Source to Sea » Water Quality

Help Audubon in the Gulf of Mexico

John — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:01:21 +0000

Sweetwater Bay, Louisiana

I’m sure I’m not the only person glued to the internet watching the disaster unfold as a result of the BP Oil explosion. Fishing and shrimping has shut down, and prime habitat and wildlife areas are facing untold threats. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the workers killed in the accident and all others affected by this mess. The financial, human, and environmental cost of this are going to be enormous. I hope new regulations will be put in place AND enforced to reduce the likelihood of this happening again.

The Audubon Action Center has responded to this threat by coordinating volunteers, monitoring wetlands, and organizing cleanups. They need your help, and no matter where you’re located you have a chance to be involved in this effort. The Gulf of Mexico is a tremendous resource that affects all of us, and this is just the beginning of the long-term effort. Please visit their site and do what you can.

Track the Oil Spill Here.

Thanks,

-John

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Neuse River Spring Cleanup 2010

John — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:39:52 +0000

Come on out to the Neuse River Spring Cleanup on April 10, 2010. Jess will be coordinating most of this year’s cleanup with the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation, and I’ll be one of the site managers for the Milburnie Dam Section.

Visit the Neuse River Spring Cleanup page for up-to-minute details and update. Make sure to register for the event ahead of time and join their Facebook Event page. There will be a free cookout for volunteers at Anderson Point Park afterward starting about 2pm.

From the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation:

The Foundation expects nearly 500 volunteers will participate this time, including youth groups, church groups, civic organizations, college students and river enthusiasts. The cleanup will cover nearly 50 miles of river between Falls Dam in North Raleigh and Smithfield Town Commons in Johnston County.This event has become the largest single river cleanup in the State; over the past 7 years the Cleanup has collected more than 113,505 lbs waste and involved 1,663 volunteers.

The weather forecast for this weekend is perfect for the Cleanup. 70 degrees and sunny. Make sure to wear sunscreen!

Here’s a promo I made from the footage I took while paddling down the Neuse River last fall.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ovnCijtBng

Here’s a video of last year’s cleanup.

Neuse River Clean-Up 2009 from Lauren Frohne on Vimeo.

Make sure to sign up for updates to keep up with the latest news on all Source to Sea happenings!

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Fish Kill on the Neuse River

John — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:06:19 +0000

2003 Neuse River Fish Kill

Some bad news coming in from the Neuse River over the last few days. Larry Baldwin, the Riverkeeper for the lower Neuse River, and the NC Division of Water Quality are reporting at least 3.5 million fish have died in the Neuse since last Thursday due low oxygen levels. Menhaden, flounder, and even crabs have been washing up on shore.

A confluence of factors, including rain, heat, algae and an upwelling choked oxygen out of the river from Flanners Beach downstream to Slocum Creek, Susan Massengale, a spokeswoman for the N.C. Division of Water Quality, said Friday.

Here are a few links for further information. This paddle down the Neuse River may get interesting in a hurry if this keeps up. I’ll be monitoring and documenting the river as I go down, and will post photos and video as I go down. Make sure to subscribe to the website for free email or RSS updates.

http://news14.com/content/local_news/coastal/613672/scientists-look-into-issue-of-millions-of-fish-deaths-in-neuse/

http://www.witn.com/home/headlines/53931942.html

http://www.newbernsj.com/news/fish-47433-river-kill.html

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Paddling the Neuse River to Promote Water Quality Awareness

John — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:02:44 +0000

As North Carolina’s population continues to increase, the need for adequate protection of its water resources become more acute. Riparian zone restoration, land trusts, enforcement of environmental regulations, and sustainable development are all key components to providing clean water for generations to come. Elevated nitrogen and phosphorous loads from runoff and development and numerous Pfiesteria outbreaks helped put the Neuse on American River’s Ten Most Endangered Rivers List as recently as 2007.

I’ll be paddling the 193 miles from the Fall’s Lake Dam (Raleigh, NC) to New Bern to raise awareness of water quality issues within the Neuse River watershed. The trip will begin August 27, 2009, and I plan to take about 10 days to reach New Bern and the beginning of the Pamlico Sound. On September 6, I’ll also be working with the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation with a public paddling session in New Bern. Details will be posted to the website as they are finalized.

