Iowa Big Slough Debris Field, September, 2016
Largest Debris Field Ever Seen Fills Iowa Big Slough
As a result of the August and September, 2016 record flooding in the drainage basin of the Upper Iowa River the Mississippi River has received unprecedented levels of trash. The Upper Iowa River empties into Minnesota Slough and the Mississippi River corridor a few hundred feet above the opening to Iowa Big Slough. Trash and debris flows downstream from the Upper Iowa, along the west shoreline of the navigation channel and immediately enters Big Slough. Once a deep and fast flowing conduit that pumped fresh water into the backwater 8 miles north of Lansing, it is now clogged with many 1,500 pound round bales, numerous camper fragments, propane tanks, and household items of all sorts and sizes. Animal residue and debris of all types fill the 200 foot wide slough for well over a half a mile.
Originally there were many questions regarding who had jurisdiction over the area and who would be responsible to remove the man made trash embedded in the debris field. The size and scope of the project is beyond the capabilities of volunteers from FOP9. Corey Snitker, Allamakee County Emergency Management (ACEM) called a meeting of federal and state agencies, county officials, and FOP9 members at the Kerndt Brothers Community Center in Lansing on September 30, 2016. The intent of the meeting was to determine ownership of the impacted area and devise a plan for a clean up of the debris field. Sabrina Chandler, Refuge Manager of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) stated that the area is jointly owned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. It was the feeling of the group that the area should be included as part of the Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration (as in other parts of Allamakee County) and have FEMA funds available to clean up of the area.
Several avenues for debris clean up were discussed by the group, from complete restoration and removal of all debris to removing only the man-made items considered pollutants in the natural environment. A team was established to seek FEMA inclusion and subsequent funds for restoration. The US Fish & Wildlife Service also committed at least $25k dollars to help fund the cleanup effort. Funding from the other government agencies listed above stated that any type of funding from them would be limited in scope ($2,000 - $3,000 per agency). Living Lands and Waters (a non-profit that has worked with FOP9 on other river clean up events) and Chad Pregracke were also contacted in regards to their possible involvement if FEMA inclusion was not attainable. Members from Allamakee County and the State collaborated to complete a FEMA application for the process. Later, both the State and County determined that they had no jurisdiction to pursue FEMA funding. The Refuge continues to pursue an alternative that could provide direct federal assistance without a requirement for a local or state cost share. The Refuge has also requested contaminant funding from FWS Headquarters.
On October 28, 2016 a group of FOP9 members and Cory Snitker (ACEM) along with John Bostrom (representative from Living Lands and Waters) went to the debris field for a review of the challenge before us. The Living Lands and Waters team has since had time to review the results of the eye witness account and came back to us as questioning their decision to help with the situation. They have informed Corey Snitker they will not be available to help with the Big Slough issue at this time.
At the November 7, 2016 FOP9 Board of Directors meeting it was determined that at this time there is not a lot that can be done without an organized plan and FOP9 finding several funding sources to undertake this project. On December 20, 2016 Friends of Pool 9, Iowa DNR, Allamakee County Emergency Management, Iowa Homeland Security, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and others will reconvene in Lansing to update the plan of action. By next spring 2017, hopefully some plans will come together to solve the dilemma. In the meantime FOP9 asks that you use caution in the area of the debris field. No one should try to collect debris by walking across the debris field. The Board will continue to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on this project and as decisions are made and plans finalized FOP9 will keep you informed.
As a result of the August and September, 2016 record flooding in the drainage basin of the Upper Iowa River the Mississippi River has received unprecedented levels of trash. The Upper Iowa River empties into Minnesota Slough and the Mississippi River corridor a few hundred feet above the opening to Iowa Big Slough. Trash and debris flows downstream from the Upper Iowa, along the west shoreline of the navigation channel and immediately enters Big Slough. Once a deep and fast flowing conduit that pumped fresh water into the backwater 8 miles north of Lansing, it is now clogged with many 1,500 pound round bales, numerous camper fragments, propane tanks, and household items of all sorts and sizes. Animal residue and debris of all types fill the 200 foot wide slough for well over a half a mile.
Originally there were many questions regarding who had jurisdiction over the area and who would be responsible to remove the man made trash embedded in the debris field. The size and scope of the project is beyond the capabilities of volunteers from FOP9. Corey Snitker, Allamakee County Emergency Management (ACEM) called a meeting of federal and state agencies, county officials, and FOP9 members at the Kerndt Brothers Community Center in Lansing on September 30, 2016. The intent of the meeting was to determine ownership of the impacted area and devise a plan for a clean up of the debris field. Sabrina Chandler, Refuge Manager of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) stated that the area is jointly owned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. It was the feeling of the group that the area should be included as part of the Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration (as in other parts of Allamakee County) and have FEMA funds available to clean up of the area.
Several avenues for debris clean up were discussed by the group, from complete restoration and removal of all debris to removing only the man-made items considered pollutants in the natural environment. A team was established to seek FEMA inclusion and subsequent funds for restoration. The US Fish & Wildlife Service also committed at least $25k dollars to help fund the cleanup effort. Funding from the other government agencies listed above stated that any type of funding from them would be limited in scope ($2,000 - $3,000 per agency). Living Lands and Waters (a non-profit that has worked with FOP9 on other river clean up events) and Chad Pregracke were also contacted in regards to their possible involvement if FEMA inclusion was not attainable. Members from Allamakee County and the State collaborated to complete a FEMA application for the process. Later, both the State and County determined that they had no jurisdiction to pursue FEMA funding. The Refuge continues to pursue an alternative that could provide direct federal assistance without a requirement for a local or state cost share. The Refuge has also requested contaminant funding from FWS Headquarters.
On October 28, 2016 a group of FOP9 members and Cory Snitker (ACEM) along with John Bostrom (representative from Living Lands and Waters) went to the debris field for a review of the challenge before us. The Living Lands and Waters team has since had time to review the results of the eye witness account and came back to us as questioning their decision to help with the situation. They have informed Corey Snitker they will not be available to help with the Big Slough issue at this time.
At the November 7, 2016 FOP9 Board of Directors meeting it was determined that at this time there is not a lot that can be done without an organized plan and FOP9 finding several funding sources to undertake this project. On December 20, 2016 Friends of Pool 9, Iowa DNR, Allamakee County Emergency Management, Iowa Homeland Security, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and others will reconvene in Lansing to update the plan of action. By next spring 2017, hopefully some plans will come together to solve the dilemma. In the meantime FOP9 asks that you use caution in the area of the debris field. No one should try to collect debris by walking across the debris field. The Board will continue to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on this project and as decisions are made and plans finalized FOP9 will keep you informed.
