Special Edition!! Calendar and Map of Events for Paddle 2011 Trail Mix Special Blueways Alliance Edition

Volume 10, No.3 Summer 2011

Bluewords: You never know what you might see When Rhode Island while paddling this spring… is green and yellow By Chuck Horbert with daffodils and s we paddled up the

forsythia, Trail Mix river, I saw my wife turn Photo by Chuck Horbert goes blue!!! Aaround in her kayak and give me the “slow down and be quiet” signal. “Do you hear he Rhode Island Blueways that?” she asked. And I did; the Alliance has collected sound of splashing water, as if it Ta terrific calendar of was flowing down rapids. But I educational paddles to fill spring knew of no rapids on this river, evenings and weekends with and the sound seemed to be outdoor exploration. Watershed coming from the swamp to our organizations and outfitters from right…not from the channel An impressive pile of branches might be a home the northern Blackstone Valley upstream. As we slowly to the Salt Ponds in the south paddled further upstream, we Sure enough, around the next are hosting paddling trips that realized that the splashing sounds were bend, rising two feet above the water showcase special waterways now coming from both sides of the surface, was a large beaver dam. The and share information about channel. That is when I first guessed their unique ecology and history. what might be the cause. continued on page 2 Please join us! Safety is RIBA's number Big changes on two Rhode one priority. Always WEAR a lifejacket when paddling (simply Island rivers bringing it along is not enough!). When paddling in the spring, By Bruce Hooke remember that the water can be ivers are always changing. season since winter storms and very cold. Dress for immersion After a flood, visit a river you spring runoff are especially good at in either a wet suit or a dry suit. Rknow well and you may be rearranging rivers. Trees down in and Stay close to shore on large lakes. surprised at the gravel bars that have across the river are probably the most Learn, and practice, self-rescue appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, common change but rocks and even techniques such as kayak rolling or disappeared as if they never existed. entire river channels can easily be or boat re-entry. Be attentive to Experienced river paddlers know moved, especially in larger floods. weather conditions. Don’t paddle this well and are especially alert for alone. Be visible to powerboats. changes at the start of the paddling continued on page 6 Be careful in fog. Carry an emergency kit. Know your limits. Be constantly aware of your In this Issue: surroundings. Take a course in safety, because what you don’t Paddle 2011 events ...... 3 Subscribe to Trail Mix. . . . 7 know can hurt you. Paddle 2011 map ...... 4 Dear Captain Canoe . . . . . 8 continued on page 8 You never know continued from page 1

beavers must have started right in the state, even that of the Blackstone down large mature trees as well. The channel but, since water levels in the River, although all of the 20+ active next time you have to get around or swamp on either side were not very colonies in this watershed are found through a tree fallen across a river, get much higher than in the river, they in the Branch, must have had to continuously extend Chepachet, Clear the dam to either side and downriver and Nipmuc River as the dam got higher. We estimated sub-watersheds. that this particular dam was easily Statewide, there are over 150 feet long. well over 100 active Welcome to the new reality of colonies, most tucked paddling in Rhode Island. Twenty out of site in relatively Photo by Jim Cole years ago, it was rare indeed to see inaccessible stream any evidence of beaver on Rhode systems deep in the Island rivers. Now it is equally rare woods. to canoe or kayak down any river, These semi- with the possible exception of the aquatic mammals are urban , without at best known for their least seeing beaver-chewed trees or ability to build dams branches alongside the channel. And across rivers and it has become pretty common to streams, which they have to paddle or carry over beaver do to maintain and dams that have been built across the regulate consistent channels. water levels. This in Although it is not clear how long turn provides them beaver had been gone from Rhode access to food and Island, they first started reappearing protection from in the mid 1970’s in the Moosup predators. Their Naviagating over a beaver dam requires great balance River watershed. By 1982, there were ability to alter out and look at its base…it may not still less than a dozen colonies, all the landscape so dramatically also have been felled by the wind! still located within the provides habitat for a number of watershed. Today they are found in other wildlife species as well. For And from a paddler’s perspective, nearly every major watershed in the this reason, they are often called a while having to climb over a dam may “keystone species.” be a minor inconvenience, the dams Beavers are herbivores, also provide deeper water and more eating a wide variety consistent flow in many rivers that we of non-woody aquatic paddle. plants, as well as the And that is in fact what my wife stems, leaves and bark and I found that day. We climbed of a number of shrubs over the dam (they are usually quite and trees. They must sturdy, and will easily support your constantly gnaw at weight), and were able to paddle hardwood trees to file upstream much farther than we ever down their teeth, which had been able to before. And about a are constantly growing. half mile upstream, we came upon the Photo by Cindy Gianfrancesco While they will usually beginnings of another dam. Happy cut down small saplings, to have enjoyed seeing evidence of an In the stillness of a damed river, a beaver's tail splash they have been known active colony, we turned around and is easily heard to successfully gnaw headed back downstream.

