FPTA News - Florida Paddling Trails Association

Florida Paddling Trails News
First Quarter 2013
Volume 7 Number 1
Newsletter
Highlights
FPTA News /
Events
• FPTA Board &
Region News
Festival
• 2013 Paddlers Rendezvous
Florida Paddling
• Angling Toward
Key West
• Book—Great Florida
Seminole Trail
• New Appalachee
Bay Trails
• The Pinhook River
Wildlife /
Environment
• Volunteer
Opportunities
• Species Spotlight—
Mink
• News From Around
Florida
• Cleanups
• Nature
Photography
Stuff’n’Such
• Charlotte Harbor
PETT Class
• Safety
• FPTA Partners
• Help Wanted
• FPTA Contacts
Kayaks Resting by Brinda Curran
President’s Corner
The Florida Paddling Trails Association is proud to announce the City of Sebring as the newest Blueway Community. Welcome aboard, we look forward
to the addition of the Sebring Blueway pages on our website soon.
http://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/showpage.asp?page=blueway
The Hidden Coast Paddling Festival will be held in the Cedar Key area October
4-6. The details will soon be available but put these dates on your calendar.
Keep watching http://hiddencoast.net for the latest information.
The winter/spring time has been extremely dry in central Florida. Please keep
water conservation as a high priority. The central Florida springs and rivers
need your continued support.
I hope to see you on the water this spring.
Tom McLaulin
FPTA President
FPTA News
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)
Dahoon holly is a large shrub or small-tomedium sized tree, native to the southeast coast
of North America from Virginia to Texas and
parts of the Caribbean. It has evergreen leaves
and white flowers and red-orange to red berries.
It likes moist to wet conditions and can be found
wild in Florida swamps and marshes.
Like all hollies, plants are either male or female
and need to be close together enough for bees to
pollinate in order for them to bear fruit. The berries are an excellent source of food for wildlife. It
makes a nice accent tree.
Excerpted from Wikipedia,
University of Florida IFAS
Dahoon Holly
by Sherry Hastings
Allen Mankin sent in this picture of his kayak outdoor storage solution. He uses Suspenz
kayak stands with a staked hold-down cord. In his words, the stands are “very compact and
easy to store” and “at a comfortable height” for cleaning up his kayak.
Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative Symposium
This one-day event provides an
opportunity to:
Define the state of the Lake Worth Lagoon
Share current research, monitoring & restoration
results
Identify threats, data gaps, and restoration needs
Foster collaboration
Increase public awareness
Symposium Tracks
Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
Water and Sediment Quality
Public Use and Outreach
This event is FREE and open to the public!
Registration is required - space is limited.
To Register, link to: http://www.pbcgov.org/erm/lwli/symposium.asp
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FPTA News / Paddle EVENTS
FPTA Board News
The next Board meeting will be at 2pm March 30 at Gander Mountain, 3750 Flagg Lane,
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Officers for 2013
President — Tom McLaulin
Vice-President — Dan Thompson
Treasurer — Geoff Wilson
Secretary— Pete Wildman
Personnel
A Blueways Coordinator is needed to plan specific events with Blueway Communities. If interested,
contact Tom McLaulin, FPTA President: [email protected] .
Blueways Communities
The Florida Department of Transportation has objected to installation by communities of the “Blueway
Community” signs. The backup plan is to have the communities install the signs inside the park entrance boundaries where the launches are.
Grants
Hank Brooks, past Secretary sent a thank you letter to Cate Huxtable on behalf of the FPTA for the
ACA/LL Bean grant. The grant was used to purchase equipment to aid in trash clean-ups of Florida
waters.
Because of our success using the ACA/LL Bean grant to help other non-profits with similar goals to
the FPTA’s, it was proposed to create FPTA grants for under $500 that the Region Directors could use
in their communities.
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News from the FPTA Regions
A number of clubs and meetup groups are listed by FPTA Region. This list may not be comprehensive.
Meetups: these are loosely organized groups that do not hold regular meetings, but rather schedule
events around a shared interest or activity. Many of them are listed in http://www.meetup.com/ .
Region A (Emerald Coast)
Club News
West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club— meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of the month at Founaris
Brother's Restaurant, 6911 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505, phone: (850) 969-9099. It is located on Highway 29 just South of Interstate 10 in Pensacola.
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Region C (Nature Coast)
Club News
Kayak the Gulf, Nature Coast and Central Florida Rivers— this meetup has stringent entrance
requirements for joining with emphasis on safety and self/assisted rescue experience. For more information, see: http://www.meetup.com/KAYAK-GULF-NATURE-COAST-CENTRAL-FLORIDA-RIVERS/
Hidden Coast Paddling Festival—October 4-6, 2013
Visit a whole ’nother part of Florida. This festival takes place in the Cedar Key area. Check the website
for details from time to time for updates.
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FPTA News / Paddle Events
Region D (Suncoast/Tampa Bay)
Club News
Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers - next meeting Monday, March 11, 7:00pm at Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure, 9501 US Highway 19 North, Pinellas Park, FL 33782.
http://www.clubkayak.com/tbsk/default.asp
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Region F (Calusa / Paradise Coast)
Calusa Blueway Festival—November 1-3, 2013
Check the website for updates as the year progresses. Sign up there for the Festival e-Newsletter.
http://www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com/
Club News
Paradise Coast Paddlers Club—meetings on first Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm at North
Government Center 2335 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, Florida. The third Sunday of every month there
is a group paddle. For more information see: http://paradisecoastpaddlers.com/
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Region G (Everglades / Keys)
Expedition Florida 500 - April 6
Expedition Florida 500 arrives in Key Largo. Join Justin Riney for an "Ocean Hour" cleanup at Garden
Cove at MM 106.5 ocean side (take Garden Cove Rd to the end) at 9am. Paddle out to Rattlesnake
key and clean for an hour - over at 11:30. Then visit Pennekamp State park where Justin's non-profit,
Mother Ocean, will have a booth set up at the annual Earth Day and Native Plant Giveaway event
from 9-1. Justin will be available for questions (noon to 1) and there will be other environmental educational booths to visit as well as a free plant for locals.