An aerial view of the trash debris field in Iowa Big Slough 8 miles north of Lansing and across from Black Hawk Park. It is the direct result of record flooding on the Upper Iowa River drainage basin in August and September, 2016 and will have a lasting negative impact on the backwater habitat of Pool 9 and the Upper Mississippi River Natural Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
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A group of individuals from the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Allamakee County representatives, Friends of Pool 9 members and other agency personnel gather to discuss the debris field in Iowa Big Slough caused by record flooding on the Upper Iowa River in August, 2016.
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: A 500 gallon propane tank and 1,500 pound round bales are part of the trash items in the debris field.
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Debris deposited by the August and September, 2016 record flooding on the Upper Iowa River Basin deposited in the Big Slough area of Pool 9, including a camper refrigerator, tires, coolers, and other items.
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River Clean Up 2016 a success !
Great Turnout For Friends of Pool 9 Clean Up
It happened again, residents from all over the tri-state area joined the clean up of the 90 square miles of the Mississippi River know as Pool 9, from Genoa, Wisconsin to Lynxville and Lock & Dam 10. Men and women of all ages, and whole families as well descended on the VFW building in Lansing willing to be assigned an area on the river to clean. They walked along the shorelines and searched the backwaters in boats. Volunteers came from Waukon, Decorah, Calmar, Caledonia, and New Albin. They came from Genoa, De Soto, Ferryville, Lynxville and other unknown areas, to take part in the event. Everyone received a free bright green 2016 FOP9 Clean Up T-shirt, water, gloves, garbage bags, and a noon lunch in appreciation for their efforts. Thirty willing walkers (young and old alike) walked the ever difficult Highway 82 dike crossing the river corridor. As usual they removed an assortment of beer containers, plastic trash, car tires, and other items such as an Interstate car battery, and filled 44 garbage bags. It's no easy task to climb down the rock embankment on the shoulder of the road to retrieve a plastic drink cup, but that's what they did, over and over again.
Groups were deployed to the beaches to pick trash and sift through the twenty-five FOP9 fire rings scattered along the river northward to Boot Jack Island across from Black Hawk Park. Sand from the rings was shoveled through metal screens and all the small pieces of debris collected. The fire rings are to be enjoyed by beach users, burning only wood. Plastic and other items are forbidden by the Upper Miss Refuge.
The Brennan Landing in south Lansing was used as a dumpster site, and with the help of a tractor provided by Jim Kerndt, filled the 40 cubic yarder to capacity. Old docks and styrofoam floats were removed from the river and recycled. Metal and plastic barrels were again fairly common, but the trash in the middle part of Pool 9 has definitely lessened.
Another area of concentration for cleaning this year was the upper end of Pool 9, just below Lock & Dam 8 at Genoa, Wisconsin. Six boats were assigned to that area specifically and were able to retrieve a large number of barrels and debris from the islands. The dumpster at Black Hawk Park was filled with trash and 25 barrels and fifteen tires remained along side. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) landing was assisted by Park staff, and offered the 35 FOP9 volunteers to use their facility as a bathroom and lunch site.
Groups of volunteers also cleaned the two-mile stretch along the Army Road east of New Albin, Visigers Landing and Millstone Landing, the County Road entrance to Black Hawk Park and the entrance road and parking area at the Dairyland Power boat landing. Boats also went out from Ferryville and Lynxville, Wisconsin as well as Heytman's Landing along the Iowa shore. It was a great day for the river and gave volunteers a feeling of satisfaction.
Friends of Pool 9 would like to thank the Lansing VFW, Brennan Construction, Waste Management of Allamakee County, Prairie du Chien, and Vernon County, US Fish & Wildlife, Black Hawk Park (USACOE), Jim Kerndt, and more importantly the140 individuals that gave their time and energy on a cool, windy, and wet day to make this event a success. There are few places along the Upper Mississippi River that have this kind of support from organizations and residents. This is a major effort and shows the commitment and concern many have for our little part of the world. We feel that Pool 9 is one of the cleanest and best parts of the Upper Mississippi, thanks to all of you.
Boats also went out from Ferryville and Lynxville, Wisconsin as well as Heytman's Landing along the Iowa shore. The Wisconsin volunteers recovered a record 42 tires, a refrigerator, and window frames that had been discarded into the river. Sad but true. In the end it was a great day for Mother river and gave all the volunteers a feeling of pride and accomplishment for what we just did.
It happened again, residents from all over the tri-state area joined the clean up of the 90 square miles of the Mississippi River know as Pool 9, from Genoa, Wisconsin to Lynxville and Lock & Dam 10. Men and women of all ages, and whole families as well descended on the VFW building in Lansing willing to be assigned an area on the river to clean. They walked along the shorelines and searched the backwaters in boats. Volunteers came from Waukon, Decorah, Calmar, Caledonia, and New Albin. They came from Genoa, De Soto, Ferryville, Lynxville and other unknown areas, to take part in the event. Everyone received a free bright green 2016 FOP9 Clean Up T-shirt, water, gloves, garbage bags, and a noon lunch in appreciation for their efforts. Thirty willing walkers (young and old alike) walked the ever difficult Highway 82 dike crossing the river corridor. As usual they removed an assortment of beer containers, plastic trash, car tires, and other items such as an Interstate car battery, and filled 44 garbage bags. It's no easy task to climb down the rock embankment on the shoulder of the road to retrieve a plastic drink cup, but that's what they did, over and over again.
Groups were deployed to the beaches to pick trash and sift through the twenty-five FOP9 fire rings scattered along the river northward to Boot Jack Island across from Black Hawk Park. Sand from the rings was shoveled through metal screens and all the small pieces of debris collected. The fire rings are to be enjoyed by beach users, burning only wood. Plastic and other items are forbidden by the Upper Miss Refuge.
The Brennan Landing in south Lansing was used as a dumpster site, and with the help of a tractor provided by Jim Kerndt, filled the 40 cubic yarder to capacity. Old docks and styrofoam floats were removed from the river and recycled. Metal and plastic barrels were again fairly common, but the trash in the middle part of Pool 9 has definitely lessened.
Another area of concentration for cleaning this year was the upper end of Pool 9, just below Lock & Dam 8 at Genoa, Wisconsin. Six boats were assigned to that area specifically and were able to retrieve a large number of barrels and debris from the islands. The dumpster at Black Hawk Park was filled with trash and 25 barrels and fifteen tires remained along side. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) landing was assisted by Park staff, and offered the 35 FOP9 volunteers to use their facility as a bathroom and lunch site.
Groups of volunteers also cleaned the two-mile stretch along the Army Road east of New Albin, Visigers Landing and Millstone Landing, the County Road entrance to Black Hawk Park and the entrance road and parking area at the Dairyland Power boat landing. Boats also went out from Ferryville and Lynxville, Wisconsin as well as Heytman's Landing along the Iowa shore. It was a great day for the river and gave volunteers a feeling of satisfaction.
