The Great Outdoors
MyOutdoorBuddy.com, MAY0908
By Frank Galusha, EasyWriter (c) 2008

SACRAMENTO RIVER FLOAT TRIP SET FOR MAY 17

Chico -- The Sacramento River Preservation Trust (Trust) and Associated Students Adventure Outings (AO) are co-sponsoring a Sacramento River float on May 17, 2008. The float will cover 12 miles of the Sacramento River from Mill Creek to Woodson Bridge, in Tehama County. It will be a full day event from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m..

This is a great opportunity to see, experience and photograph a beautiful stretch of the River! A wide range of bird species, both resident and migratory, may be spotted. Other wildlife, including salmon, river otter and deer, may make their presence known as well. Binoculars and cameras are recommended.

River guides and boating equipment including rafts and lifejackets will be provided by AO. Participants will start in Chico, meeting at the AO Equipment Warehouse. Transportation is provided, with a trip cost of $35 for Trust members, and $45 for non-members. Trust membership is available upon reserving. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch and water. Due to insurance restrictions, only those 18 years of age or older may participate. Space is limited and this trip will fill up quickly. Reserve your spot by contacting the Trust at (530) 345-1865 -- Liz Gardner, Office Manager, Sacramento River Preservation Trust, P.O. Box 5366, Chico, CA 95927 (530) 345-1865 liz@sacrivertrust.org

Willows - Jennifer Stockton at the Sacramento Wildlife Refuge dropped us a note about what's going on at the refuge these days.

The migratory birds have headed back north to their breeding grounds so things have slowed down at the SNWR. There is still some activity. We have resident wildlife, a few ducks and geese that have decided to stick around for the summer and the employees are hard at work catching up on projects and preparing for next season.

There is one event coming up in May that you may be of interest to MyOutdoorBuddy readers. We're celebrating International Migratory Bird Day at the Colusa NWR and it's going to be exciting. The time is 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. We will have an early morning bird walk; then discover the wildlife in the area with a Power Point presentation with Assistant Refuge Manager, Mike Peters. Following that, we'll have the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new visitor services facilities and the bench dedication at the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, followed by a guided tour on the three-mile auto loop. RSVP by May 1 by calling 530/934-2801. You can reach Stockton at (530) 934-2801 if you have any questions.

GET WILD ABOUT THE REFUGE
Willows -- Have you ever wanted to guide a school group through a nature trail, ride on an airboat through a marsh or roll up your sleeves and get dirt under your finger nails?

Nationwide, almost 38,000 volunteers have contributed over 1.4 million hours annually to America's National Wildlife Refuges doing just such activities, and many more. You too can donate your time, whether it is a few hours a week, a month or during a special event at your local refuge - the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.

People volunteer at the Refuge for a number of reasons. They may want to help protect wildlife, have a desire to give back to their community, have some extra time on their hands or need community service hours for school. The only requirement for volunteering is the urge to help and an individual's ability to make a commitment.

Whatever your interests are, there is a place for you at the Refuge. Employees and volunteers are rolling up their sleeves and working throughout the year to maintain habitat for both wildlife and people. Current volunteer opportunities involve interacting with people in the Visitor Center, on the auto tour and the Wetlands Walk trail. There are also opportunities to facilitate school tours of all ages by exploring nature and the Refuge with them.

Volunteering isn't just about what you give, but also what you get back. It is remarkable to watch a visitor's face light up when you help them catch a glimpse of their first American Bittern, or listen to the collective gasp of a school group as a Bald Eagle soars over their heads while on the Wetlands Walk. There is a feeling of accomplishment after a hard day's work that results in a newly revamped hunter check station glimmering with fresh paint. You also get that feeling of making a difference when you look at the dirt under your fingernails after planting vegetation that will provide food and habitat for wildlife. When you think about it, everyone benefits from volunteering. Visit the Refuge Web site at fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefuges or call at 530-934-2801 if you want additional information about the Refuge and volunteer opportunities.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 97-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 548 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 63 fish and wildlife management offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance program, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.

