News '08
New Local Creek?
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Jennifer Hurst, while driving through Boston, KY was sent on a detour around a traffic accident. She reported that the creek that followed the road she was on looked like it may abe a pretty good whitewater run if it had water in it. So put Cedar Creek on your list of local creeks to check into the next time it rains.
Click here for a map of Cedar Creek. It passes under Bennets Lane near Boston, Ky.
You can add this to the list of Bardstown’s most promising oppertunities for whitewater creeking, which includes Rowan Creek. No first decents have been made just yet. But it has got to rain again.
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2nd Annual Duck Race This Saturday
Monday, May 19, 2008
WBRT in Bardstown is holding a fundraiser to benefit Bardstown schools. They will be releasing up to 5000 rubber ducks on the Beech Fork and the winner will win $1000. You can get your own duck in the race for $5. Call WBRT at (502) 348-3943 for an entry.
The Bardstown Boaters will be helping out by wrangling in the ducks on the river. If you would like to help us out, the race is on Saturday, May 24th at 10 a.m. Meet at the Beech Fork off of New Haven road, Highway 31E in bardstown.
Post in the forum here if you plan to help.
Governor Approves $1,231,844 in Recreational Trails Grants
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Gov. Steve Beshear, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) and the Recreational Trails Advisory Board, has announced the approval of 25 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants for a total allocation of $1,231,844.
“I am pleased to approve these grants for projects which will continue to promote an active, outdoor lifestyle for families and individuals across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “The Recreational Trails Program is essential for maintaining and expanding our state’s existing network of trails that cater to such a variety of interests and ages.”
The RTP is an assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Kentucky’s RTP is administered by GOLD and requires that applicants match the amount of funds requested to receive a 50% reimbursement on approved projects. Those eligible to apply are city and county governments, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations.
RTP grants may be used to provide assistance for acquisition of easements, development and/or maintenance of recreational trails and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use. Examples of trail uses include hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, off-road motorcycling and all-terrain vehicle riding.
For a list a the projects receiving grants, visit the Commonwealth of Kentucky's website.
Body Found in Beech Fork River
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
From the Kentucky Standard
A 67-year-old Bardstown man was found dead in the Beech Fork River Tuesday. Authorities had searched for John Brantley Stephens, 5120 Springfield Road, since he was reported missing Sunday by his daughter.
He was last seen May 8, according to police.
At about 8 a.m. on Sunday, sheriff’s deputies found Stephens’ silver Dodge Dakota pickup truck stuck in the mud on Manton Road, according to police. Stephens was described as being in poor health, according to Gary Luce of Marion County EMS.
A search for Stephens ensued, centered near the Nelson/Washington county line, by units from the Bardstown Fire and Nelson County Sheriff’s departments and emergency personnel from Washington and Marion counties, who were providing mutual aid.
Stephens’ body was found several miles down river near KY 49 at about 11:40 a.m. by deputies searching the river.
The investigation is ongoing pending the medical examiner’s review.
Paddle Pickup Shirts
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Here is the screen for the Paddle Pickup Shirts. We tend to keep these shirts a little old school. We don't know what color these shirts will be yet. Leave your choice for the color of the shirts in the comments below.
The Paddle Pickup will be on Saturday, May 31st. Meet at Keene's Depot at 9 a.m.
Shirts will be given away to the first 60 volunteers. See you at the Paddle Pickup!
Old Tires, Where Do They Go?
Monday, May 05, 2008
Many have often wondered about what happens to the tires retrieved from the Paddle Pickup? Well now we know the entire life cycle of the these tires.
Tires are made at the factory. After they are done being raced with at the local speedway, they are conveniently pitched into the Beech Fork. Once a year the Paddle Pickup rolls around and local boaters not so conveniently retrieve them from the river. These tires are then taken to the Nelson County Landfill and separated from the other garbage. A company from Marion County then picks them up for a fee paid for by the Landfill. They are then recycled into either mulch or used as a supplement for burning coal which in turn powers the factory so it can produce some more tires.
Learn more by joining us at this years Paddle Pickup!
Paddle Pickup Meeting Place
Friday, May 02, 2008
This year's meeting place for the Paddle Pickup will be at Keen's Depot on Old Bloomfield Pike in Bardstown, Kentucky. We will meet at 9am. Patrick Hayden has graciously opened his doors to us as the jumping point for our annual river cleanup.
