were off the river. The most notable aspect of this run was a forty foot wide hole at a sloping ledge about a third of the way down the last large rapid on river left. It was large enough to keep a tandem canoe and steady enough to side-surf it's entire length. Everyone took their turn. I'd seen this one before but usually avoided it since the temperature & weather, at the time, weren't optimal. It's nice to discover a new feature on a very familiar stretch of water. The level was 7.5 feet at the Fairfax bridge but was probably more like 8 feet farther downriver due to the addition of water from the high and muddy Brown's River.

Ray Gonda

Flatwater Trips: Summer/Fall 1988

Although a full schedule of flatwater overnight trips were scheduled, this season could not be considered a successful one, not nearly as successful as the previous year. There were exceptions. The primary reason for the lack of success this year was that, in nearly every case the threat or presence of rainstorms for the weekend discouraged the interested parties. Nonetheless a few of us had memorable trips on Aziscoos Lake in New Hampshire and Lake Lila in the Adirondacks.

Ray Gonda

Summer Roll Sessions - Indian Brook Reservoir: Summer/Fall 1988

Once again this summer, roll sessions were held at Indian Brook Reservoir in Essex Town. Indian Brook Reservoir is a beautiful man-made lake, close to the Burlington/Essex Junction area, which has remained unspoiled in spite of the surrounding development. This past fall the residents of Essex voted to purchase the reservoir so that it would remain a recreational area.

Attendance at the roll sessions this summer was very poor with only one evening that a group showed up. In spite of the lack of Cruisers, the evenings that Margaret and I spent there were very enjoyable and rewarding as we paddled around the lake, watching the wildlife and occasionally practicing a roll or two.

George McIntosh

Novice Clinic and Slalom - Tariffville Gorge, Farmington River, CT : September 20-21, 1986

Participants:

(K1) Jay Appleton, Dave Behany, Chris Campbell, Teo Campbell, Anne Chetham-Strode, Rick Davis, Melanie Israel, Alan Rexford

The fourth annual Novice Clinic and Slalom provided a weekend of instruction, training, and racing for novice and intermediate decked boat slalom racers. Emphasis was on stroke technique and combinations of strokes for specific slalom gate sequences. Instructors were current or former members of the U.S. Slalom Team. All were friendly, patient, and enthusiastic. Participants found that the skills they developed through slalom training are invaluable for boat control in racing or cruising.

We camped at Tariffville Park in the town of Simsbury. The park is pleasant, wooded, and convenient, with drinking water, outhouses, and a picnic pavilion, but no showers. The park is a day-use facility. Special permits are required for camping or using the pavilion. Contact the Simsbury Recreation Department, 203/651-3751, for reservations.

On Saturday, we met at a U.S. team training site on the Farmington River. We sorted into small groups to polish old skills and try new strokes and stroke combinations. We paddled in gates on flatwater, moving water, and whitewater. Everyone performed for the video camera. During the lunch break we watched and cheered as our instructors paddled intently in their daily workout. We watched our videotapes in the evening.

On Sunday morning, everyone helped set a full-length race course. Instructors scouted the course with students, explaining moves and offering suggestions. We practiced the course for the remainder of the morning. During lunch, we watched the instructors race on the course. In the afternoon, we raced on the same course. Races were fun and unstressful. We made as many runs as we wanted on the course, until we were too exhausted to continue.

The NVCC kayakers were the largest contingent to attend this event in its four-year history. (A similar event for open boaters occurred the following weekend, but the Cruisers were not represented.) We recommend it heartily and plan to attend in 1987. We decked boaters challenge the open boaters to match our attendance record. Contact me for more information.

Anne Chetham-Strode

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*								    *
*	 		--- PLEASE NOTE --- 			    *
*	  The deadline for the June issue of the Bow & Stern	    *
*	 will be June 1, 1987. If the meeting occurs earlier	    *
*	  than usual the deadline will have to be adjusted.	    *
*	 							    *
*	 	Contributions should be sent to: 		    *
*	 		Margaret McIntosh 			    *
*	 		RR#1, Box SV-14 			    *
*	 		Jeffersonville, Vt 05464 		    *
*								    *
*********************************************************************

1987 Whitewater Schedule

Date	Trip	Leader	Telephone	Level
Mar 28 Sat	Ice Breaker	Jay Appleton	879-6079	Int
Apr 4 Sat	Tim's Run	Tim Marugg	899-4377	Int
Apr 5 Sun	Upper Lamoille	Mike Fullerton	456-8701	Int
Apr 4-5 Sat-Sun	Kenduskeag Race, ME	**
Apr 11 Sat	Upper Lamoille	Bill Gerlack	658-9361	Int
Apr 12 Sun	Ray's Choice	Ray Gonda	862-6164	Int
Apr 11-12 Sat-Sun	Blackwater Race, NH	**
Apr 18 Sat	Waits River	Charlie Thompson	878-2536	Int
Apr 19 Sun	White River	George McIntosh	644-2134	Nov
Apr 25-26 Sat-Sun	Ammonoosuc River, NH	Peter Alden	863-6585	Int-Adv
May 3 Sun	Lower Lamoille	Charlie Thompson	878-2536	N ov
May 2-3 Sat-Sun	West River C/D Race	** NVCC co-sponsor
May 9-10 Sat-Sun	West River Recreational Release	Rich Larsen	879-6828	Int-Adv
May 9-10 Sat-Sun	Boat Bash, CT	**
May 16 Sat	River Training Session	Ray Gonda	862-6164
May 17* Sun	Schroon or Hudson	Mike Fullerton	456-8701	Int-Adv
May 16-17 Sat-Sun	Hoosatonic Race, CT	**
May 23-25* Sat-Mon	NY Rivers	Al Roberts	899-4129	Int-Adv
May 30-31* Sat-Sun	NY Rivers	Mike Fullerton	456-8701	Int-Adv
Jun 6-7* Sat-Sun	NY Rivers	Sheri Larsen	878-6828	Int-Adv
Jun 20-21 Sat-Sun	Androscoggin River, NH	George McIntosh	644-2134	Nov-Int

NOTE - FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING A TRIP, CONTACT THE TRIP LEADER.

ALL TRIPS ARE DEPENDENT ON WATER LEVEL. THE SCHEDULED TRIPS ARE BASED ON "NORMAL" SPRINGTIME WATER LEVELS. THE TRIPS LISTED MAY BE CHANGED, OR CANCELLED, IF THE WATER LEVEL IS UNSUITABLE.

WEEKDAY EVENING TRIPS MAY BE SCHEDULED AFTER THE CHANGE TO DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME. FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT AL ROBERTS (899-4129) OR RICH LARSEN (878-6828).

* LOCAL TRIPS MAY BE OFFERED THESE WEEKENDS. CONTACT CHARLIE THOMPSON (878-2536) OR GEORGE McINTOSH (644-2134).

** FOR INFORMATION ON THE N.E. CUP RACES CONTACT ANNE CHETHAM-STRODE.

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