Commonwealth Conversations: The Great Outdoors

Safe Boating Week in Massachusetts

Colonel Aaron Gross

Director, Massachusetts Environmental Police

View Aaron's Bio

With Memorial Day approaching, the Patrick-Murray Administration has proclaimed May 18-24 Safe Boating Week in Massachusetts as part of a national campaign to encourage safe boating practices.

A personal floatation device, or lifejacket, may be the most important piece of safety equipment for any boater. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 651 boating fatalities nationwide last year. Of those fatalities, the number one cause was drowning. Of those who drowned, 83 percent were not wearing a lifejacket.

Click here for more information about national accident statistics.

Last year, there were 68 reported boating accidents in Massachusetts, resulting in 17 fatalities. That number is up from 46 reported boating accidents that resulted in nine fatalities in 2011. Drowning was the number one cause of fatalities in both years, and none of those victims wore lifejackets.

While lifejackets are important, that won’t do it alone. Always travel at reasonable speeds and always avoid operating boats under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Environmental Police Officers will be patrolling rivers, lakes and coastal waters across the Commonwealth throughout the season to enforce state and federal recreational boating laws.

We also encourage boaters of all ages and experience to take a safe boating course. Click here for registration information and links to nationally approved course providers.

For more information on safe boating courses, contact the Environmental Police Boat and Recreational Vehicle Safety Bureau at (508) 564-4961 and to report accidents, call (800) 632-8075.

Remember when you’re out on the water, safety first. I hope everyone has a safe and pleasant boating season.

Celebrate Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands - May 11-12!

Tim Purinton

Director, Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration

View Tim's Bio

The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) recently put out an events calendar marking May and June as “Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands Months” celebrating river- and wetland-related activities across the state.

The 2013 Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands Months Calendar contains detailed information and links to more than 275 events in, along or about the rivers and wetlands of Massachusetts taking place from April 27 to July 4. Upcoming events include kayaking trips, riverside picnics, canoe races, birding in salt marshes, fishing derbies, river cleanups, overnight camping trips, and nature hikes.

Here’s a brief sample of events taking place the weekend of May 11-12:

May 11 (Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Birding Paddle Trip through Wenham Swamp, 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM, co-sponsored by the Ipswich River Watershed Association and the Essex County Ornithological
Society. Paddle the Wenham Swamp section of the Ipswich River while birding with the experts at the
height of warbler migration! Put in is at Route 97/High Street in Topsfield, and take out is at Willowdale Meadows, on Topsfield Road near Bradley Palmer State Park. Click here or contact Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call (978) 412-8200 for more info.

May 11 (Saturday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – River Cleanup Paddle in Pittsfield and Lenox, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, co-sponsored by the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) and the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT). “Bring your own boat or reserve a canoe. We will use boats (canoes and kayaks) to pick up trash that has collected behind downed trees. One group will launch from Fred Garner Park and head south to Decker Landing, while another group will launch from Decker and paddle south and then return to Decker Landing.” Pre-registration required; if you want to start from Decker Landing, please contact Alison Dixon [adixon@hvatoday.org,  (413) 394-9796]; or, if you want to start from Fred Garner Park and paddle to Decker Landing, please contact Jane Winn at jane@thebeatnews.org or (413) 230-7321.  Click here to download a flyer on this event; all participants will be treated to a picnic lunch.

May 11 (Saturday) – ESSEX RIVER (NORTH COASTAL WATERSHED) – Essex River Race, sponsored by the Cape Ann Rowing Club. Registration begins at 8:00 AM; the first race heat sets off at 10:00 AM. The Essex River Race is a 5.5-mile, open water event starting at the Essex River Bridge at Route 133 in Essex, out behind the barrier beaches of Ipswich and back. Participants row or paddle small boats through one of the most scenic tidal areas in New England. Occasionally the water can be very rough, with strong winds and currents. Click here for an overview of the race and here to participate, or contact Suzanne Sweeney for more info.