The Paddle Pickup is on Saturday May 31st. The Bardstown Boaters along with local Boy Scout Troops and members of the community will be paddling the Beech Fork in Nelson County and removing garbage from the waterway.
The Bardstown Boaters hold the Paddle Pickup in conjunction with National River Cleanup Week. In the past the club has removed over 3 tons of waste from the river.
Pass around the Paddle Pickup flyer and join us on May 31st! For more information visit the Paddle Pickup webpage or talk to us in the forum.
Josh's New Kayak
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Josh Carpenter has a new kayak.
Finally got a playboat this week, got a used Fun. Got to take it out today on the Rockcastle. Going from the Mamba to a play boat that I weigh in on the heavy side of is quite a transition. I was getting squirted in everyrapid and constantly fighting to stay up. Eric had also just got a new Playboat, a Dagger Agent. We were both excited about the new boats, Eric was so excited his shoulder popped out on the first rapid, Beech N. I thought we were going to have to hike out right there before I ever even got a chance to try the new boat out. Luckilly he was able to put it back in himself and actually paddled amazingly well the rest of the trip. I think its time for me to take a first aid class so we will be better prepared, today proved how easily and random it can happen and I was not prepared for the situation. Anyway we both had a good time, we each swam in the new boats, and well were still working on the cartwheels.
Floyd's Fork Greenway Project
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Final Master Plan Presentation
April 22, 2008
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Eastern High School
12400 Old Shelbyville Rd.
21st Century Parks, Inc. invites you to attend the fourth in a series of public meetings managed by Wallace, Roberts and Todd, LLC, selected master planners for the Floyd's Fork Greenway Project (The Fork). Attendees will be able to review the final Master Plan for the parks and trails along Floyd's Fork. The meeting will be held at the Eastern High School auditorium on Tuesday, April 22nd. Doors will open at 6pm with a presentation to follow. You can also view the final presentation at www.21cparks.org after April 22nd.
As part of the "City of Parks" initiative, the Floyd's Fork Greenway Project (The Fork) will encompass a system of parks, trails and open spaces roughly following Floyd's Fork from Shelbyville Road to Bardstown Road.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if anyone has a disability and requires assistance, or if you have a general question regarding this meeting, please notify Janice Hogue on (502) 583.0350.
Elkhorn City, KY Whitewater Park
Friday, April 11, 2008
Elkhorn City may beat out Bardstown on the chance at having the first Kentucky whitewater park.
From Boatertalk
We (the Elkhorn City Heritage Council) were notified yesterday that we'd won a grant to develop a feasibility study to create several streambed play features in the downtown Elkhorn City area.
As many of you might know, the Russell runs right through the middle of Elkhorn City, with a decent bit of gradient. There are several spots we've looked at over the years that, with minimal 'help', could become sweet play spots. Now we've got a few dollars (ok, more than a few) to pay the professionals who do this kind of thing.
Our mantra for this project is 'minimalism is best'. We're hoping to create features that come in when the river is down to its normal low summer flows (around 200cfs), but remain in as the river gets up to fall release flows (800+). We are absolutely NOT trying to divert the streambed, alter the normal flows, etc, etc. If we can't do it in the existing streambed with minimal work, we're not doing anything. Also, this work is NOT be tied to the efforts to get low water releases on the Fork in summer. What we have in mind wouldn't rely on any supplement to the natural flow.
Our goal, of course, is to broaden the appeal of whitewater on the RF and get more folks into downtown E.C. Our models are the several Colorado locations which have created these types of 'whitewater parks' in existing streambeds.
BTW, a major component of the grant is a local education campaign to try to wean everyone from the county judge to the local dog-catcher from referring to all whitewater activities as 'raftin'. While we got nothing against raftin, that's certainly not what the vast majority of paddlers are doing here. We'll also be heading into the local schools pushing the youth to get interested. The Council will be purchasing a creek boat and boating gear (paddle, helmet, pfd) for these public presentations, along with some whitewater videos featuring the Fork. We're always open to interested sponsors.
The Elkhorn City Area Heritage Council is a registered 501c3 non-profit corporation.