In the evening, Florida Bay Outfitters at MM 104 bay side will be hosting Justin with music and refreshments followed by a sunset paddle starting at 5:00.
Paradise Paddlers & Pedalers Meetup For information or to join, go to:
www.meetup.com/Paradise-Paddlers-Pedalers-of-the-Florida-Keys/
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Region H (Biscayne)
By Esther Luft
April 6 – Miami River Rally, in conjunction with the 17th Annual Miami Riverday Festival, 3 & 6 mile
SUP, Kayak, Canoe , and Surf Ski Race
www.racesfl.com
April 20 – Kommona Paddle, Miami Beach, SUP and Kayak Races,
http://www.kommonapaddle.com/
May 4 – 5 -- World renowned Greenland Paddler Dubside will be holding four Greenland Workshop; Beginner Skill, Beginner Rolling, Advanced Skills, and Advanced Rolling. A ropes gymnastic
demo and workshop for beginners and advanced. www.thepaddlehouse.com or
[email protected]
May 11 – 12 -- XF500 Arrives in Miami Join us on Virginia Key for a beach clean-up and Welcome
Reception later that day; on May 12th join us for a Miami River clean-up and historical paddle of the
river, paddlers’ picnic to follow. Contact The Paddle House for more information:
[email protected]
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FPTA News / Paddle Events
Everglades Master Plan, Public Comment Sessions
Schedule of Public Meetings
Let your voice be heard by attending one of the seven public comment sessions scheduled by the
park. More details are available online at
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=374&projectID=11170&documentID=51890
April 8th -- Int’l Game and Fish Association – Fishing Hall of Fame, 300 Gulfstream Way,
Dania Beach, FL 33004 This event will also be available via live webcast.
April 9th -- Edison State College, Collier Campus – Building J, 7007 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples,
Florida 34113
April 10th -- Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL
33037
April 11th -- Florida International University – Stadium Club, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL
33199
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Region I (Gold Coast)
Club News
Palm Beach Pack and Paddle – next meeting 7pm April 8, refreshments and socializing at 6:30pm,
Okeeheelee Nature Center, Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach. The club meets
every 2nd Monday of the month at this location. www.PalmBeachPackandPaddleClub.com Palm Beach Water Yaks Meetup— www.meetup.com/palm-beach-water-yaks
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Region K (Space Coast)
Club News
Space Coast Paddlers - the next meeting is 6:30pm Wednesday March 20, Eau Gallie Library, 1521
Pineapple Avenue. http://www.spacecoastpaddlers.org/
Mosquito Lagoon Paddlers—monthly meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month, 6pm at the
Dolphin View Restaurant, 107 N Riverside Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL (new location). For more information, see www.clubkayak.com/mlp/
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Region L (First Coast)
Club News
Seminole Canoe and Kayak Club - monthly business meetings at 7:30pm on the second Monday
at their clubhouse, 4619 Ortega Farms Circle, Jacksonville, Florida. For more information contact their
secretary Helen Lovell at [email protected] .
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Region N (Ocala)
Club News
The Villages Canoe and Kayak Club - meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at the Colony
Cottage Regional Recreation Center at 2:15pm. There is a club paddle on the 4th Tuesday. Currently
new members are not being accepted due to the current size of the club. http://www.vckc.net/
Kayak the Gulf, Nature Coast and Central Florida Rivers—meetup group. See entry under Region C for more details.
5
2013 Paddler’s rendezvous
Announcing
The 2013 FLORIDA
PADDLERS’ RENDEZVOUS
WHERE:
Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound, FL
WHEN:
October 24—27, 2013
SPONSORS:
Palm Beach Pack and Paddle Club
27-80 Paddlers
West Palm Beach
Stuart
The Palm Beach Pack and Paddle Club of West Palm Beach and the 27/80 Paddlers of Stuart
are proud and excited to sponsor the 2013 Florida Paddlers' Rendezvous at Jonathan Dickinson
State Park. You must register for the Rendezvous in order to participate in the paddling trips and
other Rendezvous events. To register, go to http://www.paddle2013fl.com/trips/ , look at the
trips, then click “Registration”.
If you want to camp at the Park please make your camping reservation through Reserve America as
soon as possible! http://www.reserveamerica.com/
For more information on the Rendezvous including nearby hotels and motels, restaurants and attractions as well as on-site classes and events, go to the Rendezvous website and browse the “More Information” and “Good Stuff to Know” pages. http://www.paddle2013fl.com/
The Rendezvous offers a variety of trips from the relaxing to the challenging. All are offered several
times, weather permitting. Trips run Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning.
The Trips
Loxahatchee River – The Loxahatchee is Florida’s first
National Wild and Scenic River meandering through an unspoiled tropical river swamp where bald cypress, pond apple, orchids, and ferns line the shores.
This trip starts at Riverbend Park on Indiantown Road (SR
706) traveling 8.5 miles ending at JDSP. The upper section
is narrow requiring single file navigation while negotiating
tight turns and cypress knees. Two log dams can be paddled over at higher water levels, but also have pullover structures for those not wishing to attempt
the drop. Lunch (BYO) at the Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site’s picnic tables along the way. This trip
involves a moderate shuttle.