May 12 (Sunday) – CHARLES RIVER – Nahanton Park Mother’s Day Bird Walk Trip, 8:00 AM start, sponsored by the Newton Conservators.  Nahanton Park offers a mix of woodlands, wetlands, edge habitat and meadows along the Charles River, making it one of the best birding spots in Newton for both migratory and resident songbirds. Likely finds include brightly colored warblers, vireos, and orioles. Also expect bluebirds, scarlet tanagers, swallows and brown thrashers. Enter the park at the Nahanton Street entrance next to the river. Parking is available inside the park. Bring binoculars if you have them. Beginners as well as experienced birders are welcome. Boots are recommended. Walk will be cancelled in steady rain.  Click here or contact co-leaders Alison Leary (617) 821-5619 or Haynes Miller (617) 413-2419 for more info. (Co-sponsored with Friends of Nahanton Park)

May 12 (Sunday) – HERRING RIVER (CAPE AND ISLANDS WATERSHED – Paddle the Herring River in Harwich, 12:00 Noon start, sponsored by the Kayak and Walk Cape Cod Meetup Group. “The Herring River is a scenic waterway, surrounded by over 200 acres of Harwich Conservation Lands.  We always see birds along the river bank and expansive marsh.  We’ll head to the end of the river where the culvert allows water to flow into and out of the reservoir in Bell’s Neck”. Click here for basic info on this group and its paddling trips and here to sign up or for more specific info on this event.

Weekend Outdoor Events - May 3-6: Getting Outdoors and Fishing Fun!

Reginald Zimmerman

Assistant Press Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

View Reginald's Bio

 On Saturday, May 4, head over to the Freetown State Forest and strap on your hiking boots and experience the vastness of the unbroken forest on a walk that spans the full length of the 13,600-acre bioreserve. From old mill ponds to abandoned farm sites to vernal pools to cedar swamps - you won't believe the wilderness right in our own backyard. The full hike is 12 miles, but pick-ups will be available every few miles along the way and transportation will provided back your car.

This program is co-sponsored with The Trustees of Reservations, MassWildlife, and the city of Fall River. This hike is suitable for adults. Program is free and open to the public. Rain or shine. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Meet at the pavilion located near the main parking lot at Freetown State Forest. The Bioreserve Big Walk takes place 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information call (508) 636-4693 x103. For directions, go to http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/free.htm

 

Also happening this weekend is a number of fishing derbies and festivals across the state! Cast a line; learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available at each event.

• On Saturday, May 4, the Needham Recreation Family Fishing Derby is taking place at the Needham Reservoir from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Needham Recreation Commission. Contact: Karen Peirce (781) 455-7521.
• The Westborough Spring Fishing Challenge is also happening on Saturday on Sandra Pond at the Minuteman Park in Westborough from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Contact MassWildlife’s Jim Lagacy at (508) 389-6309 or email jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.
• For those in the Charlton area, the Snows Pond Family Fishing Festival is happening on the shores of Snows Pond, located at Fay Mountain Farm off Cemetary Rod from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Charlton Conservation Commission. Contact: Charlton Conservation Commission, Todd P. Girard (508) 248-2247 or email: todd.girard@townofcharlton.net.
• On Sunday, May 5, the Brookline Reservoir Family Fishing Festival is taking place in Brookline! From 9:00 a.m. – noon, MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Brookline Recreation Department. Contact Stephanie Springer by email sspringer@brooklinema.gov for more information.

And don’t forget to check out the Great Outdoors interactive Google calendar for a full calendar of Massachusetts outdoor events.

Celebrate Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands - May 4-5!

Tim Purinton

Director, Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration

View Tim's Bio

As warmer spring weather draws outdoor enthusiasts to the Commonwealth’s wetlands and waterways, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) recently put out an events calendar marking May and June as “Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands Months” celebrating river- and wetland-related activities across the state.

The 2013 Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands Months Calendar contains detailed information and links to more than 275 events in, along or about the rivers and wetlands of Massachusetts taking place from April 27 to July 4. Upcoming events include kayaking trips, riverside picnics, canoe races, birding in salt marshes, fishing derbies, river cleanups, overnight camping trips, and nature hikes.