Friends of Pool 9 would like to thank the Lansing VFW, Brennan Construction, Waste Management of Allamakee County, Prairie du Chien, and Vernon County, US Fish & Wildlife, Black Hawk Park (USACOE), Jim Kerndt, and more importantly the140 individuals that gave their time and energy on a cool, windy, and wet day to make this event a success. There are few places along the Upper Mississippi River that have this kind of support from organizations and residents. This is a major effort and shows the commitment and concern many have for our little part of the world. We feel that Pool 9 is one of the cleanest and best parts of the Upper Mississippi, thanks to all of you.
Boats also went out from Ferryville and Lynxville, Wisconsin as well as Heytman's Landing along the Iowa shore. The Wisconsin volunteers recovered a record 42 tires, a refrigerator, and window frames that had been discarded into the river. Sad but true. In the end it was a great day for Mother river and gave all the volunteers a feeling of pride and accomplishment for what we just did.
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Pictures provided by Kim Cimfl FOP 9 Member
Click on the download to save the application and print.
Mississippi River Day Huge Success
While the sun gave the sand dune walkers scorching heat during the GPS treasure hunts, it also raised the water temperature of the Mississippi River to a comfortable and cooling 78 degrees, and that made it even more inviting to the swimmers. Friends of Pool 9 organizers and volunteers staged their annual river adventure day for kids on the beach area north of Lansing on Tuesday, July 14. The gathering included 180 kids, parents, presenters, and FOP9 volunteers.
Children were separated into age groups and identified as Tadpoles, Crawdads, Muskrats, Foxes, Otters, and Eagles. The younger four groups (5-6-7-8 year olds) rotated through five activity stations (many designed to get the kids in the water), while the older kids (9-13) went on a two hour backwater canoe trip and an electronic (GPS) treasure search on the dune.
Agency professionals from the US Fish & Wildlife Service McGregor District and the USF&WS La Crosse District, the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, US Army Corps of Engineers Black Hawk Park, Iowa and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources, and Allamakee County Conservation Board were presenters for the day. Lansing and Ferryville Emergency Safety Boats were present and assisted with the day-long event. Most of the kids and parents/assigned FOP9 chaperones were transported aboard the large Mississippi Explorer Cruise boat, while others traveled on smaller boats.
The day began at the Lansing ball diamond at 8:00 AM with check-in and getting fitted with the proper sized life jacket. Each child without an accompanying adult was assigned an FOP9 adult volunteer to be their "parent for the day". It was neat to see a line of adults and children following a leader across the street to the waiting boat at the Libbey dock on South Front Street in Lansing; small people boarded first, followed by each successive age group.
Several popular spots included getting in the Mississippi River; the fish seining and mussel pollywooging sites were great, as was the "free swim" area. The older kids enjoyed the challenge of the GPS treasure hunt and the backwater canoe trip. Jon (Hawk) Stravers led some singing as well as bird identification on the backwater birding trip, and Mike Griffin and Shawna Stringham inspired viewers with the fur bearer pelts and their enthusiasm. The entire cost of the event including transportation and noon meal was paid by Friends of Pool 9. Jeff Klum, parent from Stoddard, Wisconsin commented, “Textbooks and computers can do a lot…but NOTHING like today’s hands on event…it was just wonderful and I can’t imagine all the time and planning that went on to make it work." As children left the dock area they were given an appreciation gift from Friends of Pool 9 in memory of the trip. Each child received a water bottle inscribed with the Friends of Pool 9 river otter logo. Tara McGovern Dutcher from Iowa City, Iowa in attendance for the day with her two children stated on facebook, "There are a lot of happy, exhausted kids dreaming about the Mississippi right now. What a gift. We are so grateful."
Friends of Pool 9 would like to thank the Lansing VFW Post for the use of their building, all the presenters for their commitment to the children, to the parents for bring their children and having confidence in the safety provided by FOP9, and to the fifty Friends of Pool 9 volunteers that made the day possible. It indeed, "takes a Village to educate a child." It was never more evident then what was displayed on the Mississippi River at Lansing today. Thanks to all of you for making a commitment to these children, the future stewards of our Mississippi River resource.
The entire photo gallery of pictures from the 2015 Eighth Annual MRAD event will be found on the Friends website at friendsofpool9.org.
Kids from the Foxes group assist with the minnow seine at the fishing station during the 2015 MRAD event.
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Children enjoy the coolness of the Mississippi River as they take part in activities along the beach shore during MRAD.
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The Otters complete their search for hidden treasures during the GPS session on the dune at MRAD 2015.
Tadpoles search the Mississippi shallows for mussels during the Friends of Pool 9 river adventure day.
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Children (and parents) at the "free swim float-line" enjoy playing and being in the water at the beach during the Mississippi River Adventure Day.
Ric Zarwell gives birding insight during the backwater canoe trip sponsored by Friends of Pool 9.
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Annual River Clean Up Uncovers Unusual Trash
Friends of Pool 9 volunteers gathered at the VFW building in Lansing (and other sites around the pool) for the group's eleventh Annual River Clean Up on Saturday, April 18th. Registration data shows the group numbered about 115, slightly above last years total of 112. Area youth again were able to clean both sides of the 3-mile long Hwy. 82 dike. This has been one of the most difficult areas in the entire Pool to clean because of the rocky slopes on both sides of the highway down to the river's edge. The amount and kind of trash collected indicates a disturbing disregard for the environment and the river ecosystem. Quart beer bottles in brown paper bags were common, as were auto and truck tires. With the effort of two young men (from Waukon) the group was able to remove a couch from the river, as well as a television set, a desk, and hoards of beer cans and plastic water bottles. Don Thran, FOP9 coordinator for the Hwy. 82 dike clean up commented that it was "probably the worst it has been for years" for that area.
An unusual stash of iron was pulled from the river using the Fish & Wildlife Service winch boat. A train derailment had occurred in the Capoli Hollow area many years ago (1983) and debris remained just below the water's surface all these years. The eight guys aboard the boat removed iron spring coils and plates totaling several thousand pounds. Special thanks to the McGregor District staff for the use of the barge and assisting with the project.
Eight boats had been assigned to collect debris at the upper end of the pool. A large amount of trash was found just downstream of the Lock & Dam #8 at Genoa. The group found buoys and barrels washed to the back side of the channel islands, as well the ever present plastic water bottles. Trash on the Iowa side of the valley was taken to the Army Road landing and loaded on an Iowa DNR truck. Debris on the channel side went to the dumpster at Black Hawk Park.
