May 29 GRDA Weekly Update
Tips for a Safe Illinois River Float Trip, Part 2
While many movies glamorize swinging on rope swings and jumping into rivers from bluffs or bridges, you should avoid diving into rivers or streams from bridges, bluffs, stream banks and trees. Not only could there be submerged logs and tree branches that could cause you bodily harm, this type of activity is often unlawful and could result in a citation. Even the simplest of tasks like walking can be dangerous. River wading shoes ensure no cuts to your feet. You should also take measures to protect your skin and eyes. Be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses as well as bring sunblock lotion. You’d be surprised how quickly the sun reflecting off the water can give a person not wearing sunglasses a headache. Extra clothing is a good idea as it will prevent sunburns. You should also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, or other thirst-quenching drinks. Alcohol will exacerbate the effects of dehydration, so avoid alcohol consumption and remember that alcoholic beverages are unlawful on the Scenic Rivers. Bring snacks to help you maintain your energy. The last thing you want to lose on your next float trip is your car keys. Do yourself a favor and leave them with the float operator before you get into the canoe. In fact, you should leave anything you don’t want to lose behind, either at home or locked in your car.
While some people think rules were meant to be broken, it couldn’t be further from the truth on a float trip. Rules are there for your safety. A float trip is not a license to party. Law enforcement officials watch for drug use, underage drinking and nudity. Most of the people taking float trips are on the river to enjoy nature. Respect others by controlling your noise. Rest assured that GRDA Police will be there to ensure that the rules are followed for the enjoyment and safety of all. Be sure to respect the rights of fisherman and private property owners. If you plan to go camping, camp in designated areas so you can avoid being trapped by rising water against bluffs or on gravel bars. Don’t tie your canoes or rafts together as it is a safety hazard to do so and you’ll be subject to a fine. You’ll also want to keep Oklahoma’s scenic rivers and streams clean for others. Don’t use glass or Styrofoam containers and use the trash bags provided by the float operator or the GRDA to keep from littering.
Due to logs and submerged trees, many floaters experience a cut or scrape from time to time. Be sure to wash any cuts or scrapes with clean water and soap after swimming. Everyone should shower after a float trip to cleanse themselves of microorganisms from river water. Finally, avoid swimming in any water that has a temperature greater than 80ºF, is near storm drains, stagnate or with a green surface scum, has floating debris, oil sheens or dead fish. This type of water could contain contaminates that are harmful to your health.
If you don't mind a crowd, go on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer. If you don’t like a crowd, and just want to enjoy the peace and serenity of the river, go on weekdays. Spring and fall floats are the best; and a sunny winter day can be very special. The key is . . . get outside and enjoy the quiet, the countryside, and all that nature has to offer on float trips in Oklahoma.
Floater's Guide
Adopt-The-Shoreline
First ATS Results in Tons of Trash, Tons of Fun
It's been a long journey to get where we are today, but the first organized effort to make a positive impact on the condition of our shoreline on Grand Lake is complete. Over the last few weeks, we have seen dozens of volunteers working together with one common goal; to clean the shores of Lady Grand from the debris that has littered the lake for years. Without the volunteers, as well as our local businesses that committed their personnel, equipment and other resources, we could not have made the impact that we have, just in time for the beginning of the 2018 lake season.
The impact is obvious to those that look at our shorelines compared to just six months ago. The numbers speak for themselves as to what has been accomplished. The volunteers working on the ATS program have been responsible for the removal of 40 tons of debris from Grand Lake, and in conjunction with the work done by the GRDA Shoreline Maintenance Crew this spring, we have completed the removal of 89 tons of trash and debris from the shores of Grand Lake.
What was not so obvious about this program was the impact on the people involved in the project. Neighbors working with neighbors, having a good time working together to take ownership of their lake by removing unsightly debris from the shores to improve the environment and the quality of life for all. Businesses working hand-in-hand with residents and community groups to make our lake home better for all. It was tough work, it was dirty work, but you could tell by the smiles and laughter on their faces that everyone had a great time working together to make a difference on our environment. The sweat equity paid by these people will serve us all well.
It has been nearly two years since the process began to get the GRDA Adopt the Shoreline program to what it has become today. The program that will benefit so many, was the concept of one person, GRDA Shoreline Compliance Officer Scott Horton. He realized the need after seeing the impact of shoreline debris on our lake during monthly flights over the area. He recognized the value of an ATS program after seeing a similar program in a neighboring state. Scott has worked tirelessly since beginning the program by working with area stakeholders in getting the program off the ground, obtaining needed equipment and resources, recruiting Zone Coordinators, volunteers and Supporting Members to commit to the initiative. The results are obvious when you look at the shores of Lady Grand compared to what it was a short time ago. For this, we say "Thank You, Scott".
In spite of the improvements made thus far, there will be a continual need to maintain our shores from the environmental and esthetic impacts of debris that will continue to float into our lake. The GRDA Shoreline Maintenance Crew will continue working hard to keep our shores in pristine condition. But it will take much more to ensure that we can maintain the best possible environment at our lakes. We encourage everyone to consider your place in the ATS program by signing up for the fall 2018 ATS event.
Thanks to all for helping us in Keepin' It Grand!
Buoy Business
The GRDA Shoreline Maintenance Crew has been busy the past few months clearing the shores of our lakes of debris. As the spring ATS program winds down, GRDA Police and shoreline crews are working to improve navigation controls on the lakes by repairing, replacing and installing buoys and buoy lights in preparation for the boating season.