Don't miss an issue of Trail Mix: 2 Calendar of Events for Paddle 2011: River Stories ospreyseakayak.com) specialize in he waterways of southern New England tell a rich story of human teaching people with no surfing or and natural events. This summer the RI Blueways Alliance (Blueways) will help celebrate some of these stories with a series of events by local paddling experience. The two hour T intro session will take place in the watershed groups and outfitters. Most of these are easy paddles suitable to all levels. Everyone is invited to enjoy a couple of hours on the water and learn a calm waters of the Blue Bell Cove little something about these beautiful natural and historic areas which are so in Portsmouth, RI, starting at 10 close to home. a.m. After the basics are covered participants will explore the cove Things to remember: and take advantage of this unique ➢ All events require advanced registration. perspective on the water. Fee $50, all ➢ Bring your own boat unless stated that rentals are available. equipment included. Contact Carl or ➢ All participants must wear life vests (PFDs) when on the water. PFDs Samantha Ladd, 508-636-0300 or must be worn in the manner intended by the manufacturer. Most groups do [email protected]. not allow self inflating life jackets. Upper Wood River Paddle ➢ It’s a good idea to bring snacks, water, sunscreen and insect repellent. 4 Sat., June 11: Take a pleasant but ➢ For more details go to www.exploreri.org or contact the organizers of challenging trip on the upper Wood the events. River with biologist from Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Salt Ponds Spring Paddle history using historic artifacts and RIDEM’s newly renovated Route — Green Hill Pond the living river. Participants will start 165 river access in Exeter, RI. The 1 Sat., June 4: The Salt Ponds at the museum in Exeter to view trip runs through both wild and Coalition (www.saltpondscoalition. displays and learn about the history light residential areas, with flatwater, org) invites everyone to paddle of the Narragansett Indians. Then quickwater and a couple of Class I Green Pond on the South Kingstown/ they will travel down the road to rapids to negotiate, before ending at Charlestown border and learn how WPWA to launch boats on the Wood Wyoming Pond. Lunch stop at Wood- this much loved pond became so River. Commentary on the water by Pawcatuck Watershed Association degraded. Local experts will discuss both groups will cover early native campus, followed by one portage. many topics concerning the pond, use and current natural habitat of Contact Chuck Horbert, 401.418.2838 including environmental issues, local this extraordinary river. Meet at 9 or [email protected]. history, and steps being taken to a.m. at the Tomaquag Museum on improve the water quality. This event Summit Road in Exeter. Fee is $10 Lower is free, but donations to the Abby per person for the museum tour. Bring Paddle your own boat or rent one at WPWA Auckerman Scholarship Fund are 5 Tues., June 14: See downtown appreciated. Meet at the Ram Island for an additional $15 per person for single person kayak. Contact Loren Providence from a new angle – by boat Road parking lot, off Matunuck on the Woonasquatucket River with Schoolhouse Road, Charlestown at Spears, 401.492.9063 or lorenspears@ tomaquagmuseum.com. the Woonasquatucket River Watershed 8:30 a.m. Return by noon. Contact Council (www.wrwc.org). Participants Mark Bullinger, 401.322.3068 or will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the boat [email protected]. Discover Stand Up Paddle Boarding launch on South Water Street (across the street from The Wild Colonial). Native Historical Use of the River 3 Sun., June 5: The fun sport of The trip will go through Waterplace 2 Sat., June 4: This two-part event, Stand Up Paddling is now the fastest Park, under the Mall and up the river sponsored by both the Tomaquag growing water sport on the planet. It to near Atwells Avenue, then return to Indian Memorial Museum (www. is easy to learn and anyone can do it. the start. After paddling past historic tomaquagmuseum.com) and the One of the best parts of SUP is that and modern buildings in the downtown Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed you can appreciate the natural beauty area paddlers enter a wooded Association (www.wpwa.org), will around you every time you paddle. introduce participants to native Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures (www. continued on page 4

