ADIRONDACK WATERSHED ALLIANCE

WINTER 2009 NEWSLETTER

The Adirondack Watershed Alliance had another banner season of Paddling events and stewardship projects in 2008. In spite of outrageous gas prices and dire economic forecasts, paddlers continued to come out in strong numbers for races, time trials and watershed improvement projects organized by the Adirondack Watershed Alliance. Huge THANK YOU’S to all of the participants, sponsors and government and business supporters who continue to encourage and nurture our thriving paddling community.

More Stewardship Opportunities in 2009

Last summer, the AWA was able to successfully partner with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail to complete high priority projects along the Adirondack Canoe Classic route. Most notably, the new boardwalk at Brown’s tract virtually eliminated the chronic bottle neck of 90 Miler paddlers that occurred in the past, and the reconstruction of two bridges at the Raquette Falls Carry contributed to an uninterrupted transition from the trail back to the river. In addition, AWA volunteers worked on erosion control and bank stabilization efforts, tree planting, campsite enhancement and garbage removal projects.

Through the AWA, the paddling community has a significant opportunity to fill a widening void in the ability of the DEC to maintain the forest preserve lands. The AWA plans to further strengthen its connection with the DEC and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and meet two of our organizational principles of developing a stewardship network and providing outdoor employment. Increases in AWA membership, corporate sponsorship and specified stewardship contributions will allow us to support much needed infrastructure improvements in the areas we play in.

Over the winter, we will meet with DEC and NFCT representatives to identify and prioritize projects. We plan to hire a crew coordinator and engage several groups who have indicated an interest in working on projects along with the AWA members who like to get dirty! We encourage you to contact the AWA office with your ideas for projects, or resources to support our stewardship goals.

The AWA is always pursuing ideas to bring new people into the paddling community. The long Wenonah Minnesota 3 and 4 canoes make introductions to the sport a lot of fun. Working with the long boat fleet from MAC’S Canoe Livery, we will make sure folks have fun while contributing their time and physical power to stewardship activities and we will have boats on hand at our events to provide people an opportunity to give the sport of paddling a try.

30–Miler cancelled for 2009

The AWA will not organize the 30-mile marathon this year. Though popular as a warm up for the Adirondack Canoe Classic, race organizers have expressed that it comes at the absolute busiest time in their summer season. According to race director, Brian McDonnell, “We love the course, the water will still be there and we certainly encourage people to put in a couple of long days of paddling to prepare for the 90 Miler. The event has always stretched our volunteer and canoe livery resources. Our team would be happy to transition the 30 Miler to another group interested in hosting or modifying the event.” For more information, contact Brian at the AWA office.

Adirondack Watershed Alliance PO Box 66, Lake Clear NY 12945 518-891-2744

2009 AWA Canoe and Kayak Race Series

‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Races

Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m.

Saranac Lake, 10.5 Miles

This flat water race starts at Ampersand Bay Resort on Lower Saranac Lake. Paddlers go southwest to Bluff Island, where they turn south into the Saranac River. Competitors then follow the river to the Lower Locks, where there is a short carry to Oseetah Lake. Paddlers then cross the lake to the islands in the northwest. The course ends on Lake Flower in Village of Saranac Lake. Paddlers are encouraged to bring their own shuttle from the start to finish. Entry fee is $25 per paddler. ($20 for AWA members)

Tupper Lake 9-Miler

Saturday, June 6 at 10 a.m.

Tupper Lake, 9 miles

This is a great solo, family and novice event. It starts at the Route 30 fishing access site, “The Crusher.” Paddlers follow the Raquette River to Simond Pond, where the finish line is at the Tupper Lake Rod & Gun Club.

Entry fee is $25 per paddler. ($20 for AWA members)

Adirondack Canoe Classic

Friday through Sunday, September 11 - 13

Old Forge, Long Lake, Saranac Lake, 90 miles

This three-day, 90-mile flat water race follows the original highways of the Adirondacks from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. The course offers a mix of lake and river flat water paddling with several carries. Participants receive a T-shirt, mileage pins, awards, camping, snacks, boat shuttles and a post race meal. Entry forms for this race go out via U.S. Mail in June. The 90 - Miler is limited to 250 boats. Entry deadline is July 25.

Entry fee is $150 per paddler ($125 for AWA members.)

Long Lake Long Boat Regatta

Saturday, September 26 at 10 a.m.

Long Lake, 15-miles, 10 miles

This race features the North American War Canoe Championships, a 15-mile race on Long Lake. Other events include the 10- mile Adirondack Kayak Championships, a 15 - Mile C-4 marathon, and 10- mile canoe, guideboat and “Anything goes” races for youth and adults. All races begin and end at the beach across from the Adirondack Hotel. Entry fee is $25 per paddler. ($20 for AWA members.)