Along the way, I’ll be posting podcasts, photos, and journals to our website. To receive these up-to-the-minute updates of the trip, make sure to subscribe to our website by email or RSS.

Education and Outreach

A number of agencies and organizations will be involved in this effort. If your agency, group, media outlet would like more information, participate in the expedition, or schedule a slideshow after the trip, please feel free to Contact Us.We are also available to talk to your school and organization about water quality issues, our expedition down the Mississippi River, or John’s thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Groups involved in this Effort

Schedule

Leave Raleigh: Aug 27
Smithfield: Aug 29 (resupply)
Goldsboro: Aug 31
Kinston: Sept 2 (resupply)
New Bern: Sept 4

Neuse River Expedition Sponsors

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Paddling on the Haw River

John — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:49:43 +0000

I wrote this article for the Greensboro News and Record a few years ago about a day trip on the Haw River. The Haw’s had a tremendous impact on the of history in this area, and I’d love to go down the whole thing sometime. I paddled the three mile stretch of the Haw below Jordan Lake when I paddled the Cape Fear River in ‘06 -JP

The Haw River has been a valuable resource to the Piedmont area for hundreds of years. Beginning just east of Kernersville, the Haw serves as source of drinking water, recreation, and economic development for the eight counties contained within its watershed. The Haw River is about 110 miles long, and below Jordan Dam it joins with the Deep River to form the Cape Fear River.

Beginning in the early 1800’s, a series of dams were constructed to power the textile mills that processed cotton from surrounding communities. These mills provided jobs to a rural population, but also caused tremendous environmental damage from the dyes and other chemicals released into the water. Today there are six dams still left on the river, but most of the mills have closed their doors.

There has been resurgence in attention to preserving the cultural wealth of the mills and surrounding villages and providing for enhanced recreation opportunities on the Haw River. This has been the result of several different public agencies, non-profit organizations, and user groups combining their efforts to provide funding and expertise toward the management and development of parks, trails, riparian zone restoration, and sustainable development.

The Glencoe Mill Village project outside of Burlington has been a model for preservation through the use of public and private agencies to preserve an historic mill village, provide for recreation access, and promote new investment in under-developed areas of North Carolina. The historic mill in Saxapahaw has also gone through a recent renovation to provide apartments, office space, and meeting areas.

There are for several reasons protecting of the Haw River is important. A number of communities use the Haw as either a primary or secondary source of drinking water. Increased pressure from urban sprawl contributes to a loss of wetlands and permeable soil. The state of North Carolina loses over 100,000 acres to development each year. Several sources of pollution have been addressed, but there is still plenty of work to be done. Industrial waste, storm water running off paved surfaces, and sediment loading from agricultural erosion are just a few of the items that need to be addressed to protect the river for future generations.
Paddling on the Haw River

I recently spent the day paddling on the Haw River with Andrew Downs, an employee with the Haw River Canoe and Kayak Company based out of Saxapahaw. Andrew recently received his master’s degree from the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University and has been very involved with the Haw River for the past year. Among other things, he wrote two grants to be used for recreation development along the Haw River as part of his master’s project. He’s a sharp guy, and I was glad to have him as my guide.

I packed up some of my personal gear from when my fiancé’ and I paddled the Mississippi River last summer for this daytrip. Same shirt. Same hat. Same paddle. Same PFD (personal flotation device) Same everything. I get kind of nostalgic about gear—It brings back a lot of good memories. For some reason my PFD fit a bit more snuggly then it did ten months ago. Must have shrunk in the closet or something.

The plan was to put in at Saxapahaw and paddle about eleven miles to Chicken Bridge Road. Chicken Bridge Road was named after an infamous wreck several years ago. A truck loaded with live chickens overturned, releasing hundreds of chickens into the wild. From what I’ve heard, chickens could still be found in the area for several years afterward.

