MINDEN: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the level of the Gull: how can I find the level from a guage?

Dave Ness, a PWGSC employee managing flows on the Trent Severn Waterway provided me recently with a stage flow table for the guage at the dam at the Minden Wildwater Preserve.

Dave Ness
Water Control Engineer
Trent-Severn Waterway
Telephone: 705 750-4902

In this table, one converts the "stick" measurement into a flow measurement using a specific table. I am including a photograph of the stick at its location below the dam in the pool: The guy with the fishing rod is standing right next to it.


unfortunately... there is no online guage for this "STICK"

The number in the chart are "cubic meters per second". These are matched to the guage reading.




There is an online guage upstream at NORLAND

http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/formNav.asp

search under "GULL AT NORLAND" and apply these conversions to their number to achieve release data on a cubic meters per second basis:




Here is the cms /cfs methodology

Note: 1 foot = 0.3048 meter

foot^3 per second = (foot x foot x foot) per second = (0.3048 meter x 0.3048 meter x 0.3048 meter) per second =
(0.3048 x 0.3048 x 0.3048 meter^3) per second = 0.028316846592 meter^3 per second.

So

1 cubic foot per second = 0.028316846592 cubic meter per second.



Where abouts is this preserve?

Minden, Ontario, north of Lindsey on Hwy 35

What river is it near?

The Gull River - part of the Trent Severn Waterway, controlled by Parks Canada (PWGSC)





Information available at the Kiosk: click on image



Cost to stay?

Member/non-member camping fees,

$8.00 members, $12.00 non members.

Yes, there are yearly passes.


This info is directed towards encouraging campers to pay up and why this is in their best long term interests,

General info regarding garbage disposal:

Pack it out with you. Do not leave garbage behind!!!!.






Good for any freestyle stuff or is it more of a running river?

River reading and running. Good surfing hole on top section for experts and strong intermediates.

Flow/Level Info: compliments of BOATWERKS!!!www.boatwerks.net/wl/
Gauge: below gauge


The gauge on the Gull is a stick-gauge, just down from the parking lot. There is not an accurate online gauge.


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Description:

The Gull is a short - 600m - section of continuous class 2-3 whitewater. It is a great river for practicing technical river-running skills and playboating. Where the river empties into Minden lake is one of the most popular learning spots in Southern Ontario.


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Directions:

GPS: N: 44 58.430 W: 78 32.519

From Minden go North to Horshoe Lk Rd. Turn rt and follow (3.5km) to parking lot on right. Put-in and take-out are within walking distance of the parking lot.


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Flow Information:

Low: runnable down to 4 cms, but starts to get bony around 8 cms.
Ideal: 18 cms and above - lots of water and good play
High: none. Routinely peaks above 40 cms in the spring.

Flow on the Gull is affected more by the dam than by natural runoff. This means that flows can change dramatically in a short time, based on how many logs get put in, or taken out on a particular day. The flow will rarely change dramatically over a weekend. Ironically, once summer season hits, the Gull often flows better in hot, dry conditions than it does in cool, moist conditions.
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Gauge info: this applies to the stick gauge just down from the parking lot. Use these #s to comvert the stick reading to flow (cms)

Gauge Flow
7.6 6.2
7.7 7.4
7.8 8.7
7.9 10.2
8.0 11.8
8.1 13.6
8.2 15.7
8.3 18.0
8.4 20.7
8.5 23.7
8.6 27.0
8.7 30.8
8.8 35.3
8.9 40.2

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Season:
Dam controlled, the Gull is paddleable year-round. January - March can see some big ice shelves in the eddies, but the river and the lake stay open 12 months. Most years, there is paddleable water all year with best flows from May - October.


Wanna check water levels from your cell phone?
levels page www.boatwerks.net/wl/




A MWWP promo blurb

Some numbers to consider. The Preserve ran at a $6000.00 deficit last season. We spent a bit more than previous years on maintanence. Our first weekend open and we had several campers - but not a penny in the money box. Someone left a huge bag of garbage on the ground beside the bin. This is a no trace camping area: ie garge is to be packed out.