Trip distance: 8.5 mi, Skill level: Intermediate - Expert,
Max Participants: 10, Approximate duration: 5 hours
Trapper Nelson’s - This trip conveniently starts and finishes at the JDSP boat ramp paddling up-
stream around mangrove lined oxbow bends 3.4-miles to Trapper Nelson’s Interpretive Site. Nelson
was a colorful fur trapper building a rustic Florida homestead in the early 1930s, quickly becoming
famous as the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee”. There will be a ranger on site giving a 30-minute tour
of the homestead with interesting folklore.
Enjoy your lunch (BYO) at picnic tables in the shade of one of the sheds. There are bathroom facilities
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2013 Paddler’s rendezvous
available. With the increasing width and winding nature of the river, winds can add a degree of difficulty on the way back.
Trip distance: 6.8 mi, Skill level: Beginner - Intermediate to Expert,
Max Participants: 15, Approximate duration: 4.5 hours
Kitching Creek – This paddle upstream takes you 1.7 miles
from the park boat ramp where a gauging station and solar collector mark the turn into Kitching Creek. Turning right there,
heading up the creek, you reach an observation deck in 0.4 more
miles and paddle another 0.3 miles or so beyond. The mangrove
lined banks will give way to Cypress and Pines as the water becomes less salty. Watch for wildlife and enjoy the serenity on this
lovely paddle.
Trip distance: 4.8 mi, Skill level: Beginner,
Max Participants: 20, Approximate duration: 2 hours
Jupiter Light - The Loxahatchee River runs through the heart of Jonathan Dickinson State Park
(JDSP), first as a narrow cypress lined creek, then as a meandering mangrove river. As it continues
east toward the Atlantic Ocean it widens into a suburban estuary, a mixture of mangroves, seawalls
and homes. As the river makes its journey to the sea, the tannin stained water found in the upper
sections fades to green and eventually takes on the turquoise hue of the ocean.
This paddle explores the lower section of this river from the JDSP boat ramp located near the River
Campground and Cabins heading east toward the ocean stopping just short of the Jupiter Inlet at
Lighthouse Park. Upon arrival at Lighthouse Park we will break for lunch (BYO). After lunch you are
free to explore the historic Jupiter Lighthouse (cost $9.00). This trip requires caravanning between
JDSP and Lighthouse Park.
Trip distance: 6 mi, Skill level: Beginner - Intermediate,
Max Participants: 20, Approximate duration: 3 hours
Aquatic Preserve - This paddle near JDSP explores 4 uninhabited islands of the Aquatic Preserve
near Jupiter Inlet. These islands offer wading birds, marine life and pelicans sanctuary from the seawalls and mansions gobbling up the shoreline along the intracoastal waterway and the boat traffic the
waterway brings.
This easy paddle provides plenty to see. After the paddle, Guanabanas restaurant offers a tropical
outdoor setting for lunch and replenishing fluids, if you choose. A short shuttle from the launch/takeout is required.
Trip distance: 4 mi, Skill level: Beginner,
Max Particpants: 20, Approximate duration: 2.5 hours
St Lucie State Park - St Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park may
be one of Florida’s most underused state parks, but that does
not mean it’s not worth a visit! This part at the north end of
Jupiter Island has no road in or out and can be accessed only
by water. Thus, paddling the pristine waterways of this park is
like traveling back in time before Florida was settled.
Crossing the intracoastal, you are soon paddling the winding
backwaters of this park through a lush mangrove swamp. A
mangrove tunnel leads to a protected lagoon where we beach
at a small landing. A short walk through a jungle-like hammock
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2013 Paddler’s rendezvous
of trees takes us to a secluded beach on the ocean and a stop for a snack or lunch, then a beach walk
without a condo in sight. There’s a longer shuttle for this trip, but it’s worth it!
Trip distance: 5.5 mi, Skill level: Beginner - Intermediate,
Max Particpants: 20, Approximate duration: 3.5 hours
South Fork - The South Fork of the St Lucie River is a trip through old Florida. Starting at Hosford
Park near the intersection of Kanner Highway and Cove Road; this paddle winds its way past well kept
manufactured homes for the first mile and then transitions to a wild unspoiled river.
The upper South Fork winds its way under a canopy of majestic oaks as twisted palm trees bow down
over the tannin stained water. Where the sun peeks through the branches, you will find turtles basking on logs and lazy gators waiting for low tide to stretch out on sandbars.
At the 3.5 mile point, we stop at a clearing with picnic tables and a kayak ramp. Networks of hiking
trails intersect here offering the option to pedal or hike this trip instead of paddle. The return trip retraces the same path back to the launch. This trip is always a good option on windy days because it is
so protected. A longer shuttle is required.
Trip distance: 7 mi, Skill level: Beginner - Intermediate,
Max Particpants: 20, Approximate duration: 4 hours
Munyon Island - In 1903, Dr James Munyon built Hotel Hygeia,
named after the Greek goddess of health, on the south end of
Munyon Island. Ailing wealthy northerners came to recuperate
and drink Dr Munyon’s Paw-Paw Elixer consisting of fermented
papaya juice which was bottled on the island. The hotel burned to
the ground in 1917. The island became part of John D MacArthur
Beach State Park in 1981.
Launch at the South Kayak Launch and explore Lake Worth Lagoon estuary. Paddle around the mangrove islands where many
pelicans, egrets, and ibis can be seen. Watch for manatees, spotted eagle rays, and dolphins. Circumnavigate Munyon Island and
have lunch (BYO) on one of the beaches, paddle into the canals, hike the trails. Those opting not to
paddle can visit the Nature Center’s 5 new aquariums and displays or cross the bridge over to enjoy
the beach. This trip offers something for everyone! Shuttling is required.