3 Subscribe Today! 3 Paddle 2011 events, continued

"corridor" that is a peaceful oasis in Second Annual the middle of Providence! Canoes and kayaks are available through WRWC Great Pawtuxet Paddle or bring your own boat. Children 8 Sat., June 25: Join the Pawtuxet are welcome as long as they are River Authority (www.pawtuxet. accompanied by an adult. Suggested org) on their annual trip from donation: $20/person if using a WRWC their new Pontiac Canoe Launch. boat; $5/person if using your own boat. This seven mile flat water paddle, Contact Erik Talley, 401.481.1376 or suitable for all levels, begins at the [email protected]. Howard Conservation Area and ends downstream at the Rhodes on the Ride the Tide with Buckeye Pawtuxet parking lot. The paddle will Brook kick off between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.; 6 Sat., June 18: Explore the wildlife participants should allow 2 to 3 hours and picturesque scenery of Buckeye paddling time. Shorter round-trips Brook, a jewel within the urban city from the launch site are possible. All of Warwick. This paddling event, are welcome to return to the launch sponsored by the Buckeye Brook point for a B-B-Q and refreshments Coalition (www.buckeyebrook.org), is following the paddle. Bring your own free and open to people with all levels boat and equipment or rent from of experience. Meet at the parking nearby outfitters. A guide map and a lot at Conimicut Point Park, near the snack will be provided. Contact Rita play ground area. Registration starts Holahan, 401.935.0723, rlholahan@ at 9:30 a.m. and launch is about 10 cox.net. am. Participants will hear about the 300 years of history made along this Blackstone Gorge Paddle beautiful watershed. It is the home to 9 Tues., July 5: Learn more one of Rhode Island’s only natural free about the Blackstone region on this flowing herring runs in the state. The interpretive paddle in the Blackstone trip will take about 2 hours and start Gorge with local historian and BVPC just prior to the incoming high tide. leader Erik Eckilson. The trip begins The event is free; bring your own canoe at 6:15 p.m .at the Blackstone Gorge or kayak, refreshments, binoculars, parking area on County Street, & bug spray. Contact Paul Earnshaw, Blackstone, MA. A limited number 401.739.6592, [email protected]. of canoes and kayaks can be reserved for a fee from Great Canadian. Call Summer Solstice Paddle 508.865.0010 to reserve a boat. 7 Tues., June 21: Join the Blackstone Sponsored by Blackstone Valley River Watershed Council/Friends of the Paddle Club (www.ricka-flatwater. Blackstone (http://blackstoneriver.org/ org/bvpaddlers.htm). (Membership blackstone) for a sunset paddle along requirements are waived for this the Blackstone River on the longest Paddle 2011 event.) Contact Cheryl day of the year. Meet at the Blackstone Thompson Cameron, 401.647.5887, Valley Outfitters (www.bvori.com), [email protected]. Paddle 2011 Trips Cumberland, RI at 6:30 p.m. Paddlers will leave the store and paddle down Roger Williams Historic Paddle 1 Salt Ponds Sat, June 4 10 Sat., July 9: The Ten Mile River river with visits to several coves and 2 Native River Use Sat, June 4 wetlands. Enjoy a different type of Watershed Council (www.tenmileriver. nightlife in the Blackstone Valley. net) invites you on a paddle recreating 3 Stand Up Paddle Boarding Sun, June 5 Personal equipment needed: headlamp, the last seven miles of Roger William’s 4 Upper Wood River Sat, June 11 water, bug repellent. Cost: $30/person historic journey that led him to includes boat rental or bring your own founding Providence. Your guided 5 Woonasquatucket River Tues, June 14 for $10. Contact Don Martin, Don@ Buckeye Brook Sat, June 18 bvori.com. continued on page 5 6 4 Paddle 2011 events, cont. trip starts in East Providence on the Ten Mile River, with a portage into the and round India Point. We will end by paddling up the to the Roger Williams National where a Park Ranger will tell the story of William’s paddle from Boston to Providence. This event quickly fills up so contact Keith Gonsalves early, 401.474.3813, [email protected]. Fourth Annual Pettaquamscutt Paddle 11 Sat., July 9: The Pettaquamscutt (Narrow) River is a unique waterway – part river, part estuary, and part fjord. Learn more about this special river on a two-hour round trip tour of the lower Narrow River. The trip features the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge and parts of the “Narrows” with emphasis on history and shore birds of the watershed. Kayak raffle and prizes, refreshments to follow. All levels are welcome. Guided tour starts at 9:00 a.m. Cost: $10 with own equipment, $20 for solo kayak, $30 tandem. Discounted rental rates are available all day for those wishing to explore the river on their own. Proceeds will benefit Narrow River Preservation Association (www.narrowriver.org). Contact Jason Considine, 401.317.9755, [email