For the moment we have a 100 percent rate of non payment for the first weekend of the summer. Keep in mind these dollar figures of past losses due to camping delinquencies,failure to pay their camping fees etc. People should be more responsible for using the preserve and make sure the other campers are paying for their stay. Users mst pay before they set up camp. Any customer that doesn't pay is not a customer, They are a thief and should be treated as such. Trespassers, non payers, may be reported to the police.

Its time to get back to the values of appreciation of someone doing something for you without feeling that this somehow entitles you to get a free ride and feel good about yourself, while taking advantage of the situation.
Volunteers put in a huge effort to make the park useful for paddlers. They volunteered huge hours but the first weekend of the season, we get a 100 percent non payment.

Provincial parks have no problem filling up their sites all summer. No provincial park is going to accept your IOU or the promise to buy a seasons pass later on. No honour system. They also charge twice to 3 times as much for the same kind of camping that you get at the Preserve. The big difference is the Preserve is very casual, you can bring your dog, drink anywhere you like, choose your site, come and go freely and get a good nights sleep. Most of those things are out when camping in provincial parks.

Minden provides camping along side an amazing river that wouldn't even exist if not for the foresight and hard work of previous WO members, yet folks regularily come and don't pay, leave exess garbage, generally take advantage and think no one notices or cares. By "dissing" or cheating or condeming WO paddlers are just short changing themselves. In the end WO is an idea or a concept that tries to further paddling needs, create a membership and maintain the Preserve and by extension the Gull River and it's history and future.


NEW SIGN for HARRINGTON PARK

SPONSORS WANTED

Public Meeting in Ville Marie

We are meeting with the public to discuss the Judicial Review and actions of Les Amis.

If you have contacts in the area would you care to promote this meeting for us?


Saturday, May 26th, École Frère Moffet (near of the Hospital) at 11h


The presentation will be about 45 minutes, with questions/discussions after the presentation,

duration: 1h-1h30

coffee and cookies refreshements available, books and Rally t-shirt, photos

Opémican map for discussion.

In the presentation:

-organisation (origin, members, why, when...) -the Kipawa river, wildlife animals, flora
-What Les Amis done, Kipawa trail, Rally, history of the implication of Les Amis, the book -presentation of the 2 hydroelectric projects, Hydro-Québec and algonquins)
-presentation of the Réserve de biodiversité projetée d'Opémican
-short Judicial Review presentation
-many photos, with map of the projects and Opémican


For now we have a newspaper ad with the invitation, if people in the region read the newspaper (I wish), they will read our invitation, we sent a email invitation to all the towns in the region(about 18 cities), invitations to all the media in the region (about 15), to the Société de Développement du Témiscamingue (20 employees), the SADC (Société d'Aide au Développement des Collectivités), the Carrefour jeunesse emploi, and all our personal contacts in the Témiscamingue.

We have put an invitation with the poster at Laniel, at the pedestral trail,
3-4 public places in Ville-Marie, and many dépanneurs in the citys near of Ville-Marie and Laniel (Guigues, Lorraiville, Béarn, Fabre), the region is big, so I don't go at all the 18 city in the region, we placed many invitations near Ville-Marie (35 km) and called the radio station to have some ad tomorrow and friday.

Its hard to believe people will drive more than 40-45 km to come, the region is very big...but we are hopeful.

I don,t know how many people will come, but if we have more than 20-25 people, I'll be happy.

Whitewater Ontario at Palmerfest 2007 05 19

Event and racebooks were handed out to approximately 200 newbies. I gave a brief address to the participants of the reel paddling film festival.

Pete

RACING NEWS and HIGH LIGHTS

RACING NEWS

CARDING for atheletes

Due to questions from stakeholders, this should clarify the situation for Sport Canada Carding 2007-2008. Please check the revised visualized carding structure chart. This chart is a simplified overview and taken from the written carding criteria. It includes all opportunities to get carded.

However, the main streams of carding in 2007-08 remain via International results and Senior National Interclass ranking.

There is very little chance to get a Development card for the next carding cycle.