Ferryville and Lynxville volunteers collected along the eastern side of the pool and on the islands in that area. Debris consisted largely of styrofoam floats and barrels from docks, as well as plastic bottles, a full bed mattress, numerous tires on rims, and other debris. Volunteers from the Heytman's area (led by Sam Miller and Pat Murphy) collected along the Iowa side downstream to Dam #9. Their debris filled a trailer and was transported to the Lansing dumpster. Ten boats went out of Lansing to search the area north of town for debris trapped in the backwater islands.
Another job completed by volunteers on this river day was the installation of Friends of Pool 9 fire rings on beaches. For years campers had made temporary rock-rimmed fire rings, but they often moved up and down the beach leaving old, buried fire pits with glass or tin shards just under the sand. Unsuspecting children received numerous cuts in their feet as a result. The FOP9 fire rings are cemented in place with bags of concrete and the beaches are much cleaner as a result. Two teams of workers placed five new rings (and concrete) to the beaches and moved one to make it more useable for campers. This brings the total number of fire rings approved by FWS to 23 in Pool 9.
The river clean up is a real labor of love and FOP9 volunteers are living out the groups' mission statement, "to protect and enhance the Mississippi River and foster the wise public use and enjoyment of it." It gives one a felling of pride and satisfaction in doing something for the river. Thanks to the Lansing VFW, Brennan Construction, Waste Management, Black Hawk Park, IA DNR, USF&WS, Jim Kerndt and his tractor, Dairyland Power, WXOW Channel 19, and the hundred volunteers.
Long time Friends of Pool 9 member Sue Papp made the following comment about the annual clean up day: "There was a great turn out of people, on a great day, for a great cause. I'm so proud to be a part of river and nature caring people. We are making our lives and those who visit us a nicer place to be. Thanks to all the hard workers, I enjoyed the accomplishment."
Tom Limbach, an FOP9 member that recently moved to the Lansing area and was on the FWS barge boat added that "It was a great experience to be with a group for the day and work hard picking up things, knowing that you're making a difference." Go to Friends of Pool 9.org for more information on the groups activities and the upcoming Mississippi River Adventure Day for kids on July 14, 2015.
An unusual stash of iron was pulled from the river using the Fish & Wildlife Service winch boat. A train derailment had occurred in the Capoli Hollow area many years ago (1983) and debris remained just below the water's surface all these years. The eight guys aboard the boat removed iron spring coils and plates totaling several thousand pounds. Special thanks to the McGregor District staff for the use of the barge and assisting with the project.
Eight boats had been assigned to collect debris at the upper end of the pool. A large amount of trash was found just downstream of the Lock & Dam #8 at Genoa. The group found buoys and barrels washed to the back side of the channel islands, as well the ever present plastic water bottles. Trash on the Iowa side of the valley was taken to the Army Road landing and loaded on an Iowa DNR truck. Debris on the channel side went to the dumpster at Black Hawk Park.
Ferryville and Lynxville volunteers collected along the eastern side of the pool and on the islands in that area. Debris consisted largely of styrofoam floats and barrels from docks, as well as plastic bottles, a full bed mattress, numerous tires on rims, and other debris. Volunteers from the Heytman's area (led by Sam Miller and Pat Murphy) collected along the Iowa side downstream to Dam #9. Their debris filled a trailer and was transported to the Lansing dumpster. Ten boats went out of Lansing to search the area north of town for debris trapped in the backwater islands.
Another job completed by volunteers on this river day was the installation of Friends of Pool 9 fire rings on beaches. For years campers had made temporary rock-rimmed fire rings, but they often moved up and down the beach leaving old, buried fire pits with glass or tin shards just under the sand. Unsuspecting children received numerous cuts in their feet as a result. The FOP9 fire rings are cemented in place with bags of concrete and the beaches are much cleaner as a result. Two teams of workers placed five new rings (and concrete) to the beaches and moved one to make it more useable for campers. This brings the total number of fire rings approved by FWS to 23 in Pool 9.
The river clean up is a real labor of love and FOP9 volunteers are living out the groups' mission statement, "to protect and enhance the Mississippi River and foster the wise public use and enjoyment of it." It gives one a felling of pride and satisfaction in doing something for the river. Thanks to the Lansing VFW, Brennan Construction, Waste Management, Black Hawk Park, IA DNR, USF&WS, Jim Kerndt and his tractor, Dairyland Power, WXOW Channel 19, and the hundred volunteers.
Long time Friends of Pool 9 member Sue Papp made the following comment about the annual clean up day: "There was a great turn out of people, on a great day, for a great cause. I'm so proud to be a part of river and nature caring people. We are making our lives and those who visit us a nicer place to be. Thanks to all the hard workers, I enjoyed the accomplishment."
Tom Limbach, an FOP9 member that recently moved to the Lansing area and was on the FWS barge boat added that "It was a great experience to be with a group for the day and work hard picking up things, knowing that you're making a difference." Go to Friends of Pool 9.org for more information on the groups activities and the upcoming Mississippi River Adventure Day for kids on July 14, 2015.
The Boardman family was well represented at the 2015 Friends of Pool 9 river clean up and earned the title of "road warriors" for their ongoing effort to keep the area clean. This family group has been the dominant force behind the dike clean up for the past 6 years.
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The McGregor District Fish & Wildlife Service boat with an electric winch and eight volunteers aboard was able to remove several thousand pounds of railroad debris from the river south of Lansing.
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The Black Hawk Park dumpster was filled to over flowing and additional barrels stood outside. More volunteers and boats will be needed in this area next year to remove the influx of new debris that comes down the channel below the lock and dam.
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The Galema boat carried sons Neil and Alex and parents Gary and Karen Galema. This is the tenth year the group has joined together to clean the backwater north of Lansing. Their boat is loaded with metal and plastic barrels, as well as other metal and styrofoam debris.
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Friends of Pool 9 Annual River Clean up for 2015
As the weather turns warm and the first signs of spring arrive, users of the river begin to think about the river and the annual Friends of Pool 9 river clean up. FOP9 Board members have selected April 18th as the date of this years clean up event. The earlier date was selected to allow high school students from area schools (Waukon, Lansing, and DeSoto) to be involved, since the date doesn't conflict with their high school prom weekend. In case of high water or threatening weather, May 1 has been selected as the alternate date. Organizers will locate backwater debris and assign boats (and volunteers) to each collection site. Boat owners and volunteers should contact Bruce ReVoir (563-568-7358), Natalie Baugher (538-4287), Brent Darling (538-4489), Bob Henkel (538-4864), Al Wuennecke (544-4929), Lisa Welsh (538-4686), Jerry Boardman (563-419-7968), Larry Quamme (608-734-9077), Mark Schneden (608-412-04830, Bob Seeley (563-568-7713), or John Verdon (538-4836) if they are willing to make their boat available for the clean up and/or volunteer for the day.