Trip distance: 4 mi, Skill level: Beginner - Intermediate,
Max Participants: 20, Approximate duration: 3 hours
Peanut Island - Peanut Island grew from dredging done to open the Lake Worth Inlet. A blast shelter
was built in secret for President Kennedy who often spent winters in nearby Palm Beach. The shelter
is now open to visitors for a $10.00 fee. Today, Peanut Island is a
county park with lovely beaches and clear aqua water from the
inlet.
Launch under the bridge facing south at Peanut Island. Cross the
busy, narrow navigation channel in the ICW as a group and proceed across the flats navigating Peanut Island counterclockwise,
be on the lookout for manatees. This trip is short on paddling distance, but long on activities to enjoy. Take out at the east facing
beach for snorkeling, swimming, beachcombing, and lunch (BYO)
at one of the pavilions.
Trip distance: 2.5 mi, Skill level: Beginner - Intermediate,
Max Participants: 20, Approximate duration: 3 hours
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2013 Paddler’s rendezvous
Mansion Row - Paddle the Lake Worth Lagoon past pala-
tial Palm Beach mansions including Donald Trump’s Mar-aLago. At the halfway point stretch your legs on a sandy
beach next to the grounds of the Flagler Museum. Henry
Flagler was a railroad tycoon at the turn of the last century and his “Florida East Coast Railroad” was instrumental in the development of Florida’s east coast. His palatial
mansion now serves as a museum to the “Gilded Age”
After our return, you will have the option of enjoying an
authentic Cuban lunch at the Capri Restaurant. This is the
real deal - nothing fancy. Expect to see a gathering of old
men at a table in front of the restaurant smoking cigars
and playing dominoes or cards. The food is classic Cuban, chicken, pork, yellow rice, black beans,
fried plantains (sweet and yummy) with daily specials $6 - $7. A longer shuttle is required for this
one-of-a-kind trip!
Trip distance: 6.5 mi, Skill level: Beginner - Intermediate,
Max Participants: 20, Approximate duration: 4.5 hours
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Jonathan Dickinson State Park
The park is named after a Quaker merchant who was shipwrecked in 1696 near the park’s site. Dickinson and his group made their way up the coast to St. Augustine. Dickinson’s journal describes their
journey and encounters with local tribes.
During the 1930’s, Trapper Nelson, a real-life Tarzan-like figure, lived on the banks of the Loxahatchee River, which flows through the park. His camp, which is accessible to the public only via the
River, has been conserved by the park. It is an easy paddle from the kayak launch in the park. Arrive
at the right time and a park naturalist well-versed in the history will talk about Trapper Nelson’s life at
the camp.
The US Army established a secret radar training camp in 1942. Over 1,000 buildings and 6,000 officers and soldiers populated the camp. The camp was deactivated in 1944 and transferred to the State
of Florida in 1947. It opened as a State Park in 1950. After Trapper Nelson died in 1968, the state acquired his land and ceded it to the park.
Excerpted from Wikipedia and the Park’s website
Sebring – Florida’s Latest Blueway Community
The city of Sebring is located in Highlands County. It is the home of the Sebring International Raceway. The city’s area is dominated by Lake Jackson, but Little Lake Jackson and
Dinner Lake are also within its city limits. Highlands County itself has more than 84 lakes.
Nearby Highlands Hammock State Park was created in 1931 pre-dating the establishment of
Florida State Parks. It became one of the four original State Parks. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps developed additional park facilities and the beginnings
of a botanical garden. Camping is available for those wishing to camp and explore the local
lakes, however there is no canoe/kayak launch within the park.
Excerpted from Wikipedia and the Park’s website
9
LONg DISTANCE PADDLING
Angling Toward Key West
Text and Photos by Monica Woll
Florida native Daniel Alvarez completed his 4000+ mile
paddle from the northernmost point in Minnesota to the
southernmost point in Key West on March 9th. I have been
in touch with Daniel since before he embarked on his journey thanks to paddling trails coordinator Doug Alderson
who has known Daniel since he attended his summer camp
in Tallahassee. Doug urged Florida Paddling Trails Association members to vote for Daniel in an Outside magazine
adventure and he ended up winning the $10,000 award!
I have been following his online journal but since it was a
few weeks behind his actual location, when he called me
the Wednesday before to tell me he was in the Keys, I was
surprised! His plan to finish on a Saturday meant I had the
Approaching Key West
day off to meet him. I called Lazy Dog to ask them if he
could leave his kayak there Friday night. He was in good spirits when I met him and I feel very honored to have joined him on his final miles! (I did ask him if he wanted to be alone for his last few
miles but he assured me he was happy to have company). I had posted it as a Meetup event but since
I didn’t have much lead time, no one else showed up.
To read about the highs and lows of paddling solo such a
long distance, go to: www.PredictablyLost.com - he often
went days without speaking to anyone, dodged barges and
endured long portages on the Mississippi River, and had a
couple near capsizes on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Just before we arrived at South Beach in Key West, he was congratulated on the water by his University of Florida roommate who rented a standup paddleboard.
He was very humbled by the attention given to him by the
small crowd of spring breakers and locals enjoying the
beach where he came ashore. Carol Shaughnessy from the
Tourist Development Council and photographer Carol
Tedesco met him and informed the crowd what he had just
accomplished. A big cheer erupted and many people asked
Daniel In Key West at Last!
him questions as the photographer was capturing the moment. Instead of getting back in his kayak to paddle to the Southernmost Point monument, he attached his wheels and “portaged” the one block where again he was met with cheers and curious
questions.
I bought him a chilled coconut from the vendor nearby while he soaked in the moment. He is no
stranger to long distance adventures having also through-hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Continental
Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. Somehow with all these adventures, he also earned a law degree and practiced in California. After showering off all the salt water, he headed to the sunset celebration at Mallory Square, a Key West tradition!