According to the Senior National Interclass Ranking after 3 Team Trial races, the current candidates are as follows: For 2007

1 James - SNT Tier 2 Stream A (Final in Tacen, SLO, place 6)
2 David -SNT (Senior National Team)
3 Pierre -SNT
4 Sarah B.-SNT, top ranked K1W
5 Cutts Adam -SNT, top ranked C2
6 Cutts James -SNT, top ranked C2
7 John -SNT
8 Chris-SDT
9 Craig-SNT
10 Paul-SDT

This is a tentative list and can shift after the Nationals. But from a funding perspective, those going to the Worlds should try and get top 16's, and top 35% and all going for a card via Senior National Interclass Ranking should focus on a good result at Nationals.
Going to any C races or any result at them will likely NOT have any effect on carding. Only those on a team can get a card, anyone on a team can get a card without going to extra C-class races beyond the basic tour.


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WESTLAKE MEMORIAL RACES AT MINDEN

Saturday June 23rd
Practice All Day
Registration 4pm - 5pm & 7pm - 8pm
No Race Fees
Camping Fees - Adults Only (Over 16) $7/person/night WO member - Non WO Members $12/night

Sunday June 24th
Water Release 17cms at 8am
Set Gate/Pole Heights
8:30am - Officials Meeting - Judges/SafetyBoat/Throw Ropes/Runner
9am Racers Meeting
9:30am Race Start Full Course Run 1 then Run 2 back to back - Full Course Bomb Proof Roll Required.
Classes K1JrM K1JrW C1Jr C1M K1M K1W

11:30am Novice/Cadet Race Below Falls

2pm - Results and Presentations

Course remains intact for Junior Training Camp
Steve to organize takedown following weekend/CWH leave key with Steve

Safety Boats needed as well as people to man onshore ropes.
Judges needed.
Volunteers to hang course needed.
Need: Race Kit - Waivers/Registration Forms/Race Sheets/Timing Sheets/Throw Ropes/HandHeld Walkie Talkies/Stop Watches/Steve Bringing Laptop/Printer/

For details contact: Charlie Hastings: cell 416-729-5436 or send an email to charlie.hastings@gm.com


Safety Boaters always needed.

National Team trials results 2007

Junior team trials took place under pristine skies and warm breezes in Salaberry de Valleyfield last weekend. ORR paddlers took all the women’s and C-1 positions with Kathleen Tayler, Katrina Van Wijk and Thea Froehlich & Spencer Pomeroy, Julian Potvin and Cam Smedley respectively.

Ian Williams was invited to the European tour in addition to the 3 non-ORR finalists. Jiri Prskavec will be leading the junior tour in July with assistance from his wife Marcella and Sven Pinkert. Congratulations to all who participated.



Introduction to Slalom Racing

Many paddlers have no doubt watch slalom racing at the Olympics and may have seen slalom kayaks training and racing locally. As one of the disciplines supported by Whitewater Ontario, it’s not just for elite competitive athletes. Slalom padding is a great way to refine your paddling skills and precision when running rapids in playboats and open canoes.
Many open Canoe paddlers enjoy the Annual Open Boat slalom held on the Gull in September

This year Whitewater Ontario, in collaboration with the Ottawa River Runners is hosting two intro to slalom weekends:
 Palmer Rapids June 9/10 (Race Sunday 10:30)
 VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDMinden/Gull Fun Race June 30th (Race Sat 10am) (with junior intro camp June 25-29 and) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

In addition, in collaboration with MKC, a third clinic/race is planned at MKC
Aug 20-25th with race on Sunday 26th

See MKC brochure/website for info http://www.owl-mkc.ca/mkc/

On each weekend prior to the race there will be options to participate in a learn to race clinic with experienced slalom instructors as well as some national team members and then try out new skills on a race course.
Prizes for open canoe and plastic categories as well as slalom boat class

Entry fee $25 plus additional fee for 3 hr clinics

Come on out and give it a try.

For more info see website: www.whitewaterontario.ca or email spomeroy@rogers.com


Message from Steve Pomeroy spomeroy@rogers.com

Upcoming races and fundraising - Help needed

As I think most ORR members know the next races on the Ontario race schedule are the resurrected Palmer Rapids race (June 9/10) the Westlake Race June 23/24 (combined with Junior training camp) and the Minden/Gull “fun race" June 30th)

I will send a separate note about the training camp, however please note that it has been shortened and will now run Fri June 22nd (evening) to Afternoon Tues June 26th.

Both the Palmer race and the Gull fun race are new additions to the race program this year. Both have been added with two objectives.