Paddle Pickup May 31st
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The 2008 flyer for the Paddle Pickup is here. Download it, print it out and tell all your friends!
Download Flyer (8mb)
2008 Bourbon City Challenge
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
The 2008 Bourbon City Challenge planning stages are under way and the director of the event, Bob White has the following news about the big event set for September 14th, 2008.
From Bob White
We are in the planning stages for this year's event - looking for sponsors, volunteers to help with the trail preparation and guidance help on race day. Of course more racers are welcome, so talk your friends into joining you this year.
If you, or if you know of someone who, would like to have an active role in this year's event, please contact me via email so we can get to work to make this year's race even better than 2007. We're looking for friendly folks who enjoy working in the outdoors with a bunch of cool people in making, not only the race better, but also Sympson Lake shores a bit nicer.
Also, we have yet to secure a title sponsor. Bulleit Bourbon last year really helped out and we hope they again pledge their support. The title sponsor received more than a million, total, mentions through television, radio and print promotions regarding the race, so it's well worth supporting.
Thanks again for making this race so great!
For more information visit www.kyrace.com
Nelson County Climate Change Meeting
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
The second public meeting concerning what can be done locally to positively affect and decrease global warming was Monday evening at the Bardstown-Nelson County Civic Center.
Results from small-group discussions at the last meeting, which outlined things individuals can do about climate change were shared with attendees. Some of the ideas included: recycling, growing backyard gardens, composting, supporting the local Farmer’s Market, walking more and driving less, bringing bags to the grocery store and recycling rain water.
The next Climate Change meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. April 24 and will focus on what churches can do to lead in the effort for reducing the effects of climate change.
Beech Fork Surf Wave Discovered
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Reported By Spalding Hurst
While in the Boston, KY area yesterday, I had a chance to check out a portion of the Beech Fork near my cousin's farm. I couldn't believe what I found. A perfect surfing wave that seems to be good at many levels and with great access from Highway 62. I would compare this wave to Surfers on the Cumberland though not as wide.
What is even stranger is it appears that some kayakers have been to this spot before. I found a pogie on the ground!
The level this day was about 850cfs, but it looks to be very good at most any level.
I am pumped about this wave. As soon as I get on it and get some pictures of it I plan to name it after the club. I am going to try and go down there again one night this week.
2008 T-Shirt Design
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Bardstown Boaters are looking for feedback on the possible new design for the 2008 club shirt.
Please leave your comments below. Or you can discuss these shirts in the club forum.
City Recycling Program
Monday, March 24, 2008
The City of Bardstown will make its entry into recycling later this year. For a growing number of residents, adopting a recycling plan is coming none too soon. Others are apt to be a bit more wary and perhaps even a bit skeptical as to benefits vs. costs of recycling.
The city’s approach — taking baby steps into a program rather than diving head first without knowing if there’s water in the pool — seems to be a wise one. What the city intends is to form a cooperative effort with Nelson County and Nelson County Industries. The plan calls for establishing two centralized drop sites, unmanned, one in the city and the other in the county, for persons to drop off recyclables. To begin, the city plans to accept No. 1 and 2 plastics, mixed paper, aluminum, cans and cardboard. At this point glass will not be accepted. Local government is hoping to receive a grant, paying for about six trailers with multiple bins.
This will be an excellent way to gauge true community interest in recycling. Lots of people can talk a good game; proof in the pudding will be measured in tonnage.
Some are disappointed that curbside service is not being offered. There are known positives and negatives, however, with curbside programs. More than 10 years ago, a piece in The New York Times Magazine seriously questioned the benefits, charging that “recycling may be the most wasteful activity in modern America” and noting curbside service “uses more energy than it serves.”
There are certainly those who would rebuff such statements as it is clear that basic recycling of aluminum, cans, glass, and plastics has far-reaching benefits to the environment.
While there is some debate whether curbside recycling is more or less expensive than regular trash pickup, everyone agrees there are costs involved. Is it government’s responsibility to subsidize the costs? Are those clamoring for curbside service willing to pay $8, $10, $12 or more per month (in addition to their garbage bill)?