With the recent rain, the river was running a bit higher than normal for this time of year. The Haw River is a dynamic river, and the depth rises and falls quickly with summer thunderstorms. The section we were going down normally has a couple of small rapids to negotiate, but this can change quickly. There have been a number of rescues and drownings on the lower sections of the Haw. It is very important to watch the river levels and plan accordingly.

Putting the canoe into the water involved dragging it down a steep, rocky slope covered in poison ivy and kudzu. For a second I was worried about getting dragged down by the kudzu’s spindly fingers never to be seen again. Somehow we persevered, and soon we were on our way.

Andrew was guiding from the stern (back of the canoe) and it took me awhile to get used to paddling from the bow (front of the canoe.) After awhile, things began to mesh together and my muscles remembered what it was like to hold a paddle again. They would really remember the next day, as I was so sore it felt like someone had pummeled me with a canoe paddle.

A few miles downriver we spotted a rope swing tied to a tall tree branch. It was about 90 degrees already, so this seemed like a natural spot to take a break and go for a swim. I love rope swings, and seldom miss a chance to go flying out above the water and jumping in. There’s always a little voice inside my head saying that the rope is going to break and I’m and fool for getting on but I pay it no heed. Life’s too short to ignore good rope swings.

We reached the halfway point of the trip at East Greensboro-Chapel Hill Road. There was a gentleman there who was having a bear of a time getting his canoe out of the water. When we found him, he was holding his trolling motor battery in one hand and hanging onto a half-filled boat in the other. The bank there is quite steep and muddy, and he stuck between a rock and a hard place. We jumped out and dragged his craft onto shore. Always nice to help someone else out —karmic brownie points and all that.

Along the way we collected trash and debris that floated from the river. Bottles, cans, and styrofoam cups were some of the things in our collection. Anyone want to buy a (slightly used) 265/18” rim and tire?

We soon reached the Chicken Bridge Road and pulled onto shore. The canoe was put on the rack, paddles and other gear went into the pickup bed, and celebratory photos were taken our day on the water. I’d like to thank the folks at the Haw River Canoe and Kayak Company for providing the canoe and Andrew’s guidance for the day. A hot, sunny day on the water beats a day in the office anytime.

Haw River Resources

Guidebook

Paddling Eastern North Carolina, Paul Ferguson

Organizations

The Haw River Assembly

Preservation North Carolina

Haw River Trail

Carolina Canoe Club

Guide Service

Haw River Canoe and Kayak

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Hypoxia Information on the Mississippi River Basin and Delta

John — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:29:32 +0000

The “Dead Zone” in the Gulf of Mexico continues to grow each year and excessive nutrients are sent downstream. It’s been estimated to cover over 8,500 square miles, or roughly the size of New Jersey. Here are some links with more info about the cause and effects of eutrophication in the Gulf.

US EPA site on Mississippi River Hypoxia

Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Watch

National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science

Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Assessment

Environmental Literacy Council

The Great Flood of Summer 1993: Mississippi River Discharge Studied

Death in the Gulf of Mexixo – National Wildlife Magazine

USGS Hypoxia Fact Sheet

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Bighead Carp found in Lake Pepin

John — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:13:46 +0000

This is a huge issue for many reasons. Non-native Asian carp are moving upstream, and have now been found in Lake Pepin. Authorities don’t think this was part of a breeding population, but the implications are massive if they are not brought under control.

Bighead and silver carp were brought over to help clean up water in southern fish farms, but soon escaped and are extending their range. They overpower the local ecosystem once they come in, and I consider these fish to be the kudzu of the Mississippi River basin.

“Bighead carp are one of several types of Asian carp that were imported to the United States more than three decades ago, escaped into the wild and now threaten to overwhelm native fish populations in the Mississippi River watershed. They have taken over large portions of the Illinois and Missouri rivers and are becoming increasingly common in the Mississippi as far north as central Iowa.”

This Asian carp found in Lake Pepin was caught by a commercial fisherman, and weighed almost 30 pounds.

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_7122483

http://tinyurl.com/32qqc

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Cape Fear River Expedition Update

John — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 15:59:14 +0000

Things are really heating up for the Cape Fear River Expedition. I will be paddling 200 miles down the Cape Fear River, beginning November 1 from Jordan Lake in central North Carolina. Along the way I will be taking water quality samples and reporting results from the river. Podcasting in real time is also on the table as soon as we work o a few bugs.