Here’s a brief sample of events taking place the weekend of May 4-5:

May 4 (Saturday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Beginner bird walk at Housatonic Flats in Great Barrington, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., sponsored by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC).  Join BNRC staff at the Housatonic Flats Reserve for a 2-hour stroll at this promising birding site.  Terrain is flat, level ground along the Housatonic River.  Wear long pants and shoes; bring water and a snack.  “This walk will help take you from feeder birds (blue jays, chickadees) to the birds of field and forest.  It’s the perfect forum for a beginner to ask all his/her bird questions.  Can’t tell a robin from a crow?  No shame – we’ll show you how we do it.  After just one walk you’ll amaze your friends with cheap birding tricks!”  Housatonic Flats is on Route 7 in Great Barrington, just north of the WSBS radio tower, right across the street from Bridlewood Home Furnishings (434 Stockbridge Road).  Currently the site has no signage, though a temporary “Event” sign will be posted there that day.  Click here or contact Doug Bruce at (413) 499-0596 or dbruce@bnrc.net for more info. 

May 4 (Saturday) – MILLERS RIVER – Millers River Trail Hike in Athol and Royalston, sponsored by the Worcester Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. This will be an 8-mile, moderately-paced hike with an 800-foot elevation gain and scenic views of the Millers River. Part of the hike route will be on the new Quabbin to Monadnock (Q&M) Trail and the new Pequiog Community Trail (PCT).  Bring lunch, water, snacks. Severe weather cancels.  There is an option to socialize at the South Royalston Country Store at the end of the hike. Pre-registration required; click here or contact trip leaders Dan Bolton [(978) 895-3979] or Mike Foley [mjfoles@msn.com] to sign up or for more info.

May 4 (Saturday) – MASHPEE RIVER (CAPE AND ISLANDS WATERSHED) – Paddle the Mashpee River in Mashpee, 10:00 a.m. start, sponsored by the Kayak and Walk Cape Cod Meetup Group. “Paddle through the Mashpee Woodlands Conservation Area, perhaps seeing nesting marsh wrens and red winged blackbirds along the shoreline and always osprey overhead.  It is a beautiful paddle, end to end.” Click here for basic info on this group and its paddling trips and here to sign up or for more specific info on this event.

May 5 (Sunday) – WARE RIVER (CHICOPEE WATERSHED) – Canoe the East Branch of the Ware River,  10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. Discover this spectacular canoeing and hiking area located on the west side of Princeton. Much of the land along the river has been acquired for drinking water protection since the Ware River flows into the Quabbin Reservoir system to the west. Wildlife sightings abound in this area, and May is a wonderful time to be out on the water. If time permits, we will explore some of the walking trails along the river as well. We'll provide canoes, Life jackets and paddles. We'll meet at the Sanctuary and carpool to our destination. Fee: Adults $12.00/members,$18.00/nonmembers. Click here or call (978) 464-2712 to sign up or for more info.

Weekend Outdoor Events - April 26-28. Celebrate Park Serve Day!

Reginald Zimmerman

Assistant Press Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

View Reginald's Bio

Saturday, April 27, 2013 is Park Serve Day in Massachusetts.

Park Serve Day is an initiative created by Governor Patrick to improve state recreational spaces throughout the Commonwealth by fostering a sense of a shared purpose by communities to maintain public spaces for the greater good. Most events will take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., though hours may vary by location and participants are encouraged to reach out to their local Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) park to confirm event times.

DCR will provide work gloves and equipment needed for the various projects, though participants may want to bring their own gloves or hand tools, clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number. Power tools are not allowed. Wear sturdy shoes and work clothes, and bring sunscreen and insect repellent. All events are rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather. Parking fees will be waived at all DCR facilities where Park Serve projects are taking place. Drinking water and a snack will be supplied, though participants should feel free to bring their own water and food as well.

Last year, nearly 5,000 people volunteered at 53 parks across the state. In addition to collecting more than 19.5 tons of trash, those volunteers had planted over 187 trees, 167 shrubs and 1,742 flowers.

