The next meeting of the Water Trails Steering Committee will be held on Tuesday, April 19, from 7 - 8:30 pm at TLGV's office in Danielson.  We will be working on the Quinebaug River Paddle Guide and planning additional projects for the upcoming year.   Please join us! 

At its March 15 meeting, the Water Trails Steering Committee reviewed last year's accomplishments (click here for the TLGV Water Trails web page, with a pdf version of the 2010 end-of-year slideshow).  The Steering Committee also discussed goals for 2011.  Ideas included:  developing new access sites at a number of locations; working on paddlers guidebooks for the French, Five Mile, and Shetucket Rivers; submitting a National Recreation Trail application for additional segments of the Quinebaug and Willimantic Rivers; installing more kiosks and permanent water trail markers; seeking additional state Greenway designations; and educating more paddlers about invasive species.   

Here's a quick list of paddle and events  - click here to jump to more detailed information.      

Paddles

Saturday, April 30 - Upper Willimantic River Paddle  

Sunday, May 1 - Sturbridge Lions All American River Race

Saturday, May 14 - Paddle Trip on the Shetucket River

Saturday, May 14 - Killingly River Fun Race Day 

Saturday, May 21 - Willimantic Riverfest

Saturday, May 28th - French River Paddle  

Saturday, June 4 - Family Cruise on the Willimantic River

Saturday, June 4 - Quinebaug River Water Trail - Thompson    

Sunday, June 5 - Quinebaug River Water Trail - Putnam to Pomfret

Saturday, June 11 - Paddle For A Cure on the Five Mile River 

Events

Saturday, April 23 - French River Cleanup in Dudley

Saturday, April 30 - French River Cleanup in Thompson 

Friday, June 24 - Thames River Basin Partnership Floating Workshop

Saturday, August 20- French River Park Opening and Dedication

Ongoing - U.S. Army Corps of Engineer events in the watershed 

 Click here to jump to more detailed information.

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced that the highly invasive freshwater alga, Didymosphenia geminata, known as "didymo" or "rock snot," has been discovered in the West Branch Farmington River, a very popular trout stream in northwestern Connecticut.  This is the first report of didymo in Connecticut.

"This find is very troubling," said DEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette. "Extensive blooms of this organism can harm the river ecosystem and decrease its recreational and economic value. ... Once didymo has spread, there's no practical way to remove it from a river."

Didymo is most frequently found in cold, relatively shallow streams and rivers having a rocky bottom, characteristics that are also typical of good trout habitat. During blooms, didymo can form thick mats of material that feel like wet wool and are typically gray, white and/or brown, but never green in color. These mats form on the bottoms of rivers and streams and can potentially smother aquatic plants, aquatic insects and mollusks, impact fish habitat, and alter aquatic food chains. Dense mats of didymo can also reduce the recreational and aesthetic value of the affected river. Since didymo also prefers areas open to sunlight, it is not anticipated that this species will become problematic in smaller headwater streams as long as they have well shaded riparian and naturally forested riparian areas.  

Humans are the primary vector responsible for the recent spread of didymo. Anglers, kayakers and canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can all unknowingly spread didymo. The microscopic cells can cling to fishing gear, waders (felt soles can be especially problematic), boots and boats, and remain viable for months under even slightly moist conditions. To prevent the spread of didymo to additional waters, DEP asks that anglers, especially those who also fish the Farmington River or streams outside Connecticut, and other users practice CHECK, CLEAN, DRY procedures.

• CHECK: Before leaving a river, stream or lake, remove all obvious clumps of algae and plant material from fishing gear, waders, clothing & footwear, canoes & kayaks, and anything else that has been in the water and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the site. If you find any later, clean your gear and dispose of all material in the trash. 
• CLEAN: Soak/spray & scrub boats and all other "hard" items for at least one minute in either very hot (140°F) water, a 2% bleach solution, or a 5% dishwashing detergent solution. Absorbent materials such as clothes and felt soles on waders should be soaked for at least 40 minutes in very hot water (140°F), or 30 minutes in hot water (115°F) with 5% dishwashing detergent. Freezing thoroughly will also kill didymo. 
• DRY: If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any other waterway.