Boats and volunteers should gather at the VFW building in Lansing at 7:30 am on Saturday, April 18. Boats will also gather in New Albin (Al Wuennecke at 608-790-8842), Ferryville (Larry Quamme 920-948-2245), Lynxville (Mark Schneden at 608-874-4478), at Hetyman’s Landing (Sam Miller 319-269-6805) and Black Hawk Park. Gloves, garbage bags, water, a free T-shirt, and a lunch will be provided all volunteers. Dumpsters will again be located at Lansing, Black Hawk Park, and Ferryville, with an IA DNR truck at Visgers Landing or New Albin Army Road Landing, if water level allows.
Since 2004 (the first year of an organized clean up) volunteers have collected over 100,000 pounds of debris from the river corridor and accumulated more than 6,000 hours of volunteer time to the Friends of Pool 9 and the Upper Mississippi River Refuge in their clean up efforts. While users of the resource are more informed today, and the river is getting cleaner, it’s still important that volunteers continue their annual vigil to remove debris deposited during the spring flood, as well as that left behind along our roadsides and on our area beaches by careless users. We need you to spend Saturday, April 18th (7:30 AM to 12:00 Noon) with us giving something back to the Mississippi. Parents should bring their sons and daughters as well; it’s a good opportunity to teach stewardship of the resource to the next generation. See you on April 18th.
Boats and volunteers should gather at the VFW building in Lansing at 7:30 am on Saturday, April 18. Boats will also gather in New Albin (Al Wuennecke at 608-790-8842), Ferryville (Larry Quamme 920-948-2245), Lynxville (Mark Schneden at 608-874-4478), at Hetyman’s Landing (Sam Miller 319-269-6805) and Black Hawk Park. Gloves, garbage bags, water, a free T-shirt, and a lunch will be provided all volunteers. Dumpsters will again be located at Lansing, Black Hawk Park, and Ferryville, with an IA DNR truck at Visgers Landing or New Albin Army Road Landing, if water level allows.
Since 2004 (the first year of an organized clean up) volunteers have collected over 100,000 pounds of debris from the river corridor and accumulated more than 6,000 hours of volunteer time to the Friends of Pool 9 and the Upper Mississippi River Refuge in their clean up efforts. While users of the resource are more informed today, and the river is getting cleaner, it’s still important that volunteers continue their annual vigil to remove debris deposited during the spring flood, as well as that left behind along our roadsides and on our area beaches by careless users. We need you to spend Saturday, April 18th (7:30 AM to 12:00 Noon) with us giving something back to the Mississippi. Parents should bring their sons and daughters as well; it’s a good opportunity to teach stewardship of the resource to the next generation. See you on April 18th.
Volunteers
gathered at the Lansing VFW riverfront for the 2010 Friends of Pool 9
river clean up. In 2014 the group collected over 20,000 pounds of
debris from the river corridor.
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Hearty volunteers walked both sides of the Highway #82 dike from the Lansing Bridge to the Winneshiek Bridge. They collected over fifty bags of garbage from the two three-mile long sides of the road in 2014. The group has earned the respect of FOP9 Clean Up organizers since this is one of the most difficult and grueling tasks during the days activities. This is where high school students are needed.
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High School Students Needed for FOP9 Clean Up Saturday, April 18
Area volunteers are needed to clean the Mississippi River on Saturday, April 18, 2015, from 7:30 AM to Noon. The FOP9 Board purposely set the collection date so it would not conflict with area high school proms at Waukon, Lansing, and De Soto in hopes of getting those students involved in this year's river clean up. The main meeting site for the event is the Lansing VFW building along the river across from the baseball field. Other sites include New Albin, De Soto, Black Hawk Park, Ferryville, Lynxville, and Hetyman's Landing. The effort specifically is in need of youth to help collect along Highway 82, adult supervision will be provided. Youth under 18 years of age must have an adult sign the Permission Form for them. All volunteers will receive a free FOP9 Cleanup t-shirt, a pair of gloves, garbage bags, water, and a free lunch at Noon. Boats are needed to transport volunteers and make collections from all parts of Pool 9. In 2014, the 120 volunteers collected over 20,000 pounds of debris form the Mississippi. This is a cooperative effort by the Iowa DNR, Wisconsin DNR, the US Army Corps of Engineers-Black Hawk Park, US Fish & Wildlife, Dairyland Power Cooperative, Allamakee County Conservation Board, Waste Management of Vernon County and Prairie du Chien, the Lansing VFW, Brennan Construction of Lansing, and Friends of Pool 9.
Please take time to participate in the Friends of Pool 9 clean up on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 AM, and volunteer your boat. Contact one of the following if you can offer a boat or want to volunteer: Bruce ReVoir, Waukon (563-568-7358), Jerry Boardman, De Soto (563-419-7968), Mark Clements, Genoa (608-606-3109), Brent Darling (563-419-4413), Bob Henkel (563-538-4864), Bob Seeley (563-568-7713), Darrin Thran (563-712-9151), Larry Quamme, Ferryville (920-948-2245), Mark Schneden, Lynxville (608-412-0483, Lisa Welsh (538-4686), Sam Miller, Heytman (319-269-6805), Al Wuennecke, New Albin (608-790-8842), or John Verdon (563-538-4836). Plan to spend Saturday, April 18th (7:30 AM to 12:00 Noon) with us giving something back to the Mississippi. We need to get sons and daughters involved as well; it’s a good opportunity to teach stewardship of the resource to the next generation. See you on April 18th. An alternate date of May 2nd has been selected if we have to cancel on the 18th.
Please take time to participate in the Friends of Pool 9 clean up on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 AM, and volunteer your boat. Contact one of the following if you can offer a boat or want to volunteer: Bruce ReVoir, Waukon (563-568-7358), Jerry Boardman, De Soto (563-419-7968), Mark Clements, Genoa (608-606-3109), Brent Darling (563-419-4413), Bob Henkel (563-538-4864), Bob Seeley (563-568-7713), Darrin Thran (563-712-9151), Larry Quamme, Ferryville (920-948-2245), Mark Schneden, Lynxville (608-412-0483, Lisa Welsh (538-4686), Sam Miller, Heytman (319-269-6805), Al Wuennecke, New Albin (608-790-8842), or John Verdon (563-538-4836). Plan to spend Saturday, April 18th (7:30 AM to 12:00 Noon) with us giving something back to the Mississippi. We need to get sons and daughters involved as well; it’s a good opportunity to teach stewardship of the resource to the next generation. See you on April 18th. An alternate date of May 2nd has been selected if we have to cancel on the 18th.