DFG WARNS: LEAVE WILD ANIMALS ALONE
Sacramento -- The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds everyone that feeding wildlife, whether directly or indirectly, is never a good idea.

Wildlife encounters often increase with the availability of food, and feeding can result in an attack, injury, damaged property and often the death of the animal.

"When there are conflicts between humans and wild animals, the animals lose," said Eric Loft, Chief, DFG Wildlife Branch. "Don't feed wild animals. They don't need our handouts, they need our respect. We should all take responsibility for the wild animals whose habitat we share. When humans are careless, wild animals usually pay the price."
Wild animals have natural instincts about what, when and where they should eat. Those that become accustomed to being fed may become dependent on human generosity and expand their activities to get more food from people. These animals can damage fences and structures, become pests and threaten human safety in the process. People who feed wildlife mean well, but doing so upsets an animal's natural diet, puts the animal at unnecessary risk and often disrupts the natural survival instincts of the animal.

"It's never a good idea to feed wildlife; it's as simple as that," said DFG Senior Biologist Terry Palmisano. "When people feed wildlife, animals become habituated to that source of food, which can lead to unnaturally bold or aggressive behavior. That type of behavior results in conflicts between wildlife and humans and most often leads to the death of the animal."
Preventing human and wildlife conflicts is the goal of DFG's "Keep Me Wild" campaign, which encourages people to respect all wildlife by leaving them alone and allowing them to live as wild animals.

The most common problems begin with people who leave pet food outside at night, intentionally put food out for wildlife or allow animals access to crops.

DFG urges pet owners to feed pets early in the day and to retrieve dishes at night, or feed pets indoors. If a pet door is used, owners should be aware that some animals - particularly raccoons and skunks - may use that door to enter the house in search of an easy meal. Lockable pet doors with manual locks are available as are doors that will open only when pets wearing magnetic collars attempt to enter.

Palmisano also warns that people who feed wildlife are at greater risk of being attacked when animals grow accustomed to being fed and then have that feeding disturbed in some way. People who feed animals are also at a greater risk from the spread of disease and parasites. Urban areas often have an array of turkeys, skunks, opossums and raccoons looking for food, with predators such as coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions following that prey down into residential neighborhoods. These animals can cause problems for pets and unsuspecting neighbors who may not want the visitors in their yard. For these reasons, it is illegal to feed big game, such as deer and bears.

Appropriate, strong fencing is the best way to protect both your property, wildlife and public resources. While DFG can issue depredation permits to remove certain animals that have already caused damage, wildlife biologists always recommend taking measures to prevent problems before they start.

To learn more about the "Keep Me Wild" campaign visit "Keep me wild at the DFG website.

MORE NEW NEWS FROM KAYAK ZAK
Orick -- Marna Powell of Kayak Zak's in Humboldt County gathers a lot of information and distributes a newsletter to keep "paddlers" of all types informed about what is going on along the northwest coast and on our inland rivers. She also holds her own classes. MyOutdoorBuddy is pleased to pass this news along to anyone already involved with these sports and those who have a desire to learn. Powell mentions many classes that could be of great benefit to newcomers as well as veteran kayakers and canoe buffs. Mark your calendars or call Powell for more detailed info. Her number is shown at the bottom of her reports.
In her latest email, Powell said: "Seems I've done a great job of getting everyone else's events out except my own."
Here is the Kayak Zak's Spring Special Events Schedule. Note that the Jefferson State Slalom dates have changed. Note too, the May 31 Games class should be especially fun and a great learning venue. If you can only make it to one class, this is the one I would recommend.

For more info contact: Kayak Zak's 707 498-1130. All events will be at Big Lagoon County Park unless otherwise noted. Lectures will be held on land, near water. No paddling experience required! Lectures are 1 to 2 hours, Clinics 2 to 3, and classes are approx. 6 hours. Class and clinic pricing does not include kayaks or gear. Kayak and wet suit rentals are available at a rental discount for all on-water classes and clinics. There is a $2 parking fee at Big Lagoon. On-water clinics and classes require reservation. Just drop by and bring a folding chair for on-land lectures.