protected]. Eco Tour of Ninigret Pond 12 Sun., July 10: Ninigret Pond is one of the premiere saltwater ponds of southern Rhode Island. Join the Kayak Centre of Rhode Island (www. kayakcentre.com) as they explore Paddle 2011 Trips one of Rhode Island’s undiscovered gems. Meet at 9 a.m. at Ninigret Salt Ponds Sat, June 4 7 Summer Solstice Tues, June 21 Pond. Following a short introduction about the geology and natural history Native River Use Sat, June 4 8 Great Pawtuxet Sat, June 25 of this 1700 acre pond, participants Stand Up Paddle Boarding Sun, June 5 9 Blackstone Gorge Tues, July 5 will set out in one of the stable single or double kayaks for a few hours of Roger Williams Historic Sat, July 9 Upper Wood River Sat, June 11 10 gentle paddling and exploration with Woonasquatucket River Tues, June 14 11 Pettaquamscutt Sat, July 9 an expert guide. Buckeye Brook Sat, June 18 12 Eco Tour of Ninigret Pond Sun, July 10 continued on page 6 5 Big changes continued from page 1 Paddle 2011 events, cont. These sorts of natural changes interest in opening the river back up Eco Tour of Ninigret Pond, cont. may seem big but sometimes human to fish passage. So, in an effort lead No experience required for any beings step in and make even more by the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed of these trips. This is perfect trip dramatic changes to our rivers. Association, this dam was removed in for individuals, families or groups Historically one of the more common July of 2010. This is part of a larger interested in the ecology of this changes was building yet another project that will open up 10 miles amazing area or those just looking for dam, which is why there are now of river to fish passage and provide a gentle kayak adventure in a terrific over 600 dams in Rhode Island! migratory fish with access to 1300 place. Cost: $45 includes equipment More recently there has been growing more acres of spawning habitat. and guide. Contact Jake Constable, interest in taking out some of these In addition to opening the river 401.294.4400, funn@kayakcentre. old, unneeded dams and last year up to fish passage, this section of com. two dams were removed from Rhode the river can now also be paddled. Island rivers. In both cases it took What was once a required portage many years of work before the actual around the dam is now 200 feet of removal could take place. Plans had rapids. However, it is a challenging Trail Mix is the quarterly to be worked out, sediments tested, whitewater run so paddlers without newsletter of Rhode Island permits obtained, and funds raised. the necessary experience and Greenways. The first dam to come out was appropriate gear should still portage Editors Sue Barker & Janice Velozo the Lower Shannock Falls dam on here. There is space to portage along the , in the Shannock the right bank of the river next to Editing review by Joanne Barker, Village neighborhood in Richmond. the rapids. If you are an experienced Barker Health Communications, Inc. Historically the falls here were a whitewater paddler, see the sidebar for good site for fishing, both by Native more detailed guidance on paddling Contributors Jim Cole, Americans and by early settlers in these rapids. Bruce Hooke, Chuck Horbert, Rhode Island. This all changed in the The second dam to be Meg Kerr, Terry Meyer, 1820’s when a dam was built here to and Denise Poyer removed was the Paragon Dam power a textile mill. The dam blocked on the Woonasquatucket River in Graphic design and layout the passage of fish such as shad and Providence. Again the primary goal of Nelson-Lee Marketing + Design herring that used to come up the this dam removal was restoring fish e-mail: [email protected] river from the salt water every year to (401) 423-2967 passage. One dam below Paragon and spawn. Now, almost 200 years later, two above had already been bypassed Please send your comments to the mill is long gone and there is more with fish ladders to Rhode Island Greenways, allow fish such as shad 31 Stanchion St., Jamestown, RI 02835 and herring to come e-mail: [email protected] www. up the river to spawn. rigreenways.org However, the two fish ladders above Paragon Trail Mix is supported in part were essentially useless by funding provided through without a way for fish the USDOT/Federal Highway to get past Paragon Administration's Recreational Dam, so dealing with Trails Program (RTP), with Paragon was always approval of the RI Trails Advisory part of the plan. For Committee. The RI Trails a variety of reasons Program is administered through removing Paragon a cooperative effort of the RIDEM Dam made more and RIDOT. Photo by the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association Watershed Photo by the Wood-Pawcatuck sense than building Rhode Island Greenways is a a fish ladder around subcommittee of RI Bike. The dam built on the Pawcatuck River originally powered a cotton mill continued on page 7