Thus, the city’s direction in entering recycling slowly is not only a start but is a calculated decision that makes sense. As we go down the green walkway, also we are reminded of the adage of employing the two R’s (reduce and reuse) before the third R (recycling) even becomes an option. Now that is something on which all of us can agree.
Never Forget: Flood '08
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Some roads but mostly ditches became flooded after “a lot of rain,” Wednesday, Nelson County Road Department assistant supervisor James “Kroger” Phillips said. Two roads were closed due to flooding— D. Head Road, which is designed for water to go over it when the pipes are unable to handle the amount of water coming through them, and Old Nelsonville Road, which is near the river and therefore prone to
The National Weather Service recommends that if drivers or passersby approach flooded roads not to attempt crossing, especially at night. Flooding is expected to subside this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, Louisville.
Elkhorn Acres Meeting
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Darrin Hines of the Viking Canoe Canoe Club, Jay Thomas of the Bardstown Boaters, Dave Stawicki of Elkhorn Paddlers, Zina Merkin of the EAMG and Kevin Colburn and Mark Singleton of American Whitewater held a meeting last night to discuss the Elkhorn Acres. A representative from the BWA was not present.
Addressed in the conference call were the concerns listed in David Quarel's letter and immediate actions that could be taken in response including keeping a porta john at the property and reporting any commercial or other unapproved activity.
The main focus was AW's (landowner's) request to develop a local governing council for the property so-to-speak consisting of the parties participating in the conference call to act on AW's guidelines.
Everyone agreed that each club could provide one or two individuals to commit to participating in this council. As planned for the call nothing was written in stone and all were asked to return to each club or organization and get a consensus and a round of opinions on how this should be handled.
Each were asked to follow up with an email to spell out their club's intentions and any concerns or opinions. There will also be a follow up conference call to discuss, date and time to be determined. The same personnel will be on this call.
A request was made to start a thread on AW's forum for open discussion on the matter and when it is up all can comment on it rather than on several different club forums.
Phillip And Meagan Sisk March Volunteers Of The Month
Friday, March 07, 2008
Phillip aka "Bubba" and Meagan Sisk are American Whitewater's volunteers of the month for March 2008. This couple from Lexington, Kentucky help each year to make the National Paddling Film Festival a great event. Phillip has been a long time festival volunteer and has coordinated much of the National Paddling Film Festival road show events for the past few years. This year Meagan jumped in at the last minute to make sure all the festival attendees had full bellies both nights at the festival.
This year was the 25th National Paddling Film Festival and the event raised over $3,000 for American Whitewater's stewardship efforts. AW would like to thank everyone who volunteered to make the event such a success, especially Bubba and Meagan!
Kokatat will be proving Phillip and Meagan with free Outer Core Shirts to thank them for their suport of AW's river stewardship efforts.
Recycling in Bardstown
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Nelson County Recycling Center is open on Monday from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Wednesday from 4:00p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and on Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. You can also go anytime and leave your recyclables by the gate. The center accepts all plastic soda bottles, milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles. For paper they only accept newspaper. No office paper or magazines. For aluminum they only accept coke and beer cans. Click on the picture for more info.
View Larger Map
Avon Whitewater Park
Friday, February 22, 2008
The whitewater park builders from Riverestorations.org have completed work on the Avon Whitewater Park in Colorado.
The park was designed by Glenwood-based River Restoration and features three river runs for kayakers Baby Bob, Bob Jr. and Bob Sr., graded from beginner to advanced. Baby Bob provides kayakers who are still wet behind the ears with an opportunity to sharpen their skills. The intermediate freestyle kayaker can throw around some moves on Bob Jr., and Bob Sr. provides challenging entertainment for the most advanced of freestyle kayakers. The terrain is groomed along certain parts of the river and rock beds have been built up bank side to provide kayakers easy access to the water. Additionally, the park features new wetland plantings and a beautifully constructed spectator viewing terraces.
Bardstown Recycling Programs
Thursday, February 21, 2008
This blog entry is a brief guide for all Bardstown and Nelson County residents who may be looking for a place to recycle their used goods.
There are 4 recycling facilities in Nelson County and each deals with specific materials. Download this PDF file for the Nelson County list of recycling centers. These recycling centers except different types of recyclable materials, from car batteries to paper, plastics and aluminum.
Another way to to recycle is to Freecycle!