Saturday, May 10 -- Northern Mountain Supply Kayak Demo Day (FREE!) Time TBA
Samoa Bridge Boat Launch, Eureka. Kayak Zak's will give free Kayak 101 on-land classes all day. Learn how to get in and out safely, avoid capsize, and what to do with a paddle, then try some kayaks. Call (707) 445-1711 or 1-800-878-3583 for demo info.

Saturday, May 17 -- Women On Water -- WOW! $10.00, 9:30 a.m. Sisterhood on the water. Bring a lunch and enjoy meeting other women who paddle. Make new friends for life. In addition to our kayak trip Glenda Hesseltine will share easy Tai Chi moves and Becky Sandman will give us tips on Feng Shui. This is currently the only WOW event planned for 2007.
Memorial Weekend, beginning Friday May 2 -- The Kayak Zak Rental Trailer will be at Big Lagoon County Park Every Day through Labor Day. Come on down and rent a kayak weather permitting with the exception of Saturday, June 7 and Friday, August 8, 2008.

Saturday, May 24 -- Paddling without Joint Pain Lecture (FREE) 10:00 a.m.

Don't let arthritis, Lyme disease, or other joint afflictions prevent you from paddling. Learn how to adapt kayaks, gear, paddle technique, and your lifestyle. Bring a chair or seat.

Saturday, May 31 -- Games We Can Play in Kayaks ($60) Time 10:00 a.m.
ACA Instructor Trainer Andree Hurley will lead this fun class designed to develop skills while we play. Prerequisite: Basic boat control skills are all you need! Beginners and advanced kayakers should all find value in this course. Instructors will pick up new tools for their students.

Sunday, June 1 -- ACA Skills Update ($100) Time 9:00 a.m.
ACA Instructor Trainer Andree Hurley will host this important component of recertification for ACA sea kayak instructors. Other intermediate to advanced paddlers wishing to improve skill are also welcome to join us. This course begins Saturday evening in McKinleyville.

Saturday, June 7 -- National Trails Day Stone Lagoon Guided Trips ($40) 9:30 a.m. & noon
Kayak Zak's will offer discounted guided trips at pristine Stone Lagoon. Includes kayak, paddle, PFD, mini-lesson and tour guide. Does not include wetsuits. Book these trips through the event coordinators at: (707) 845-2317 for more info. There will also be exhibits, workshops, bird watching, horseback riding, hiking, games, booths, food, music, and prizes. Fun for the whole family. Redwood Parks Lodge events site at mile marker 124 on Hwy 101 just north of Orick surrounded by Redwood National Park.

Sat & Sun, June 7 & 8 -- Jefferson State Slalom Race, time TBA, South Fork Smith River. The ACA Del Norte Whitewater Club will host this fun event. Contact Gary Hull for more info 458-3017

Saturday, June 14 -- Strokes & Maneuvers Clinic: $40.00, 9:30 a.m.
Did you know that you can make your kayak dance? Rudders, draws, pries, sideways, forward, backwards, at rest and on the move. Includes the all-allusive sideslip! We will play a fun game or two afterwards.
Saturday, June 21 -- Avoiding Paddling Injuries Lecture (FREE) 10:00 a.m.

Getting injured is never fun and paddling should always be fun! This interactive discussion will cover many topics and provide lots of great tips to ensure that you have a good time and get home in one piece. Feel free to share your own great advice too!