I’m also working with several science classes by giving class lectures on water quality in the Cape Fear Basin, interacting with students and teachers via email, and communicating throughout the trip about my experiences. If your group or class would like to participate in this unique experience, feel free to contact us.

Sponsorship is beginning to come together as well. Great Outdoor Provision Company is again acting as lead sponsor, Astral Buoyancy is providing a personal floatation device, and Eagle Nest Outfitters is supplying me with a camping hammock and related hardware. My utmost appreciation goes out to these companies for their support.

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Cape Fear River Expedition

John — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 18:21:10 +0000

The Cape Fear River is formed by the confluence of the Deep and Haw rivers in southeastern Lee County. The Cape Fear Basin (watershed) is the largest North Carolina, containing over 9,000 square miles. The watershed is under tremendous development pressure, with over 100 acres of forest and cropland lost each day.

As North Carolina’s population continues to increase, the need for adequate protection of its water resources become more acute. Riparian zone restoration, land trusts, enforcement of environmental regulations, and sustainable development are all key components to providing clean water for generations to come.
John paddled nearly the entire Cape Fear River to raise awareness of water quality within the Cape Fear Basin. He began on November 1, 2006, and took 10 days to paddle the 180 miles to Wilmington, NC. A number of agencies and organizations were involved in this effort as well. If your group or media outlet would like more information, please feel free to contact us for more information.

Education and Outreach

The Wake County Department of Environmental Services donated a water quality meter for use during the journey. During his paddle, John tested several parameters (dissolved oxygen, turbidity, etc) and posted results from the river. He also worked with several middle school classes before, during, and after the trip via email and class discussions. While in Wilmington, he helped lead a Community paddling trip and gave a presentation at the Cape Fear River Watch office

We are available to talk to schools and organizations about water quality, the Cape Fear River, or our expedition down the Mississippi. If your class or program would like more information, please feel free to contact us.

Groups involved in this Effort

Haw River Assembly

Cape Fear River Assembly

Cape Fear River Watch

Cape Fear River Expedition Sponsors

Astral Buoyancy
Eagles Nest Outfitters

Level Six

Pacific Outdoor Equipment

Native Eyewear

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Cape Fear River Expedition: Just the facts, ma’am

John — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 16:07:22 +0000

I’m kind of a numbers dork, and while I’m paddling for ten hours a day, I have nothing to do besides figure out all manner of minutia concerning the trip. Here’s the facts, and nothing but the facts, about the Cape Fear River Expedition.

1) 160,000: the approximate number of paddle strokes taken.
2) 6: number of cans of chicken consumed.
3) 10: days spent paddling.
4) 4: AA batteries used for the GPS and tape recorder.
5) 8: number of days between showers.
6) 7: Aleve painkillers taken.
7) 16′ 5″: length of the Hurricane Tracer sea kayak used.
8 ) 48: approximate number of energy bars consumed.
9) 1: number of capsizes.
10) 1: number of hydration bladders lost as a result of said capsize.
11) 190: miles paddled
12) 4.75: miles walked (roundtrip) to a convenience store in Riegelwood, NC to buy a newspaper with the election results.
13) 5: approximate number of square inches with poison ivy as a result of the trip.
14) 8′x10′: size of my tarp to go over the hammock.
15) 6: Gatoraide bottles purchased during the trip.
16) 1/2: tubes of sunscreen used
17) 3: nights below freezing.
18) 2: pogies that work better when they’re not frozen to the paddle.
19) 4,500: average number of calories burned daily.
20) 48: approximate number of bottle of water consumed.
21) 11: water quality samples taken
22). 1: exceedingly patient fiancée’ that stayed at home while I paddled the river.

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Cape Fear River – Podcast – Preparations before the Journey

John — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:17:58 +0000

Cape Fear River Podcasts – Preparations – October 31 2006

Here’s a podcast from Oct 31, 2006. I was preparing to go down paddle the Cape Fear River and going through the last-minute details. Enjoy.

-John

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