And for more good information on how to recycle your junk, visit the Kentucky Division of Waste Management.
We'll see you on the river and at the local recycling center!
Help The Bardstown Boaters
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Each year the Bardstown Boaters asks our membership base to help us keep the club alive. One of the main ways that the Bardstown Boaters do this is by renewing our affiliate membership to American Whitewater.
We are now asking for a small donation so that we can raise the $75 needed to renew this affiliate membership. American Whitewater restores rivers dewatered by hydropower dams, eliminates water degradation, improves public land management and protects public access to rivers for responsible recreational use.
Your donation will fund river stewardship work throughout Kentucky and the United States. Support your rivers!
2008 Adventure Race September 14th
Monday, February 18, 2008
The date for the 2008 Bourbon City Challenge Adventure Race has been set for Sunday, September 14th. Expect an improved course, longer distances and another great year for on of Kentucky's premiere adventure races. Check kyrace.com for the 2007 results and all of the details for the 2008 race as they develop. In the meantime, keep training for the big race.
Introducing Bardstown Boaters TV
Friday, February 08, 2008
Now you can watch all the best whitewater videos your heart can endure and in one place, Bardstown Boaters TV. Right now you can view our personal collection of videos, but in the coming days expect all kinds of great videos to be added to the channel. You can always find the station at www.bardstownboaters.com/tv
Registration is Open!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Thank you for making 2007, our first year sponsoring National River Cleanup™, such a great success. As one of the 500+ river cleanup organizers, and more than 95,000 volunteers, who participated in National River Cleanup, you helped:
- Fill more than 100,000 bags of trash
- Remove more than 600 tons of trash
- Clean up more than 7,000 river miles
Additionally, we've recently overhauled our website to include:
- Customizable personal cleanup pages & personalized email communications that you, the organizer, create
- Zip code search so prospective volunteers in your community can easily find your cleanup
- Banners, badges and eCards to spread the word
- Frequently asked questions for organizers & volunteers
Visit the American Rivers National River Cleanup web page.
Roll Sessions Are In Session
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
New in the sport and need to learn how to roll your canoe, kayak, or C-1? Now is the time to get to an indoor pool and learn how to roll. This winter the Bluegrass Wildwater Association and the Viking Canoe Club hold roll sessions in Louisville and Lexington.
Everyone is welcome...even if you have never paddled before. Roll sessions are informal with shared member's boats and equipment available on a first come first served basis or for assured equipment bring your own gear. Experienced paddlers will be volunteering their time to help you get started.
Here is where you can find the roll session you would like to attend:
Bluegrass Wildwater Association
When: Friday nights through March 28th at 7:30pm
Where: North Lexington YMCA
Directions: 381 West Loudon Avenue, Lexington, KY
Cost: $5/members, $10/non-members
Viking Canoe Club
When: Sunday mornings through March 30th
Where: Mary T Meagher Aquatic Center
Directions: 201 Reservoir Ave, Louisville, KY 40206
Cost: $4.50/everyone
2008 National Paddling Film Festival
Friday, January 18, 2008
February 22nd and 23rd will be the 25th Annual NPFF, celebrating 25 years of promoting River Conservation through "The Best in Paddlesport Video and Image Competition".
This year’s Guest Hosts are the winners of the "Best of Festival" and "Accomplished General" awards at NPFF 2007, The Range Life. From NPFF 2008 Video Coordinator, Phillip Sisk:
"The Range Life crew will join us all the way from the Pacific Northwest. TRL is fresh off last year's stunning zip line footage film that took top honors and back from IR’s 'Vacation to Hell' in the Peru jungle this summer. We are excited to bring these boys to the southeast to host the NPFF."
Also, NPFF 2007 Guest Host, John Grace of Lunch Video Magazine, will be returning to do a LVM Premier for NPFF 2008.
We have lots of gear coming in from for the Silent Auction. Some of the items already received are books and shirts from Helliconia Press, an instruction package from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, and BOATS! Plenty of boats from Dagger, WaveSport, and Jackson Kayaks, with more on the way.
The Bluegrass Brewing Company is again providing beverages for the NPFF, and we will have a big Awards Party with great local live talent again this year.
Now for the big news – the NPFF has a new