Didymo is just one of a number of aquatic invasive species that have either invaded the state or are threatening to do so.  The above procedures will also be effective against other unwanted organisms.

Individuals wishing to report possible sightings of didymo and other aquatic nuisance species can contact DEP's Inland Fisheries Division at 860-424-3474. More information on didymo and other aquatic nuisance species can be found on the DEP website www.ct.gov/dep or in the CT Angler's Guide www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/fishing/anglers_guide/anguide.pdf. An excellent source for detailed information on didymo is the Biosecurity New Zealand web site www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo.

Paddles 

Saturday, April 30 - Upper Willimantic River Paddle  

Canoe or kayak down this beautiful stretch of river for 8 miles from Tolland to River Park in Mansfield.  Sponsored by AMC CT Chapter.  For experienced paddlers with their own boats.  Bring water and lunch.  Life jackets required.  Contact Betty at 860-429-3206 or email pbrobinson@snet.net        to register. 

Sunday, May 1 - Sturbridge Lions All American River Race

This is an annual timed race of over six miles, starting one craft each minute. The first craft leaves Turners Field at 11:01 am and heads for the finish line at Westville Dam Recreational Area in Southbridge. Trophies are given to the first three finishers in each class. The Westville Dam Recreational Area features food and entertainment as well as strategic viewing spots to see the craft negotiate the rapids area.  Register early for this event so that you can get an early starting time.  Registration begins at 9:00 am at Turners Field in Sturbridge, MA.  For information and Registration Forms, see  

http://www.angelfire.com/ma3/sturbridgelions/events.html or contact Chairman Lion Dale Favreau at 508-347-9636.

Saturday, May 14 - Paddle Trip on the Shetucket River

Join TLGV as we paddle the beautiful Natchaug and Shetucket Rivers from Willimantic to Sprague. This stretch of the river offers scenic views, exceptional wildlife habitat and enjoyable paddling. We'll be starting on the Natchaug River in Willimantic and paddling to its confluence with the Willimantic River, which forms the Shetucket River, then down the Shetucket River to Sprague River Park in Baltic. This will be a paddle of more than 10 miles with some class 1 segments (depending on water levels), as well as about 1½ mile of flat water. At the mid point of the paddle, there is an easy portage at the Scotland Dam, and we'll stop at that location for a lunch break.   9:00 am - 3:00 pm.  For more information and  to sign up for the paddle, please call Bill Reid at 860-774-3300 or email bill@tlgv.org.

Saturday, May 14 - Killingly River Fun Race Day  

This relay race celebrates the Quinebaug River Trail and will be fun and challenging for everyone.  Enter a team of up to 5 members or try it solo - .7 mile run, 2 mile kayak or canoe paddle, 1  mile just wheels,  and 1 mile bike ride.  $100 cash prize for the winner.  Ages 12 and up.  Registration fee of $25 by 4/29 or $35 day of race.  For all the details, contact Killingly Parks and Recreation, 860-779-5390, email recreation@killinglyct.org, or visit  www.killinglyct.gov then click on Town Departments Parks and Recreation  Special Event Tab.    

Saturday, May 21 - Willimantic Riverfest

Saturday, May 28th - French River Paddle

Join Ranger Jean for a slow trip through the marshes and on down the French River. Paddlers may fish along the way. You may have to portage your boat around 1 or more beaver dams but everyone helps out. Shoes may get wet.  Limited to 20 sailors, 16 years and up. 6- 9 am.  Life jackets a must. Veterans receive ranger stickers! After the paddle, if you can, please help Ranger Ken with his cleanup (see Buffumville website below).  To sign up, call Jean @ 508-248-5697 or email claudia.j.hixson@usace.army.mil.   