To find a Park Serve Day event near you, check the list below or search the Park Serve Day website. To register for an event, use the online volunteer application.

Spring is Get-Your-Fishing-Gear-In-Check Time!

Elaine Brewer
Information and Education Coordinator, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)
View Elaines's Bio

The snow has melted for, hopefully, the last time this year. The birds are chirping. The sun is rising a little earlier every day. The temperature is on a steady climb. The fishing shows and outdoor expos are over. It’s about that time to get back on the water!

Although we just want to rush to the water and throw our lines in, there’s actually a process to the mad rush in wetting the lines for the first time of the season. Anglers meticulously check gear in preparation for the warm weather. Because, honestly, why would you waste a good day on the water to fix gear? Do it beforehand, when it’s still just cold enough to keep you off the water.

So how do you get ready for fishing? Follow these steps from some of MarineFisheries most experienced recreational anglers:

-After finding and dusting off your gear, lay it out and take inventory of what you have. Did you lose or break something last year that needs replacing? Put it on the list!

-Break down your reels to clean and lubricate. Make sure there are no broken parts and if there are…fix them! Or bring them to someone who can. When putting the reels back together, be sure that all the parts are included and always test them out to make sure they’re put back together correctly! Almost nothing is worse than a reel blowing up while you’re hooked on a fish.

-Most line manufacturers want you to replace your fishing line every year. We all know that gets tedious and expensive. If you’re not replacing your line every year, inspect the line. Look and feel for any damage (nicks or pulls, anything that feels even a little different than the rest of the line). If you don’t feel any breakage or disturbance in the line, replace at least the first 50 yards or so. This section sees the most action and gets the most damage.

-Check the rod shaft and guides for any tears, splits, or nicks. If there is even a little bit of damage in the guides or shaft, it may mean losing the big one, getting an injury, and most probably a lot of colorful language. 

-Tie rigs. The more rigs that can be made in advance, the better! Nothing is worse than losing or breaking rigs on the water and not having any to replace them.

-Sharpen hooks.  Catching a fish with a dull, rusty hook is like cutting a steak with a spoon it just doesn’t work.

-Get all the bait and tackle you need, and anything you put on the gear list, from your local tackle shop. Be sure to grab a copy of the Massachusetts Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide (you can view it online here) and familiarize yourself with the regulations for your favorite saltwater species. 

Of course, don’t forget your 2013 Saltwater Recreational Fishing Permit! If you don’t have yours yet, pick one up at one of many vendors (mapped here) or purchase one online here.

Anything else you need can be found on the MarineFisheries website. Have fun when you get out there and tight lines!

Think Coastal, Act Global

Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr.

Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

View Secretary Sullivan's Bio

On October 11, 2012, the Boston skies were a brilliant blue, the temperatures hovered in the mid-60s, and the local weather forecast called for nothing but sun and blue skies all day long. For those wanting to extend summer, all signs pointed to a great beach day.  Or, as 215 students from the Josiah Quincy Upper School in Chinatown were about to find out, a great day for a beach cleanup - the 25th COASTSWEEP cleanup, to be exact. This annual state-wide cleanup organized by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and UMass-Boston’s Urban Harbors Institute takes place at beaches and waterways all over the state during September and October.

 

Along with teachers and parent volunteers, the group combed the beach looking for things that did not belong on the shores. Call it marine debris or plain old trash, the kids collected and catalogued more than 100 pounds of man-made materials, including 406 beverage cans and bottles, 229 food wrappers/containers, random pieces of plastic and metal toys, some shotgun casings, and more than 350 smoking-related items (including cigar tips and cigarette butts, lighters, and packaging). In the “other” category, volunteers found an aluminum cane, a chop stick, broken toys, and two car tires.