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Write an article about your paddling adventure for the next newsletter!
Mail it to [email protected]
10
Book—Seminole Trail
The Great Florida Seminole Trail
Book Provides Background to Several Paddling Places…
Want to learn more about the historical background of many of
your favorite paddling places? The Great Florida Seminole
Trail, Doug Alderson’s newest book, is a guidebook to Seminole
Indian related historic and cultural sites open to the public. The
sites move from North Florida to South Florida, creating a type
of historic trail one can follow.
Sites along waterways enjoyed by paddlers include Fort Gadsden
along the Apalachicola River, Fort San Marcos de Apalachee at
the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers, Fort Fanning
along the Suwannee River, Fort San Marcos in St. Augustine
along the east coast, the Bulow Sugar Mill ruins along Bulow
Creek, Fort Foster along the Hillsborough River, Paynes Creek
Landing along the Peace River, Smallwood Store in the Ten
Thousand Islands, and Indian Key along the Florida Circumnavigational Trail.
Author M.R. Street recently reviewed the book in the Tallahassee
Democrat, saying that it “is a travelogue through time as well as
a guide to significant sites in the history of this proud people.
Alderson’s extensive research about the Seminole Indians has
led to a book that is much more than a map of interesting historical sites... The true allure of ‘Seminole Trail’ is the way Alderson transports the reader through time to experience events
that exemplify the spirit of Florida’s Seminole Indians. He includes quotes from survivors of the battles, both Seminoles and U.S. soldiers, that make scenes from two centuries ago current and relevant.”
The book is available on Amazon, through Pineapple Press, and through local bookstores.
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Bulow Sugar Mill Plantation Ruins
In 1821, Major Charles Wilhelm Bulow acquired over 4,000 acres of wilderness along the tidal creek
that would later be named for him. With slave labor, he cleared 2,200 acres, planting sugar cane, cotton, rice and indigo. Bulow died in 1823, leaving the plantation to his son John. John finished his education in Paris and returned to manage the plantation. John James Audubon came to visit in late
1831, giving it high praise. In 1836, the Second Seminole War swept away the prosperous Bulow
Plantation. John Bulow returned to Paris, dying a year later.
The 150 acres of Bulow Plantation Ruins stand as a monument to the rise and fall of sugar plantations
in East Florida. Ruins of the former plantation, a sugar mill, a unique spring house, several wells and
the crumbling foundations of the plantation house and slave cabins show how volatile the Florida frontier was in the early 19th century. A scenic walking trail leads visitors to the sugar mill ruins, listed on
the National Register of Historic Sites. The park has picnic facilities and an interpretive center that
tells the plantation's history. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Excerpted from Absolutely Florida/State Parks and
Florida State Parks/Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
11
TRIPS—New paddling Trail
New Paddling Trails for Apalachee Bay
Text and Photos by Doug Alderson
Paddlers, get your sea kayaks ready! North Florida’s Wakulla County is putting together the Apalachee Bay Maritime Heritage Paddling Trail System, a set of ten saltwater
paddling trails for both beginning and experienced paddlers. Trail lengths range from three to eight miles
through a variety of coastal habitats.
The easiest and shortest trail begins at the town of St.
Marks and extends down the St. Marks River to Port Leon
Creek. Paddlers can then venture up the creek to the site
of Port Leon, destroyed by an 1843 hurricane. As with
most of the trails, paddlers are greeted with wilderness
vistas of marsh and tree islands since most wind through
the 68,000-acre St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
Launching for Piney Island
To develop the trails, the county received a small grant
from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s
Coastal Zone Management Program, and a team of volunteer experts is assisting.
Intermediate and expert paddlers will enjoy the eight mile
circumnavigation of Piney Island near Panacea. Most of
the vast island is marsh, so the two main beaches with
trees are welcome rest and lunch stops. I recently paddled
around the island with a group of friends. Even though I
wore a spray skirt, I should have raised it higher and
cinched it tighter because a sudden—and cold—wave came
over me and drenched my upper body. Water then trickled
down my back. Fun!
Landing for Lunch at Piney Island
Other trails include Tide Creek, Mashes Sands to Ochlockonee Bay, Chaires Creek/Tucker Lake, St.
Marks River to the lighthouse, and trails that weave through tidal creeks and inside passages paralleling the Gulf. Most require some saltwater paddling/open water experience, or one can accompany an
experienced guide.
The written trail guides and maps should be available online this summer.
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Appalachee Bay
Apalachee Bay lies in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico in the central, northernmost part of the Big
Bend section of Florida, almost due south and slightly to the east of Tallahassee, Florida. The Aucilla,
Econfina, St Marks and Ochlocknee Rivers drain into it. The bay is named for the Apalachee tribe.
Most of the bay’s coast is within the St Marks National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge was established in
1931 to provide habitat for migratory birds. The refuge includes coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks,
and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers. It is also home to the St Marks Lighthouse, build int 1832
and still in use today.
- Excerpted from Wikipedia, US Fish and Wildlife website and Google Earth maps.
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TRIPS—The Pinhook River
Onward, to the Pinhook!
Text and Photos by Doug Alderson
Bald eagles were our guides as we made our way down
the lower Aucilla River and began skirting through a maze
of tidal creeks and coves to the Pinhook River in north
Florida. I was with a loose-knit group of experienced paddlers who, appropriately, call themselves the Loose Cannons. It’s not a club, just friends wanting to paddle together. And they gave me a good excuse to paddle to the
Pinhook River in the heart of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
Launch, St Marks National Wildlife
Refuge in Taylor County
The Pinhook is perhaps the wildest small river we have in
our region because the upper reaches are only accessible
by kayak or canoe, and then, it is preferable when the tide
is up. Limestone covers the shallow river bed and you can
smell sulphur, so perhaps its origin is a sulphur spring or
two.