Larry Quamme and Gary Rutter bring a boatload of debris to the Ferryville landing collected from the lower end of Pool 9, Mississippi River during the 2014 FOP9 river clean up.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Supports Pool 11 Spill Response on Mississippi River
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) staff from around the Midwest teamed up to provide on-site assistance and expertise as agencies responded to the February 4, 2015, train derailment and subsequent ethanol spill on the Mississippi River in Iowa.
Refuge management and staff from the McGregor District of the Service’s Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) were on site during the response, supporting efforts of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency and local emergency responders. The spill, which released an estimated 55,000 gallons of ethanol from derailed train cars, occurred within several hundred feet of the McGregor District of the Refuge, raising concerns about impacts to fish, freshwater mussels, waterfowl and migratory birds and refuge lands.
Staff from the McGregor District and the Service’s Rock Island Ecological Service Office are working with responders to guide environmental monitoring efforts on the river as impacts from the spill are assessed. Service employees are providing expert technical assistance, participating in surveys of the spill area and have generated maps, collected ice samples, and searched open water areas for dead fish. The Service also provided an airboat to gain access to the river.
In addition, fishery biologists and contaminants experts from the Service’s Midwest Region are working with responders to identify freshwater mussels found in mud collected at the spill site. Two species of federally endangered mussels, the Higgin’s eye pearlymussel and sheepnose mussel, are known to be present near the spill area.
As of February 12, 2015, testing indicated the vast majority of ethanol and gasoline from the spill is no longer in Pool 11. The long term impacts of ethanol on aquatic resources are not well understood, so the Service will continue to participate with partners in monitoring the river to ensure federal trust resources are adequately protected. Monitoring of contaminant levels will continue at the derailment site. The Service expects to conduct and support additional surveys for dead fish and turtles later this spring as ice breaks up.
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“The cooperation and collaboration among the agencies responding to this incident have been outstanding,” said Richard King, manager of the McGregor District. “By working together, we can carry out the monitoring and follow-up activities needed to ensure that this region of the Upper Mississippi River remains an important natural area for people and for wildlife.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has trust responsibility for national wildlife refuge lands, migratory birds, federally endangered species and interjurisdictional fish on the Upper Mississippi River. The 261-mile Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, which includes Navigation Pool 11, is one of the most important corridors of fish and wildlife habitat in the Central United States. Up to 40 percent of the continent’s waterfowl use the Mississippi Flyway during migration.
The Refuge was designated a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy due to its national and international importance for migratory birds, and is part of a 300,000-acre complex of Mississippi River floodplain designated as a Wetland of International Importance.
The Refuge is one of the most heavily visited in the National Wildlife Refuge System by the public (3.7 million annual visits), providing year-round outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, swimming, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, and environmental education. The Refuge supports 306 species of birds, 119 species of fish, 51 species of mammals and 42 species of mussels. Up to 50 percent of the world’s canvasback ducks stop on the Refuge during fall migration, and up to 20 percent of the eastern United States population of tundra swans stop during fall migration.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws/gov.
Connect with our Facebook page at facebook.com/usfwsmidwest, follow our tweets at twitter.com/usfwsmidwest, watch our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at flickr.com/photos/usfwsmidwest.
Refuge management and staff from the McGregor District of the Service’s Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) were on site during the response, supporting efforts of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency and local emergency responders. The spill, which released an estimated 55,000 gallons of ethanol from derailed train cars, occurred within several hundred feet of the McGregor District of the Refuge, raising concerns about impacts to fish, freshwater mussels, waterfowl and migratory birds and refuge lands.
Staff from the McGregor District and the Service’s Rock Island Ecological Service Office are working with responders to guide environmental monitoring efforts on the river as impacts from the spill are assessed. Service employees are providing expert technical assistance, participating in surveys of the spill area and have generated maps, collected ice samples, and searched open water areas for dead fish. The Service also provided an airboat to gain access to the river.
In addition, fishery biologists and contaminants experts from the Service’s Midwest Region are working with responders to identify freshwater mussels found in mud collected at the spill site. Two species of federally endangered mussels, the Higgin’s eye pearlymussel and sheepnose mussel, are known to be present near the spill area.
As of February 12, 2015, testing indicated the vast majority of ethanol and gasoline from the spill is no longer in Pool 11. The long term impacts of ethanol on aquatic resources are not well understood, so the Service will continue to participate with partners in monitoring the river to ensure federal trust resources are adequately protected. Monitoring of contaminant levels will continue at the derailment site. The Service expects to conduct and support additional surveys for dead fish and turtles later this spring as ice breaks up.
MORE-
“The cooperation and collaboration among the agencies responding to this incident have been outstanding,” said Richard King, manager of the McGregor District. “By working together, we can carry out the monitoring and follow-up activities needed to ensure that this region of the Upper Mississippi River remains an important natural area for people and for wildlife.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has trust responsibility for national wildlife refuge lands, migratory birds, federally endangered species and interjurisdictional fish on the Upper Mississippi River. The 261-mile Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, which includes Navigation Pool 11, is one of the most important corridors of fish and wildlife habitat in the Central United States. Up to 40 percent of the continent’s waterfowl use the Mississippi Flyway during migration.
The Refuge was designated a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy due to its national and international importance for migratory birds, and is part of a 300,000-acre complex of Mississippi River floodplain designated as a Wetland of International Importance.
The Refuge is one of the most heavily visited in the National Wildlife Refuge System by the public (3.7 million annual visits), providing year-round outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, swimming, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, and environmental education. The Refuge supports 306 species of birds, 119 species of fish, 51 species of mammals and 42 species of mussels. Up to 50 percent of the world’s canvasback ducks stop on the Refuge during fall migration, and up to 20 percent of the eastern United States population of tundra swans stop during fall migration.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws/gov.
Connect with our Facebook page at facebook.com/usfwsmidwest, follow our tweets at twitter.com/usfwsmidwest, watch our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at flickr.com/photos/usfwsmidwest.
Friends Repair Clam Cages at Genoa National Fish Hatchery
Seventeen members of Friends of Pool 9 joined other
volunteers at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery on two separate occasions
(January 21and January 29) to repair mussel cages. Everyone worked in the garage removing
damaged wire mesh from the old 3' X 2' X 2' rectangular box-like cages. While some were involved in drilling out
rivets and removing old wire from the aluminum metal framework, others cut and
riveted new mesh in place. Volunteers
completed the restoration of 51 cages at the first session and another 33 at
the second. FOP9 members applaud Mit
Wilde, the 93 year old volunteer who worked both sessions. "His stamina and enthusiasm is
remarkable, he keeps us younger 70+ year olds from complaining," said Don
Thran (age 77). Genoa Hatchery staff
rewarded the workers with a tasty grilled burger lunch each day, including
salads and desert, as well as coffee and donut breaks. Mark Schneden commented, "It's a great
way to spend a day, working together to help the Hatchery. I just wish more FOP9 members would offer to
help as well."