Sundowner Series

The Sundowner Series of clinics and time trials will be held every other Tuesday of the summer starting June 2. Paddlers meet at the Saranac Inn state boat launch; on Upper Saranac Lake at 6 p.m. Informal clinics can be arranged on everything from paddling stroke to wake riding. Please call ahead for the clinic schedule. Sessions are $10 each. AWA members are free. Plan to join us after the paddling at MAC’S Canoe Livery for burgers, refreshments and lots of talk about our favorite subject. AWA members can also take advantage of free demos on any boat in stock and available at MAC’S for the Sundowner Time Trials.

Adirondack Watershed Alliance PO Box 66, Lake Clear NY 12945 518-891-2744

MAC’S and NYMCRA introduce the 200 & 400- Mile Paddlers for 2008

Some people just cannot resist a challenge! This year 30 paddlers completed more than 200 miles of racing in New York State and twelve completed more than 400 miles, and applied for recognition of their achievement and membership to an elite club. The emphasis is on paddler participation and checking out races across New York State, though some of our 400 mile paddlers went as far as the Yukon to earn their second 200 miles and register over 400 miles in the competitive seat!

There are just a few simple rules to qualify for the clubs: 1) all races are from a single paddling season. 2) At least 200 miles must be from New York State Races. 3) You must finish the race for it to count. 4) You must fill out an application available on macscanoe.com. These paddlers spend a lot of time in the seat, represent the best our sport has to offer, and collectively encourage greater participation in paddle sports.

200-MILE PADDLER CLUB 400-MILE PADDLER CLUB

Linda Cooley Bill O’Donnell Chas Billingsley

Bob Cooley Jeanne Marie O’Donnell Dale Carpenter

Alec Davis Mary Houck Pam Fitzgerald

Cynthia Jackson Mike Skivington Ed Greiner

Craig Hadden Russ Rayot Roger Henry

Richard Hall Bruce Codington Dave Thomas

Tim Henning Kevin Berl Glen Vandewinckel

Tom Ierardi Peter Ross John Ders

Andrew Jillings Harold Strata Kerry Newell

Bruce Lee Bob Pierson Brian Watson

David Sennett Jim Cunningham Fred Goodnough

Amelia McDonnell Grace McDonnell Celia Evans

John Jackson Stephen Burton

Don LaFever Dan Dubois

Diana McIsaac Gene Pratt

MAC’S Canoe Livery, NYMCRA, and Wenonah Canoes sponsor the 200- and 400-mile clubs. Sponsorship information, questions or suggestions should be directed to Brian McDonnell.

Yukon 1000 attracts strong New York State Contingent

There is a new “Longest Canoe Race on Earth” tantalizing the marathon paddling urges of several New York State paddlers. The Yukon 1000-mile canoe race is more of an expedition from Whitehorse, Yukon, down the Yukon River all the way to the Dalton Highway above Fairbanks, Alaska, than a point to point canoe race. The inaugural running of the event is scheduled for this July. The format will require teams to be proficient in unassisted wilderness travel and navigation in addition to being able to paddle up to 18 hour days. Many of the entrants who have already signed up are 90 Miler participants! For more information, and to see who is registered, go to Yukon1000.com. Plan to follow us on line during the event via the latest Spot technology.

Macscanoe.com

The AWA is hosted physically and on the web by MAC’S Canoe Livery in Lake Clear. You can check out upcoming events, current class specifications and race results on the AWA pages. You can also check out macscanoe.com for a list of new and used canoes, GRB paddles and other accessories available for sale at MAC’S Canoe Livery in Lake Clear. Mac says “try it before you buy it.”

Adirondack Watershed Alliance PO Box 66, Lake Clear NY 12945 518-891-2744

Adirondack Watershed Alliance

PO Box 66, Lake Clear, NY 12945

518-891-2744

Membership Application for THE ADIRONDACK WATERSHED ALLIANCE The AWA was formed to assure the continued promotion and organization of paddle sport activities, develop a stewardship network to enhance recreational opportunities, and provide outdoor employment. We coordinate the Adirondack Canoe and Kayak Race Series, offer clinics and trips, and encourage cooperation between all recreational users of the waterways of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.

Feel free to recommend an event, activity or project you would be interested in working on.

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Annual membership for individuals is $25. Family plans are $50. Membership year starts April 1. Make checks payable to: AWA, and mail to: PO Box 66 Lake Clear, NY 12945

Donations for projects, sponsorship and events graciously accepted. Call Brian for details.

JOIN NOW TO SUPPORT PADDLING IN THE ADIRONDACKS