The Lansing Oar and Paddle Club took time Saturday afternoon to clear unwanted logs and trees blocking the river for kayak and canoe recreation. The club were split into two five-member teams and were able to clear pass-ways along the Red Cedar River.
Chainsaws, canoes and cleaning crews filled the Red Cedar River Saturday afternoon to clear pathways to maximize the river’s full potential for local residents.
For the past 12 years, the Lansing Oar and Paddle Club has organized a team to clear log jams, hanging trees and pollution that often makes the river unusable. This year, club members gathered at the Harris Nature Center to begin the 13-mile cleaning process.
The work was cut up between two five-member teams. One team started at Grand River and ended at the nature center, while the other team began at the center and finished at Dietrich Park in northern Lansing.
Club President Jay Hook said the Red Cedar River is a popular stream for kayaking and canoeing, and when people use the river and it is plugged up, it will lead to disappointment and lower the river’s reputation.
“We are most concerned about the young couple or family who wants to go canoeing, but when they get here, there’s a tree in the way,” Hook said. “They expect the river to be safe and that’s what we’re trying to maintain as best we can.”
The two teams were able to clear 19 marked spots that needed to make the river more navigable and accessible for canoes. The 10 club members used four boats, two chainsaws, rope and other water equipment to tackle the dirty job.
Club member and Mason resident Richard Bailey dressed in river waders, rubber boots and a chainsaw in hand to lead his team downstream.
“The whole concept is to paddle until you find something that has to be opened up,” Bailey said. “The goal is to make enough of a passage for a canoe and kayak to get through without destroying the natural habitat.”
The club started in 1988 to promote interest in all aspects of human-powered watercraft in the mid-Michigan area.
Haslett resident and club member Tina Ciaramitaro works for the U.S Department of Agriculture Agency out of Giltner Hall, conducting research for wood-boring insects. She said her interest in the great outdoors lead her to joining the club four years ago, and she’s enjoyed every moment thus far.
“I love being out in the water and I’ve had a lot of good times with the club trips,” Ciaramitaro said. “It’s a good chance to volunteer and give back.”
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