Since it was my idea to paddle up the Pinhook, I was elected as trip leader, even though I had never
attempted the paddle before. So, I downloaded an aerial Google map, logged coordinates into my
GPS, checked the tides, and we embarked on a perfect winter morning. A few no-see-ums stirred, but
nothing else marred the day, not even the small alligator that jumped off the bank and startled one
paddler. That was to be expected. It was one of only two alligators we spotted, and the other one—a
fat five-footer—was sunning and refused to budge as we passed.
The most striking part of the journey was when we
rounded a bend and saw where the wide, marsh-lined Pinhook suddenly narrowed and was bordered by arching sabal palms and steep limestone banks. Even the Highwaymen artists couldn’t have dreamed up a wilder Florida
scene.
We lunched on a refuge-built wooden bridge along a former rail line that is now a premier hiking and bike path.
We shared brownies, hot tea and other goodies until, almost begrudgingly, we embarked on our return trip. The
tide was starting to ebb, that being our main time clock.
So, if you want to dream up a perfect Florida outing, factor in 70-degree temperatures, a light breeze, a wild
place, and—most importantly—good friends.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Under Way—Pinhook Adventure
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission:
Kayak Fishing School Island Adventure
Offered continuously in St. Lucie County— Cost $100.00
For information and to register, contact: Mr. Jerry McBride, 772-812-7790
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Workshop
West Palm Beach, October 18-20, 2013
For more information see http://www.MyFWC.com/BOW or call (561) 625-5122.
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VOLUNTEER Opportunities
Creating the Next Generation that Cares
By Liz Sparks
FWC is promoting an exciting program called the Florida Youth Conservation Center Network (FYCCN)
and tagged the 'Next Generation that Cares'. We are aware that today's kids have been losing interest in the outdoors and have become increasingly engaged in the digital world, spending up to 11
hours a day immersed in digital media. In response to this problem The FYCCN was established with a
goal to work with partners at established outdoor centers where youth ages 8-16 are given an opportunity to learn a number of recreation skills. We want to empower them to enjoy the outdoors and
become the future conservation stewards of our state. We are providing hands-on training for fishing,
shooting sports, wildlife viewing and paddlesports, while sharing strong core conservation concepts.
FWC will be offering FYCCN paddlesports training to recruit potential volunteer instructors for a pilot
project this summer. We are partnering with Russell Farrow at Sweetwater Kayaks to provide ACA
(American Canoe Association) Level I Kayak and Canoe Instructor training at a very reasonable cost
for qualified volunteers. Volunteers who complete the weekend-long training and become certified will
in turn instruct kids at a couple of short sessions during our summer camp schedule between June August. We are asking volunteers to commit to leading two 8-hour training sessions at one of our
partner sites during the summer utilizing paddling curriculum that FWC has developed based on ACA
guidelines.
The dates of the weekend Weedon Island training are April 5-7. A second four-day session leading to
both Level I Kayak and Canoe Instructor certification will be held at Bill Frederick Park in Orlando May
7-10. Please visit this link to learn more:
http://myfwc.com/get-involved/volunteer/programs/fyccn-paddlesports/
Submit your application soon as only 20 volunteers will be chosen for this training opportunity. We
appreciate FPTA support and interest in "creating the next generation of paddlers who care".
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Support the Florida Water & Land Legacy Amendment!
The “Florida’s Water and Land Legacy” is collecting signatures to put an amendment on the ballot in
2016 for a program initiated by former US Senator Bob Graham. It would earmark nearly $5 billion for
conservation lands in the next 10 years without raising taxes. The proposed constitutional amendment, dubbed the Florida Water and Land Legacy Amendment, would set aside 33 percent of
documentary tax collections for 20 years for land and water purchases, leases and restoration efforts.
The taxes are collected on real estate and other legal transactions.
Under the amendment, the monies deposited into the Land Acquisition Trust Fund will remain separate from the State’s General Revenue Fund. The effort is seen as a successor to Florida Forever
and its precursor, Preservation 2000, which together have helped preserve more than 2 million
acres over the past two decades.
Volunteers are needed to collect signatures. If you can’t volunteer, look for the Florida Land and Legacy folks at festivals around Florida. (You need to be a registered voter in Florida.)
For more information, go to: http://www.floridawaterlandlegacy.org/
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
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Wildlife
Species Spotlight – Mink
By Ann Morrow
As you explore Florida’s many wetlands, keep an eye out for the mink, a member of the weasel family
and one of the state’s semi-aquatic mammals. Mink have a dark chocolate-colored body and sometimes a small patch of white along the chin and throat. With their sleek bodies, thick long tails, small
ears and small eyes, they are often confused with otters and weasels. Otters look similar but are
much larger. Weasels are smaller than mink and have a distinct bi-colored appearance, with a brown
back and yellowish belly. Mink, well-known for their luxurious, glossy, dense fur, were once the foundation of a bustling trapping industry in North America. Today, much of the fur supplied to the fashion
industry comes from commercially farmed mink.
Mink are usually active at night, early in the morning or late in the evening. These excellent swimmers
are often spotted near water, swimming or running along surrounding embankments. Oily guard hairs
waterproof the coat, an important adaptation for aquatic life. Mink consume a wide variety of prey,
ranging from insects, snails, crabs and fish to muskrats, rats, mice, rabbits and birds. Generally solitary and fiercely territorial, mink release a strong musky odor from their scent glands when threatened and to mark their hunting territories. They have few predators but are sometimes hunted by
great horned owls, bobcats, foxes and alligators. Fights with other mink are common.