To create some introductory racing opportunities for new kids as well as adults (playboat and open boat) as a way to build more participation and membership
To create a fund raising activity (via entry fees and a larger number of racers) in order to create a travel subsidy fund so that we do not have to ask parents to cover the travel, accommodation and food costs of our head coach Jiri, when traveling with our paddlers to camps and races.
With these objectives in mind, it is anticipated that many members and parents will pitch in and help.

Palmer Race (June 9/10)

Camp at Jessop’s Farm, river right across bridge just west of the village of Palmer Rapids)

Gate.course erection Friday evening/Saturday am (volunteers needed)

Training and intro to slalom clinics Saturday afternoon/evening (we are inviting the new young paddlers from winter pool sessions so some assistance from junior paddlers – instructing and safety boating will be required). Open boat clinics will also be offered.

Sunday Race (volunteers need for timing and judging)

10am first runs; noon second runs

2pm All athletes help to dismantle course

2:30 pm Awards

Minden - Andrew Westlake Race June 24th Gull River (6km upstream from Minden)

Camping at WO preserve at Minden

Gate hanging Friday (Steve, Charlie, Wayne,.Jiri)

Training Saturday

Race Sunday (full course and novice below falls) (volunteers need for timing and judging)

Junior Camp through Tues 26th)



Minden Fun Race June 30th

This is a significant fund raising opportunity and a chance to reach out and assist our open boat cousins. This can be a major fund raiser and you need be there only on Saturday (take a long weekend holiday in the Haliburton/Muskoka area on other days).

We need some help to make it happen (we will get some from open boat group – but need some experienced judges). As an incentive half of funds raised at this race will be allocated to an athlete travel subsidy for nationals – but only those families that volunteer will be eligible. Although Jiri will leave on evening of 26th, I will remain in Minden and other juniors that wish to stay through weekend can continue to train (we are exploring coaching options, for rest of week but have not yet secured) and then work at race on weekend (also good for community hours for high school).

Please let Jim Tayler know which of the 3 weekends you can help and especially who can come on the 30th.

Steve Pomeroy
VP Racing Whitewater Ontario
Ph 613-722-0110
fax 613-722-4650
spomeroy@rogers.com

“The gates will be up all week for a junior camp, so if folks want
to come early to train pass the word (we will have only a few after
wednesday, so no conflict with juniors)”


So, if you want to practice on Thursday and Friday before the race, the gates will be up. If any of the gates are falling into the river or whatever, please take a moment to fix them. If you’re new to slalom, don’t grab or knock the gates as you use them as they’re not very sturdy!

Also, I know for a fact that there are several ‘teams’ being formed for the race! If you have a team name, pass it along to me and I’ll collect them and send out a list before the race.

A suggestion was made that we keep track of points in general for an Ontario series, which I think is a great idea but maybe a bit late for this year. Something to work on for 2008.

At the Gull Fun Race, racers will be assigned judging and scoring duties, unless you can bring along an unsuspecting non-paddler.


Who is attending Palmerfest -
Gary, Peter and Carole are spliting the free beer that comes with Registration!

WO booth will promote interest in the upcoming race at Palmers June 9/10.
the gates will be hung on the lower section starting in bottom of the big pond down thru last rapid. It will not be a difficult course and we are encouraging playboaters and open boats to give it a try.

MKC is promoting this at their booth - and their own race too.



Subject: Plans for Gull Junior Slalom Training Camp June 22-26



the junior camp

5 days, now ending evening Tues 26th, however there is an option to remain in Minden and train (uncoached) on course through June 30th)

Location. Whitewater Ontario Minden Wild Water Preserve
The Town of Minden is about 2.5 hrs. north east of Toronto on highway 35. (3.5 Hrs west of Ottawa), via Haliburton. The Preserve is located approximately 7 kilometers north east of Minden on the Gull River via Country Rd. 20. Turn South onto Bethelchurch Road and cross the single lane stone bridge. Info see http://www.whitewaterontario.ca/page/preserve.asp

Accommodation - tent or trailer in preserve campground ($ 7/person/night) - any western athletes let us know if you are coming and we can arrange camping equipment.

Meals will be catered and available in WO clubhouse building (there will be a fee (likely around $25/day, to be finalized)

Course will; be hung Thursday Fri June 21/22 and will be availabe for training all week.