Nathan Eckert, mussel biologist at Genoa National Fish Hatchery informed the group that the project to restore the Higgins' eye pearlymussel began in 2000, and the Genoa facility is one of only a few in the United States to grow and restore this mussel. He explained the process of inoculating 5 inch bass with parasitic baby clams (attached to the gills of the host fish) and then placing them in these growing cages on the river bottom until the clams are larger and drop from the gills of the fish. The fish are then released into the water unharmed and the clams collected for redistribution to selected sites.
The Higgins' eye is on the Federally Endangered Species list of freshwater mussels, but through this project the population is improving. Rebuilding the cages annually is very labor intensive and volunteers saved the clam restoration project hundreds of hours of work. Nathan and the Genoa National Fish Hatchery staff were very complimentary and appreciative of the efforts of all the volunteers. Plans are being made for additional volunteering at Genoa on this and other projects in 2015. If you would like to volunteer for FOP9 contact John Verdon at 563-538-4836 or email John at pjvriverhouse@centurylink.net.
Nathan Eckert, mussel biologist at Genoa National Fish Hatchery informed the group that the project to restore the Higgins' eye pearlymussel began in 2000, and the Genoa facility is one of only a few in the United States to grow and restore this mussel. He explained the process of inoculating 5 inch bass with parasitic baby clams (attached to the gills of the host fish) and then placing them in these growing cages on the river bottom until the clams are larger and drop from the gills of the fish. The fish are then released into the water unharmed and the clams collected for redistribution to selected sites.
The Higgins' eye is on the Federally Endangered Species list of freshwater mussels, but through this project the population is improving. Rebuilding the cages annually is very labor intensive and volunteers saved the clam restoration project hundreds of hours of work. Nathan and the Genoa National Fish Hatchery staff were very complimentary and appreciative of the efforts of all the volunteers. Plans are being made for additional volunteering at Genoa on this and other projects in 2015. If you would like to volunteer for FOP9 contact John Verdon at 563-538-4836 or email John at pjvriverhouse@centurylink.net.
Friends of Pool 9 volunteers and others from
the area pose in front of the 51 completely restored mussel cages at Genoa
National Fish Hatchery. FOP9 members in
the photo include: Bob Henkel, Dick Roeder, Bob Seeley, Mark Schneden, Don
Thran, Mit Wilde, and John Verdon.
Mike A'Hearn, Mark Schneden, and Dwight
Lawson work on a smaller cage during the second work day at Genoa.
Friends of Pool 9 volunteers Tom Magnusson and Bob Seeley work with Allen Brickman from Sparta to repair a clam cage.
A complimentary grilled burger lunch at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery with German potato salad was enjoyed and greatly appreciated by the volunteers.
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A group photo of the volunteers from the
second work day at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery gather in the work garage
at days end. Friends of Pool 9 members
included Mike A'Hearn, Dwight Lawson, Lloyd Lorenz, Tom Magnusson, Mark
Schneden, Bob Seeley, Don Thran, John Verdon, and Mit Wilde.
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Tribute to Ann Blankenship
After thirty years of service Ann Blankenship has retired from the US Fish & Wildlife Service, effective December 19, 2014. Ann's Federal service began with the National Forest Service in the Black Hills of South Dakota. She later transferred to Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains, remaining with the Forest Service. In 2001, Ann’s career brought her to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service where she was stationed at the La Crosse District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. In 2009, she transferred to the McGregor District and Pools 9-10-11.
Ann was in charge of Visitor Services for the District and worked Friends groups in Pools 9 and 10. She loved working with elementary school students on the river. This included the Mississippi River Adventure Days on Pools 9 & 10 as well as extending a Refuge-based educational program for students in the Eastern Allamakee County School District. Students investigated wildlife with cameras, insect nets, journals, and their backpacks. Her enthusiasm for leading children will be deeply missed in the Pool 9 area. Another of her projects was the planting of swamp white oak trees on Refuge ground just north of New Albin.
Photo (Ann Blankenship 2010 IMG_9678.jpeg) caption should read: Ann Blankenship at a recent McGregor District volunteer appreciation dinner in McGregor, Iowa .
Ann has plans to sell her property near McGregor, Iowa and return to her family home area near Wichita, Kansas in the spring of 2015. The Friends of Pool 9 would like to thank Ann for her many years of service to the McGregor District, FOP9 and to the youth programs she nurtured at Lansing and New Albin.
Ann was in charge of Visitor Services for the District and worked Friends groups in Pools 9 and 10. She loved working with elementary school students on the river. This included the Mississippi River Adventure Days on Pools 9 & 10 as well as extending a Refuge-based educational program for students in the Eastern Allamakee County School District. Students investigated wildlife with cameras, insect nets, journals, and their backpacks. Her enthusiasm for leading children will be deeply missed in the Pool 9 area. Another of her projects was the planting of swamp white oak trees on Refuge ground just north of New Albin.
Photo (Ann Blankenship 2010 IMG_9678.jpeg) caption should read: Ann Blankenship at a recent McGregor District volunteer appreciation dinner in McGregor, Iowa .
Ann has plans to sell her property near McGregor, Iowa and return to her family home area near Wichita, Kansas in the spring of 2015. The Friends of Pool 9 would like to thank Ann for her many years of service to the McGregor District, FOP9 and to the youth programs she nurtured at Lansing and New Albin.
ITC Makes Substantial Donation to Friends of Pool 9
At the November 3rd meeting of the FOP9 Directors, ITC Permit Policy Specialist Dan Hagan and Community Affairs Regional Manager Mike Ivester presented a $5,000 check to FOP9. ITC Midwest (International Transmission Company) will help reforest the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Pool 9 with the donation. Several reforestation projects are presently underway and others are being planned for use of the dollars.
A reforestation plan is underway at the Refuge ground north of New Albin. Eastern Allamakee Community Schools 5th graders from New Albin Elementary are involved in the planting project. In Spring, 2014 the group planted 300 oak saplings and on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 another group of 5th graders and FOP9 volunteers planted another 300 oak trees.
Plans are also underway to enhance the beach area immediately upstream of Lansing by grading the sand to extend the beach, and removing some of the older common trees such as mulberry, cottonwood, and maple and replacing them with oaks as well. The Capoli Island restoration area south of Lansing will also be reforested with trees in the very near future as plans are developed by US Fish & Wildlife Service and FOP9.