ss an issue of Trai Don't mi l Mix: y! Subscribe Toda 6 Paddling the new rapids at lower Shannock Falls it, so in August of 2010, in an effort For experienced paddlers, the over ledge, with a large boulder spearheaded by the Woonasquatucket rapids created by the removal of immediately below, right in your River Watershed Council, Paragon the Shannock Falls Dam provide way. Do not run any of this rapid Dam was breached and the river was some challenging paddling. From unless you are skilled in moving allowed to run free here again. the “Horseshoe Dam” in Shannock water, since this large boulder is a Having Paragon Dam gone is village, the river will generally significant hazard and difficult to especially helpful to canoeists and be flatwater and quickwater for avoid even for a skilled paddler. kayakers who want to paddle the 0.4 miles. Just above the former Safely running this drop would lower Woonasquatucket River. Where dam site you will go down a short require an eddy move just above before it was necessary to portage ledge drop (one foot) that can be the last large drop, followed by a a quarter mile on city streets to get easily run in most places. You will difficult left-to-right move to avoid past Paragon Dam, it is now possible see the rapids in front of you and the boulder as you drop over the to paddle this section of river. If the should head to river-right to scout ledge. This whole rapid can be rapids created by the dam removal them from the shore. The cleanest easily carried or lined along the look too challenging or too rocky route swings near the river-right bank on river-right. In medium there is also plenty of space to portage shore and then back out to the to high water, the final boulder the hundred feet or so past the rapids center of the channel, with some probably gives the whole rapid a on the left bank of the river. The rock dodging. At the bottom is a Class III rating. In low water it is paddling conditions in the rapids very sharp, powerful 2-3 foot drop best to walk around or line it. will vary greatly depending on the river level. At low water the rapids - Chuck Horbert will be too shallow to paddle. At high water levels the rapids are likely to largely “wash out,” with all the As you look at the rapids, think rocks underwater. At intermediate about all the work that went into Subscribe to water levels the rocks in the river may taking out this dam and the dam on Trail Mix today create some interesting challenges for the Pawcatuck. As a result of that paddlers. So, stop and look the rapids work, both fish and people can once A subscription to our quarterly again travel these waters. over before paddling down them. newsletter will keep you up to date on greenway development and outdoor recreation ideas.

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Photos by the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association Watershed Photos by the Wood-Pawcatuck this form and mail with a check for $15 payable to RI Bike: RI Bike, 31 Stanchion Street, Taking out the dam (left) restored the Lower Shannock Falls; now fish can Jamestown, RI 02835. travel freely on the river but paddlers need to use caution ss an issue of Trai Don't mi l Mix: y! Summer 2011 Subscribe Toda www.rigreenways.org 7 Rhode Island Greenways 31 Stanchion Street, Jamestown, RI 02835 www.rigreenways.org

Special Edition! Map and Calendar of

Paddle 2011 Events

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