Saturday, June 28 -- Open Water Rescue & Recovery Class ($45) 9:30 a.m.
Assisted recoveries, self-rescue, and more. What works best for one person may not work at all for another. Discover the way that works best for you. Wetsuit or dry suit and helmets required. Class size is limited.
Above prices do not include kayaks and gear. If you need these items please arrange for them at the time you register. Discounted rental prices for all on-water classes and clinics: Kayak & Paddle: $20.00; Farmer John Wetsuit: $5.00' Neoprene Booties: $5.00; Splash Jacket: $FREE; PFD: $FREE; Helmet: $FREE

Marna Powell, Owner, Kayak Zak's 707 498-1130 Powell says: "MORE FUN IS MORE GOOD!"
That's not all, there's other older news from Kayak Zak's that's still news. Powell sent in the following roundup several weeks ago but since many of the events still lie ahead, MyOutdoorBuddy is keeping them on the site.
REPORT TOPICS (in order of appearance in Powell's report)
Kayak Zak's Spring Schedule
Learn to roll your kayak with Helen (Greenland or Bust)
Jefferson State Kayak Slalom and Downriver Championships
Northern Mountain Kayak Demo Day May 10
Burnt Ranch Trinity River Strainer Alert
ACA Skills Update June 1
SEIC Focus link
ACA link for info & news
Big Kayak Sale Outdoor Store & Pro Sport
Free Kayak Classes at Adventure's Edge
Banff Mountain Film Festival
LEAP River Night
National Trails Day June 7
Center Activities events
Humboats special event QIGONG Intensive
Swift Water Rescue courses offered

There are many great and fun events coming up. Please, if you have not already done so, take a CPR and First Aid course. Look below for the Center Activities link for these courses or contact your local Red Cross or Fire Department for other courses in your area. Also, if you run whitewater rivers in your canoe, kayak, or raft, or if you spend a lot of time fishing rivers you really need to take a swift water rescue course (see below). Heck, the life you save could be mine!
Kayak Zak's spring special events schedule is available. In addition to these events, we will be on site at Big Lagoon County park with the rental trailer beginning in May as weather conditions permit. Rentals will be available at Big Lagoon seven days a week throughout the summer from Memorial through Labor Day weekend with the exception of Saturday, June 7 and Friday August 8. Trinidad Cove Guided tours are available most mornings, again conditions permitting.
What about greenlandorbust.org? We are getting there! My pet project is to ship my program assistant, Helen Wilson off to Greenland for the Greenland National Kayaking Championships taking place July 9 - 15, 2008. I think we can get her as far as Baltimore now. We still have time to raise funds. Helen is offering to teach kayak rolling on Friday mornings at our lagoons. She said it is free with an optional donation. Contact Helen at greenlandorbust.org or at the Arcata Community Pool every Wednesday night at 7:30 practicing her rolls.

From Rachel McCain: The ACA-Affiliated Del Norte Whitewater Club will be hosting the 15th Jefferson State Kayak Slalom and Downriver Championships on May 17-18th, 2008 on the South Fork of the Smith River in Crescent City. This event, which was the Pacific Northwest Regional Qualifier for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, had previously been dormant until last year's resurrection brought in approximately 50 local and out-of-town competitors and spectators. This year, we are planning to expand the event further by increasing publicity up and down the West Coast. The club is also looking for help in the way of sponsorships, prize donations, volunteers, or anything else you can offer to make this event a success. For more information, contact club advisor, Gary Hull at ghull@delnorte.k12.ca.us

Saturday, May 10: Northern Mountain Supply Kayak Demo Day (FREE!) Time TBA: Samoa Bridge Boat Launch, Eureka. Kayak Zak's also be there to give free Kayak 101 on-land classes all day. Learn how to get in and out safely, avoid capsize, and what to do with a paddle, then try some kayaks. Call (707) 445-1711 or 1-800-878-3583 or go to northernmountain.com/ for demo info. While you are checking out that web link be sure to look at the "Killer Deals" offered online by Northern Mountain Supply.

Attn: ACA instructors of the sea kayaking persuasion: There will be an ACA Skills Update June 1 here in beautiful Humboldt County. Andree Hurley will be here to help us all re-certify. Other intermediate to advanced paddlers wishing to improve skill are also welcome to join us. If you are at all interested in participating please contact me as I am the person arranging this event. For more info on ACA requirements visit americancanoe.org/. For more info on Andree you can Google her name or go to her website at onwatersports.com/.