GRDA Controlled Hunts 2018
The Grand River Dam Authority is announcing that it will once again hold controlled hunts, for the upcoming deer and waterfowl seasons, on its Ottawa County properties along the Neosho River. Those interested in applying for these special draw hunts, can register online at www.grda.com/grda-hunting-drawing. The registration period begins June 1 and runs through July 31.
Prospective hunters can apply as individuals or with a group of up to four individuals. This year’s schedule will include a “youth-only” hunt during the youth deer gun season. While the hunts are open to the public, GRDA also asks that residents of its municipal customer, public power communities upload a copy of a utility bill as proof of residence for consideration for special opening day hunts. The controlled hunts for deer and waterfowl will begin this fall.
Safety
Did You Know?
True or False: Persons operating a paddleboard or kayak on our lakes must have a life jacket with them, but are not required to wear them.
Answer: False - GRDA Regulations require that "Persons using paddleboards, canoes or kayaks on the waters of GRDA MUST wear a life jacket at all times. Paddleboards, canoes and kayaks shall not be used between the hours of one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise. Paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks shall stay within one-hundred fifty (150) feet of the shoreline unless in a no wake cove, hollow or creek."
Tour Season for the Pensacola Dam
Construction of the Pensacola Dam began in 1938 with completion in 1940. The dam’s 51 arches and 21 spillways total length is 5,145 feet and span about one mile, which makes the Pensacola Dam one of the longest multiple arch dams in the world and is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the tour season for the Pensacola Dam. Come visit us at GRDA’s Ecosystems & Education Center for a free tour of the Historic Pensacola Dam, the only hydroelectric facility in the state open to public tours. We are located at 420 Hwy 28, next to the Pensacola Dam in Langley, Ok. The tours are every hour on the hour starting at 9:00 AM with the last tour going out at 4:00 PM, every day, including holidays.
How To Properly Fit A Life Jacket
"Updates" on the Web
Did you not receive our latest GRDA Update? Do you have a friend that wants to see our Updates? You can now go to our website at GRDA.com to view the latest edition of GRDA Police Updates. Go to the Lakes/River tab, open the GRDA Police tab and click on the GRDA Police Update for the latest version of our email release.
Free Vessel Inspection Dates
018 VESSEL INSPECTION SCHEDULE
All inspections held 10 am—2 pm
Saturday June 2 Tera Miranda
Saturday June 16 Elk River Landing Marina
Saturday June 16 Indian Hills Marina
Saturday Sept 18 Arrowhead Yacht Club (Wooden Boat Classic)
Life Jacket Loaner Stations Available
The Grand Lake Sail & Power Squadron is proud to assist those visiting Grand Lake that may have forgotten, or may not own, a life jacket for children and/or adults participating in on-the-water activities. This program is made possible through sponsorship from the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA), and also appreciated participation of the local Grand Lake Sports Center in Grove. GLSPS members stock and monitor the Loaner Stations around the lake. The Loaner Stations are located near boat ramps at Bernice State Park, Honey Creek State Park, Elk River Landing, Wolf Creek Park and at Twin Bridges State Park. Grand Lake boaters who wish to support the program can donate used life jackets in good condition, at the Grand Lake Association Visitors Center in Grove.
Boating Tips From the GLSPS
As the operator of your boat, you are responsible for the safety of your crew and passengers. Don’t make sudden changes in direction or speed that can cause them to lose their balance and fall. If you have to make a sudden change, give a timely warning. Always be watchful for boat wakes and waves that can unseat your passengers causing possible injuries. Remember to slow down, turn into the wake or wave just before you reach it at a forty-five-degree angle, then return to your original course after passing through it.
Never allow anyone to ride in the bow of your boat with legs dangling over the gunwale or sitting straddling the bow. They can easily become unseated by an unexpected wake or wave and thrown overboard and run over by the boat being mangled or killed by the propeller.
Interested in becoming more confident in your boating skills? Boat Smart from the start and take a course from America’s Boating Club, the United States Power Squadrons. For local information visit our website at: usps.org/grandlake or on Face Book at GLSPS.
NAV TIME
A Summary of Boating Laws, Navigation Regulations & Tips
That All Boat Operators Should Know
Courtesy on the Boat Ramp
Boat ramp traffic jams can be prevented if everyone practices common courtesy as the ramp. Be sure you observe these simple courtesies:
· Prepare your vessel for launching or the drive home well away from the ramp.
· Use at least two experience people to launch and retrieve the vessel-one to drive the towing vehicle and one to operate the boat.
· Novice boaters should practice towing, especially backing up, in an open field or parking lot before their launch and retrieval. This will give you the feel for the trailer and how it maneuvers in relation to the towing vehicle.
· Never block a ramp with an unattended vessel or vehicle. Move the vessel away from the launch lane immediately after removing it from the trailer. Return briefly to pick up the vehicle driver once they have parked the vehicle and is back at the ramp.
· When retrieving, do not pull your vessel into a launch lane until the towing vehicle is at the ramp. The line is formed by vehicles with trailers, not by vessels in the water. Drop off the vehicle driver and wait offshore, and clear the ramp until your vehicle arrives with the trailer.
Take advantage of the program this Saturday!
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