Re: [Paddlewise] E. coli: do you paddle in it?

> Indiana Dunes beaches have been closed for four days in a row because of high
> E. coli levels.
> 
> What do you think about paddling in it?
> 
Sea Kayaking Iowa may appear an oxymoron much akin to Utah Jazz & Vacation
Bible School.  Still, the state does support a fledgling number of non-wreck
boat paddlers.  And we also have a serious problem with surface water
contamination...mostly due to agricultural run-off. Our lakes and reservoirs
collect the pesticide, herbicide, and chemical input fertilizers/soil
conditioners. They also act as trap basins for Factory Farm spills & seeps,
which means e coli from hog manure slurry (or cattle, or chickens, or
turkeys).  The uglier truth is that most states cannot afford, or do not
choose to conduct adequate testing of 'public' waters and that changes in
large-scale agriculture alter the patterns in which dangerous levels of
these sort of pollutants become known.

Recreational boating is experiencing a strong growth curve, and our little
niche is one of the most rapidly expanding areas of outdoor recreation.  In
line with inculcating the values of Leave No Trace practices by kayakers, we
may have the opportunity to convey a larger sense of personal/public
investment in the condition of our waters...and perhaps help each other make
significant connections to the causes of their damage and decline. Either
that or we don EPA Moon Suits to practice our rolls and take decontamination
showers at every take-out....

-Will

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************