Since I did not receive ANY news from the ACA for over two years even though they had my correct address, and I kept calling and requesting some info...I can only assume that others have slipped through the cracks. If you are an instructor then you definitely want to receive the SEIC focus news. Here's a link for SEIC focus and there are back issues on the site at americancanoe.org. Get out your magnifying glasses and big screens as the print is small. For anyone interested in paddling you should be getting news from the American Canoe Association. Whether you join or not, here's a link to get you signed up, or to update your info if you would like to receive HTML format: acaenews.org/news/. I recommend joining a local ACA paddling club in your area. Along with becoming an ACA member and supporting your local paddle community you will receive "Paddler" magazine for free. (Congratulations to Mike Kord on your new position as "Paddler" editor.)
From Larry at Adventure's Edge: Like last year we will be conducting several free intro to kayaking evening clinics in the store followed up by a half day on the water with a beginning demo and instruction for those who want a chance to try kayaks. The introduction to kayak clinic will focus on what it takes to get started, where to go, tide books, dressing for the water, basic terminology, safety and technique. The dates for these free seminars are as follows: Thursday Evenings 6:45-8:45 p.m. May 15, June 5 and July 10. With the optional on-water demo on the following Saturdays beginning March 22. Contact Adventure's Edge at (707) 822-4673 at adventuresedge.com/

MORE GREAT EVENTS
Coming in July: Adventure's Edge Annual Kayak DEMO DAY at BIG LAGOON (Kayak Zak's will be there it give FREE Kayak 101 Lessons!)

Saturday, June 7: National Trails Day There will be exhibits, workshops, bird watching, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, games, booths, food, music, and prizes. Fun for the whole family! Redwood Parks Lodge events site at mile marker 124 on Hwy 101 just north of Orick surrounded by Redwood National Park. Kayak Zak's will offer discounted guided trips at pristine Stone Lagoon ($40) at 9:30 a.m. & Noon. Includes kayak, paddle, PFD, mini-lesson and tour guide. Does not include wetsuits. For more information on this event the web site will soon be updated: Redwood Adventures redwoodadventures.com/. Last year's event was fabulously fun!
HSU Center Activities has some very groovy outdoor courses this spring including bird watching, backpacking, rock climbing, sea kayaking, river kayaking, sailing, surfing, and many, many more plus all of those leisure activities and skills classes they offer. I very highly recommend that EVERYONE SHOULD BE CURRENT ON CPR AND FIRST AID. You can refresh or learn these skills with Center Activities on April 19 (CPR), and April 20 (First Aid). There is also a combined Adult CPR and First Aid course on April 13. Center Activities (707) 826-3357
In addition to the ongoing Whale Watching Tours and Kayak Fishing adventures that Humboats offers they have a special event coming up: QIGONG on the river with guest instructor Graham Sunstien. "We will spend a weekend kayaking along the Redwood lined Eel river. There will be daily meditation sessions and QIGONG Intensive geared toward the beginner and novice initiates alike. Class size limited to 6 participants. Kayaks, camping gear, meals, and guides are included. Cost-$550 pp May 16-18th." Contact Hawk at (707) 443-5157 humboats.com/

Refresh on your river rescue skills or build a new skill set with a series of ACA classes focusing on Swift Water Rescue. The classes are being offered through Shasta Community College in conjunction with Trinity River Rafting. If you're interested in this opportunity, you can go to trinityriverrafting.com to learn more. If you have any questions regarding the classes please feel free to contact Lou Jacobson (the lead instructor) at acaswr@yahoo.com or at 707-267-5338 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Wow, that was a lot of info and I didn't even get a plug in for our local paddle club, Explore North explorenorthcoast.net Check their website calendar for more great kayaking events! Thanks to everyone who sent me info. Safe paddling to all! - Marna Powell, Owner, Kayak Zak's 707-498-1130. "MORE FUN IS MORE GOOD!"

For fishing and hunting news hit your back button and click on the appropriate report.\

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