Saturday, June 4 - Family Cruise on the Willimantic River

Easy flatwater trip for canoes and kayaks from River Park to Eagleville Lake.  Choice of short or long (two mile) round trip.  Bring your own boat.  Life jackets required for all participants.  Bring water, lunch optional.  Moderate to heavy rain cancels.  Time: 10 am to noon.  Meet at River Park on Plains Road in Mansfield. Sponsored by Willimantic River Alliance and Mansfield Parks and Recreation Department.  For information, call 429-3015 x 204.

Saturday, June 4 - Quinebaug River Water Trail - Thompson

Join park rangers on a 5-mile paddle down the Thompson section of the Quinebaug River Water Trail from Fabyan Dam to West Thompson Lake. We will encounter both fast moving water (but no rapids) and flat water with no portages along the way.  We will view extensive wildlife habitat. 9:30 am to  12:00 pm. There is a 20-boat limit.  Sponsored by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Heavy rain cancels.  Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Questions and to register: contact Cathy Dunlap, (860) 923-2982, or email   catherine.d.dunlap@usace.army.mil.

Sunday, June 5 - Quinebaug River Water Trail - Putnam to Pomfret

Join Bill Reid and Lois Bruinooge on a fun-filled 5-mile Quinebaug River
paddle. The adventure begins at Simonzi Park (Kennedy Drive, Putnam) and ends downstream at the Route 101 bridge (Pomfret).  The first segment parallels Kennedy Drive and Interstate 395, so the sounds of civilization are part of the experience. Farther along, the river passes between agricultural fields and several gravel operations. This is a pleasant and beautiful stretch of the river. Expect current, some quick-water and flat-water, but no portages. It is an outing for paddlers who are comfortable with moving water. Sponsored by The Last Green Valley, Inc.  9:00 am to noon.  Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Questions and to register: contact Bill Reid, 860-774-3300 or bill@tlgv.org.  

Saturday, June 11 - Paddle For A Cure

It will be the same as a walk-a-thon BUT WE WILL BE PADDLING not walking. All the money we raise will be going to Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, CT for The Oncology Foundation.  Organized by Five Mile Outfitters at 99 Commerce Ave., Danielson, CT.  Sign up on site at 9 am if not already pre-registered.  Paddle starts at 10 am.  For every $50 raised you will get a raffle ticket for a FREE Vapor 10 XT Kayak - limited Black Cherry color.  Our goal is to get 100 paddlers.  If each paddler could ask 10 people for $10, we can raise $10,000 for our local hospital.  For more information, please contact Lance Collins at  grainer1982@yahoo.com.  Or check out the Facebook page:   

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paddle-for-a-Cure/172846329425670

Events   

Saturday, April 23 - French River Cleanup in Dudley

 Sponsored by the French River Connection in conjunction with Dudley's annual Earth Day cleanup.  Help out from 9 am - noon.  Contact Ken Parker, ken.parker@charter.net, for more information. 

Saturday, April 30 - French River Cleanup in Thompson  

Sponsored by the Thompson Together Environment Committee.  7:30 am registration at Valley Springs Sportsman Club, Valley Road, N. Grosvenordale.  8 am - noon cleanup, then return to Valley Springs for lunch.  For more information, contact Ida at 860-923-9052.     

June 24 - Thames River Basin Partnership Floating Workshop

This year's floating workshop will focus on the French River and Webster Lake.  Please contact Jean Pillo at 860-928-4948 or jean.pillo@conservect.org.   

August 20- French River Park Opening and Dedication

Celebrate a new park and canoe/kayak access point on the French River in downtown Webster.  11 am - 4 pm.  Music and fun for all.  For more information, see the French River Connection website,    www.frenchriverconnection.org.   

Ongoing - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers organizes water-related events throughout the year.  Check their websites regularly for current events.  The Buffumville Lake  staff have posted some particularly intriguing events!

Buffumville Lake  

Hodges Village Dam 

E. Brimfield Lake 

Westville Lake  

Mansfield Hollow and West Thompson Lake 

See you on the water!