Mink—by Phil Myers, Animal Diversity Web 2009
In Florida, mink inhabit saltmarshes along the northern Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The Everglades mink,
listed as a threatened species by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is geographically isolated from other mink populations and is found in freshwater marshes in the Everglades, Big
Cypress Swamp and Fakahatchee Strand. Loss of wetlands and shorelines, water pollution, changes in
water levels and collisions with vehicles continue to threaten Florida’s mink populations.
Conservation Tip – Help FWC with mink research
Otter, weasel or mink? It is a treat to see any of these semi-aquatic mammals in Florida, but if a mink
comes your way, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to hear about it.
Because their size and behavior keep them out of sight, understanding where mink are in Florida, and
how many live in the state, is extremely challenging to biologists. To collect more information and to
pinpoint locations to focus research, the FWC has created an online database for anyone to report
mink sightings: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx. Researchers are interested in any sightings, including personal observations, photos from trail cameras, animals killed on
the road or mink tracks. Sightings within the last year are preferred, but older ones (identified with
month and year, if possible) are also helpful.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
15
ENVIRONMENT
Interesting News and Information from Around Florida
Florida State Parks—75th Anniversary
This site has wonderful old photos and stories of the establishment of the State Parks. A number of
the parks were created with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps under the administration of
Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/history/default.cfm
Expedition Florida 500
From Kristen Beck - Justin Riney is paddling his SUP around FL please check the schedule to see when he will be in
your area. He is an amazing guy who loves the water, Florida and wants to get more people to be aware - get out
and paddle with him!!!
https://www.facebook.com/XF500
Friends of the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-the-Withlacoochee-Gulf-Preserve/149863928384351
Withlacoochee Area Residents Online
Withlacoochee Area Residents, Inc. was organized in 1984 in response to threats to the quality of life
of residents along the lower Withlacoochee River.
http://www.warinconline.com/
Florida Conservation Coalition
http://floridaconservationcoalition.org/emails/308697?s=30ad5f52
Cleaning Up Hydrilla
Now there is something good you can do with Hydrilla – remove it from the river and use it as fertilizer in your yard! Bruce, a member of Kayak-Nature-Coast-Central-Florida meetup reports it
works well. Be sure to clean your boat off well after doing this. Check out this photo of Bruce at work
taken by Cris Richardson, leader of the meetup group:
http://www.meetup.com/KAYAK-GULF-NATURE-COAST-CENTRAL-FLORIDARIVERS/photos/13123992/205696762/
Madison, Florida – Local Professor Published Canoeing and Camping Guide
for the Suwannee River
http://madisonfloridavoice.net/?p=32392
Do We Want Natural Florida to be Wild, or Kept on a Leash?
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-01-27/news/os-ed-florida-springs-bill-belleville-01271320130125_1_river-basin-wekiva-river-leash
Florida’s Aquifer Models Full of Holes…
Dye tests prove the time for pollutants to flow into and through the aquifer are significantly faster
than the State’s models say.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/water/floridas-aquifer-models-full-of-holes-allowingmore-water-permits-and/1272555
Manatees—Commerce and Personal Freedom vs Protection of an Endangered Species
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/04/manatees/white-text
Thanks to many of our contributors for their input to this column!
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
16
ENVIRONMENT
Lake County Water Authority – Paddles and Cleanups
There will not be an Ibini Tera clean up event this year. We will, however, be holding smaller paddle
trips combined with a clean up sponsored by the Lake County Water Authority. All events run on a
Saturday from 9am to about 1pm. The dates and locations are:
April 20th – Lake Dora (meet at Gilbert Park, then head to Donnelly Park afterward for Mt. Dora’s
Earth Day celebration)
April 27th – Lake Minnehaha (meet at the Park at Indian Hills, corner of 12th and Lakeshore, Clermont)
Participants are welcome to bring their own kayaks and canoes or reserve one by calling the Lake
County Water Authority at 352-343-3777 ext 0. Everyone should RSVP with LCWA by the Monday
before the event so we can get an accurate head count for food and T-shirts.
Thanks and look forward to seeing you at an event soon!
Maryann Krisovitch
NPDES Outreach Coordinator
Editors Note: Lake County also offers other paddles. See this webpage for more information:
http://www.lcwa.org/index.asp?page=36
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Nature Photography
Thanks again to members of the Meetup “Kayak the Nature Coast, Gulf and Central Florida
Rivers” for their fabulous wildlife photography! What’s so amazing is how good the pictures
they take while kayaking are.
Great Blue Heron By Brinda Curran
Barred Owl By Arne Duhrkopp
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Environment/Safety
Charlotte Harbor: Paddlers Environmental Toolkit Training
Hank Brooks and Wayne Duchkoff taught a PETT class in Charlotte Harbor January 12, 2013, The
class was taught in conjunction with the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program and their shoreline survey. 20+ students attended.
Hank Brooks
Wayne Duchkoff
The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program is “a partnership of citizens, elected officials, resource
managers and commercial and recreational resource users” working to protect “the greater Charlotte
Harbor estuarine system from Venice in Sarasota County to Bonita Springs in Lee County to Winter
Haven in Polk County. “The…20-year plan, known as the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), includes diverse resource management concerns such as fish and wildlife habitat
loss, water quality degradation and water flow.” (Source: CHNEP website: http://www.chnep.org/ )
Photos by Hank Brooks and Wayne Duchkoff
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
Safety
This time, we asked our contributors for suggested equipment and tips and got these equipment suggestions:
•
•
•
Bilge Pump—a necessity for non-bulkheaded sit-inside kayaks! Useful for helping others you’re
paddling with.
A PFD for SUP’ers—many stand-up paddle-boarders don’t wear a personal flotation device. It
may be a lot easier to climb back on a paddle-board than onto or into a kayak, but what if you fall
off your paddle board, hit your head and wind up unconscious and face down?