ITC personnel present
Friends of Pool 9 with a $5,000 check at the November 3, 2014 Directors
meeting. L. to R. Mike Ivester, Bob
Seeley, Bruce ReVoir, Dan Hagan, Jerry Boardman, Joe Mazanec.
MRAD to Dubuque River Adventure Day Trip
The Friends of Pool 9 Board of Directors had no choice but to cancel the annual Mississippi River Adventure Day (MRAD) when water levels reached almost 9 feet above normal due to flooding, creating unsafe conditions on the river. In its place, they offered a free trip to all the children and chaperones to the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque, Iowa. Early July 15th, forty three kids and adults left Lansing on a luxury charter bus and spent the day exploring the fantastic exhibits and the grand aquariums at the museum site. All costs (charter bus, entrance fees, and lunch) were paid by FOP9
Marissa Klum, age 7, called her day “awesome”. Sonny Boardman, age 8, exclaimed that “I never ever thought I would be that close to a real live alligator”. Everyone loved the playful “otters”. Several adults, who had not been to the museum also enjoyed the day and expressed their thoughts about the education the center provides about our area and the mighty Mississippi River. Board Members Jerry Boardman, Darrin Thran, Bruce ReVoir, and Larry Quamme, were joined by former Board Members Ric Zarwell & his wife Betty and Don Thran, on the day trip. Friends of Pool 9 will continue to offer hands-on river experiences for children in an attempt to foster good stewardship for the river resource, and create excitement for being on the river. Perhaps the river will be more normal in summer 2015, as we plan for the eighth Mississippi River Adventure Day for kids on the river.
Marissa Klum, age 7, called her day “awesome”. Sonny Boardman, age 8, exclaimed that “I never ever thought I would be that close to a real live alligator”. Everyone loved the playful “otters”. Several adults, who had not been to the museum also enjoyed the day and expressed their thoughts about the education the center provides about our area and the mighty Mississippi River. Board Members Jerry Boardman, Darrin Thran, Bruce ReVoir, and Larry Quamme, were joined by former Board Members Ric Zarwell & his wife Betty and Don Thran, on the day trip. Friends of Pool 9 will continue to offer hands-on river experiences for children in an attempt to foster good stewardship for the river resource, and create excitement for being on the river. Perhaps the river will be more normal in summer 2015, as we plan for the eighth Mississippi River Adventure Day for kids on the river.
Forty-three children and adult chaperones arrive at the Dubuque River History Museum for a day of exploration and learning, sponsored by Friends of Pool 9.
Friends of Pool 9 Annual River Clean up for 2014
Friends Gather to Clean the Mississippi
While most are spending a sunny spring Saturday morning in April raking their lawns or doing outside work of some type, well over a hundred area volunteers did something else. They gathered in small towns all around Pool 9 as a small army, a band of brothers to do something so grand and impressive it almost boggles the mind. While bass boats and walleye fishermen in contests at Lansing and Stoddard darted hurriedly around them this unusual group loaded boats with debris from the river; half sunken barrels, tires large and small, floating plastics, and Styrofoam pieces of all sizes and shapes.
This was the day of the annual Friends of Pool 9 Mississippi River clean up day. It was jointly sponsored by FOP9, and US Fish & Wildlife, and is part of the Great Mississippi River Cleanup coordinated by Living Lands & Waters. The clean up committee had designated 28 sites/activities in Pool 9 to focus attention on during the day. The list included removing bent metal dock pipes from Shore Slough with the use of a wench on the US Fish & Wildlife boat, walking both sides of the three mile-long Highway 82 dike removing trash, collecting burnt metal or plastic scraps through screening the Friends of Pool 9 fire rings on area beaches, and sending out boats to all areas of the 90 square mile pool. Boats searched the backwaters and channel from below the Genoa dam to the open water above the Lynxville dam, an area 31 miles long and three miles wide. Others cleaned boat landings, walked the Lansing Marina dike, as well as the Dairyland Power parking area below Genoa. The group also assisted the removal of a boathouse that was on its' last days and will no longer threaten sinking to the bottom of the river. Unusual items included a dated and discarded fish crib, a pill bottle dated 1981, and a television set that shouldn't have been there.
One of the goals of Friends of Pool 9 is to create a higher level of awareness and appreciation for the Mississippi River. It's also to teach our children and the younger generation how to become better stewards of the resource. One of the FOP9 Board members (Darrin Thran) made the following comment, "As I watched people today I saw one common thing and that was a true desire to want to make a difference by cleaning up and giving back to the river and the area! The people with me were picking through ash and burnt wood and sand for even the smallest things like bottle caps, wire, you name it. It's really neat to see that many people give up their Saturday morning on a nice spring day to go out and make a difference. We need to challenge people to make a difference like today, everyday they are on the river by picking up not only after themselves but others !"
Thanks to the 115 FOP9 volunteers, thanks to the kitchen workers that put together 120 sack lunches, thanks McGregor District Fish & Wildlife Service for the boat with a wench, thanks Vernon County and Waste Management of Prairie du Chien, thanks IA Department of Natural Resources for the truck, thanks US Army Corps of Engineers and Black Hawk Park for the dumpster site and lunch area, thanks to Living Lands and Waters for the $500 donation and the cool water bottles, shirts, gloves, and bags, thanks to Jim Kerndt for the use of his tractor and Joe Mazanec for the truck, and all the FOP9 volunteers that supplied boats to make the day a success.
President Bruce ReVoir summarized the days' success with the following comment, "I'm constantly impressed by the turn out of area citizens for the river clean up day. Improving the quality of the river with the river clean up day is a important part of the goals of FOP9. I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped last Saturday giving of their time for such a good cause."
The group has other volunteer activities throughout the year including assisting with New Albin Elementary planting trees, USACOE planting trees on river islands, Eagle Survey teams, Mississippi River Adventure Day for kids, Eagle Program in Ferryville and Lansing Fish Days, and assisting at Genoa National Fish Hatchery. Check the website friendsofpool9.org for more information.
Volunteers aboard the FWS wench boat deliver an old dock with 20 foot poles attached during the FOP9 clean up. Jim Gobeli and Joe Mazanec wait on shore.
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Dave Jacobsen and Glen Reed remove the metal sheeting from an old boat house owned by Scott Beaton.
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Larry Quamme and Gary Rutter bring a load of trash collected from the lower end of the pool to the Ferryville landing.re to edit.
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Todd Lensing, and Tom Chernouski removed some unusual debris from the river bottom near Copper Creek.
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Mark Clements and young work crew bring a boat load of barrels to the Black Hawk Park USACOE dumpster during the April 26 Friends of Pool 9 clean up.
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Click on picture to enlarge.
Online membership form now available click bellow to join the Friends of Pool 9 !