It is possible to paddle train at regular levels, however for race day Sunday 24th we will have an additional release from Dam so course dynamics will change.

Sun 24th is the annual Westlake Memorial race - because this is in memory of a junior paddler that died in a car acciddent, the endowment covers race fees and water release as well as prize money ($150-100-50) for top 3 juniors


Minden Race Itinerary


Saturday June 23rd
4pm - 5pm Race Registration
7pm - 8pm Race Registration
Race Fees = Whopping $0
Camping Fees = WO Members $7/person/night 16 yrs and over - Non WO members $12/person/night over 16 yrs.

Sunday June 24th
8am water release 17cms minimum
8:30 am - Officials/Judges/Safety Meeting
9am Racer Meeting
9:30am Race Start Full Course 2 Runs Back To Back
Classes K1JrM K1JrW C1Jr C1M K1M K1W (and masters if sufficient entries) 2 Runs Back to Back

Novice and Cadets follow on lower half (below falls).

12 pm lunch
1pm Race Results and Awards
Westlake Medals/Cash Awards/Minden Cup

1:30 pm - 4pm Afternoon practice with the coaches on the BIG WATER - Coaches organize your schedules accordingly.

Water off/reduced flow at 4pm.

Camp will continue with Jiri Prskavek coaching until Tesday 26th.
Remainder of week, athletes may stay and train (uncoached) - we are currently trying to secure additional coaching for this week.

June 30th is a fun race - targeting playboats and open canoes as a way to promote slalom. Junior athletes are expected to help judge/time as this is a fundraising activity.

Further details on food/catering will follow mid june.

Also, once juniors going to Europe have determined travel plans efforts will be made to transport to Toronto (if departing Toronto), billet a few days back in Ottawa, if required etc.

Please respond to Jim Tayler jetayler@rogers.com if you plan to attend and what duration (arrive/lv, you prefer) WE can then refine plans and related logistics.

Steve Pomeroy
VP Racing Ontario

MINDEN WILDWATER PRESERVE TASK LIST

CAMP SITES

Rake Leaves, clear brush

SIGNAGE

Repair, repaint, reinstall

PEOPLE ARE TO BE ENCOURAGED TO REMOVE THEIR OWN GARBAGE,TRASH and RECYCLABLES: PRACTICE NO TRACE CAMPING AT THE PRESERVE PLEASE.

OUTHOUSES

Toss some lime in those holes

WASHROOMS
Leave them cleaner than you found them

CLASSROOM

Stack chairs, put away tables
Sweep Floors
Clean windows
Wipe Chalk board
Remove Garbage
Clean all washrooms

Make note of any needed supplies in log book

KITCHEN

Clean out refrigerator
Wash counters, stove, sink and all dishes
Clean microwave and stove and stove oven
Clean all dishes

Make note of any problems in log book


GENERAL RULES FOR USE OF THE PRESERVE







TRAILS

Do not drive down footpaths with heavy vehicles: carry out your boats from takeout




General Volunteer Task for those wishing to help:

Picnic table repair and paint

Out building paint

Fire pit clean and move. ongoing

Raking and brush cleaning: ongoing

Trail cleaning and maintenance

Slalom Shack re organized: Always need cleanup

Tree marking and cutting

Firewood needs: stacking, retrieval, splitting

Lawn cutting using tractor but ith assistance and notice to Gary George.

Stairs need second coat of paint

Parking areas re-established these with signage or indicators

Posts and boulders: re set these to keep cars out of sites.

Gates at trailheads, one at top of parking area hill at back of
park, one at entrance area to river trail and one just out of campground at
back leading to river trail. ATV use is becoming more common

Road side frontage needs to be cleaned and maintained

River side danger trees

Outhouses painted

Picnic Shelter cleaned painted and roof cleared of debris

Fee box painted

Public side river clean up

Minden work weekend May 12/13, 2007

Thanks to Cale and Stephanie Reeder: shown above

Thanks to
John Slot and Lei Kindree: shown below


Gary ...
and Cammy George (below)



Maggie and Dave Tierney
Peter and Stephen Farr



Jim Mark (shown with Dave below)


In all these shots: Missing are

Beth Kennedy
Maggie Tierney (picture simply didn't do her justice)
me