Throw Bag/Throw Rope— has many uses—to help someone who has fallen out of a kayak, to
tow an exhausted or injured paddler, or to pull someone who is stuck in weeds, brush or on a
deadfall log. Throw under-handed or use a football throw to launch the bag towards the person
needed help.
We appreciate these suggestions. Do you have a safety story, suggestion or article you’d like us to
share? Please send it to [email protected]
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
18
FPTA Partners/Help Wanted
FPTA Partners
Many thanks to our partners for their support of the FPTA.
A Crystal River Kayak Company
Adventure Outpost
American Canoe Adventures
CF Industries
Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River
Citrus County CVB
Florida Bay Outfitters
Grande Tours
Happy Ours Kayak
Kayak Cedar Keys
Kayak Southwest Florida
Nature Coast & Central Florida Kayakers
River Haven Marina
Suspenz
The Kayak Experience
Watertribe , Inc.
Aardvark's Florida Kayak Company
Alligator Bob
Anne M Boehm
Canoe Outfitters of Florida
Canoe Outpost-Peace River
Crazy Woman Kayaks
Florida Professional Paddlesports
Great Calusa Blueway
Kayak Amelia
Kayak Karavan
Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau
Nature Coast Kayak Tours
San Carlos RV Park
Suwannee Guides
Waste Water Management
Volunteer Help Wanted
Blueway Communities Coordinator
As we set up Blueway Communities across Florida, we want to establish coordinators in each area of
Florida (south, central, north) to work with the communities to develop ideas for paddling events in
the communities. Must be a “people person” and willing to travel to communities in your area. We
estimate that this would take about 2 hours/week. A complete job description is available. If interested please contact Tom McLaulin at [email protected]
PETT Instructor Needed – A Great Way To Give Back
The FPTA has developed a program called the Paddler’s Environmental Toolkit Training. The purpose
of this training is to allow paddlers to “recognize environmental & wildlife problems – to solve the
small problems and report the large ones”. It consists of a four hour class work session followed by a
three-hour paddle to reinforce things learned in class.
We are seeking at least five people to help with instruction. You only need to care about the environment and not be shy about sharing your passion for helping keep Florida as a great environment for
paddling and all the creatures who make this such a paddling paradise. The course is taught from
prepared Power Point slides – you simply lead the discussion. You would spend time working with others until you felt comfortable leading a class on your own. Ideally, we want people who live in various
parts of Florida in order to hold a course when and where needed without traveling very far.
If interested, contact Hank Brooks at [email protected] If you are interested in taking such a course, please contact your FPTA Regional Director (see the last page of this newsletter).
Protect Wildlife and Report Violations
“The Wildlife Alert Reward Program has helped the FWC catch thousands of violators when people
call 888-404-FWCC (3922), or when they simply dial *FWC or #FWC (depending on service provider).
Violations can also be anonymously reported online (MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert).”
--Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Media Contact Bob Wattendorf
19
FPTA Directors, Trailkeepers
and Officers
Directors & Senior Trail Keepers
District 1
Region A (Seg 1, 2, 3)
Region H (Seg 16 & 17)
[email protected]
Region I (Seg 18 & 19)
Director: Michael Thomas
Sr. Trail Keepers:
Herb Brown
[email protected]
Fred Borg
[email protected]
Region B (Seg 4 & 5)
Director: Vacant
Sr. Trailkeepers:
Tommy Thompson
[email protected]
Linc Clay
[email protected]
Region C (Seg 6 & 7)
Director: Russ McCallister
[email protected]
District 2
Region D (Seg 8 & 9)
Director: Hank Brooks
[email protected]
Sr. Trail Keepers:
Jimmy Stewart
[email protected]
Mark Hardies
[email protected]
Region E (Seg 10 & 11)
Director: Ed Engel
[email protected]
Sr. Trail Keeper: Joe Mullen
[email protected]
Region F (Seg 12 & 13)
Director: Nancy MacPhee
[email protected]
Director: Vacant
Volunteer Officers &
Staff
Officers
President:
Tom McLaulin
[email protected]
Director: Vacant
Sr Trail Keeper: Anita Allen
[email protected]
Vice President:
District 4
Region J (Seg 20 & 21)
Secretary:
Director: Lynette Foster
[email protected]
Sr. Trail Keepers:
Jack Roberts
[email protected]
Kristen Beck
[email protected]
Rick Follet
Dan Thompson
[email protected]
Pete Wildman
[email protected]
Treasurer:
Geoff Wilson
[email protected]
Staff/Others
[email protected]
Office of Greenways & Trails:
Region K (Seg 22 & 23)
[email protected]
[email protected]
Program-Fundraising
Director:
Director: Matt Keene
Region L (Seg 24, 25, 26)
Director: Joe Crespi
[email protected]
Sr. Trail Keeper: Mark Adams
Doug Alderson
Bill Redmon
[email protected]
Web Design:
[email protected]
Ed Schessl
[email protected]
District 5
Region M (Seg 27 & 28)
Web Master:
Director: Bill Stasiewicz
[email protected]
Sr. Trail Keeper: Lars Andersen
[email protected]
Region N (Seg 29 & 30)
Director: Vacant
Region O (Seg 30 & 31)
Sr. Trail Keeper: James Hessler Director: Bill Redmon
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mark Reichert
[email protected]
Membership Coordinator:
Debra Akin
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor:
Jean Talbott
[email protected]
E-Bulletin Editor:
Maria Mathews
District 3
Region G (Seg 14 & 15)
[email protected]
Director: Monica Woll
Legal Advisor/
Parliamentarian:
[email protected]
Sr. Trail Keeper: Judy McGraw
Pete Wildman
[email protected]
[email protected]
20