 

Carson Beach is one of 186 Massachusetts cleanup spots. And, in addition to helping the beach look a whole lot prettier, the data collected during COASTSWEEP are used as part of a global effort—114 countries around the world participate—to learn more about the sources of marine debris to keep the shores of our beaches, oceans, lakes, streams, and rivers clean. Since 1987, the Ocean Conservancy has recorded every cigarette butt and grand piano that has been removed during the International Cleanup so that ocean managers and policy makers can make informed decisions. (For example, due to the large amount of plastic bags found during cleanups, Italy and San Francisco banned single-use plastic bags, and Ireland added a shopping bag tax that reduced bag use by 90 %.)

Lastly, as the old adage goes, when you go to the beach, take only pictures and leave only footprints. (In other words, please take your trash with you when you go and encourage others to do the same!)

   There is still time to get involved in a local COASTSWEEP cleanup—for a list of cleanups, check out COASTSWEEP2012 Cleanups. 

And for more facts about COASTSWEEP, check out CZM’s “25 Years of Sweeping the Shores of Marine Debris.”

Paddling the Squannacook River

Marion Larson

Outreach Coordinator, MassWildlife

View Marion's Bio

Last June, I kayaked a portion of the Squannacook River, a cold river which wends its way from the towns of Townsend, Groton and Shirley. My first experience with this river was in the mid-1980’s as a rookie Natural Resource Officer (now called Environmental Police Officer) when I took a downstream trip with an officer who was “breaking me in.” We dressed in regular outdoor clothing instead of the uniform, packed lunch coolers, stowed ticket books in a waterproof ammunition box, and launched our canoe in West Townsend, close to the Willard Brook State Forest.

 

Because we looked like an ordinary couple enjoying the day, it was easy to paddle up to anglers on the riverbanks, ask about the fishing and then ask if they had a fishing license!  It was the height of the trout stocking season and we checked many fishermen that day.  There were a fair number of anglers who didn’t have a license—at which point they often received a ticket and always given the advice to reel in their lines and buy a license! It took us all day to paddle downstream to our cruiser parked in West Groton, but it was one of the most enjoyable days of my time in law enforcement.

The river flows through the DFW’s Squannacook River Wildlife Management Area.  The amount of land protected by DFW in this area has expanded since the 1980’s and now includes nearly 1000 acres in Townsend, Groton, and Shirley. The Squannacook offers some interesting portages, including one area called Townsend Harbor where a historic cooperage (basket-making facility) stands.  
On the holiday weekend, my husband and I put in at the Vose launching area in West Groton and paddled upstream.

Here the river is dammed by the Hollingsworth and Vose factory and we explored a series of impoundments and dead ends. We finally found the mainstem of the river and paddled into a narrower, forest-canopied waterway. Despite the midday hour, many songbirds were in full voice, Wood lilies bloomed in several areas and dragonflies zipped all around us. Downed trees due to the flooding and the ice storm of a few years ago made for some challenging paddling as evidenced by my husband squeezing through one tight spot. Surprisingly, we only encountered two groups of paddlers during our three-hour trip. A couple of people carried cameras and one woman peered through binoculars. The only fishing activity we saw was from a Great Blue Heron and a Kingfisher!

The Nashua River Watershed Association offers a useful paddling guide you can order for the Nashua River and its main tributaries, including the Squannacook River.

Also, check out the Squannacook River Wildlife Management Area Map.

Nearby state properties:

DCR's Willard Brook State Forest, Ashby. This property offers camping, swimming, hiking and horseback riding trails. DCR's Pearl Hill State Park in Townsend also offers swimming and camping. A 4 mile trail connects to the two properties. 

Celebrate June as Great Outdoors Month

Mary Griffin
Commissioner, Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
View Commissioner Griffin's Bio

Edward M. Lambert Jr.
Commissioner, Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)
View Commissioner Lambert's Bio

With the summer season approaching, Governor Patrick proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month! It is a great opportunity to celebrate all that nature has to offer in the Commonwealth. Boasting over 450,000 acres of state parklands and wildlife management areas, Massachusetts offers many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming.

Not only does June signal the beginning of the summer vacation season, it also marks the start of many outdoor recreational activities.

The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are hosting a variety of outdoor activities perfect for celebrating the great outdoors! Here's a sampling of this month's activities.

• Learn to Fish: Interested in fishing but don’t know how? You can learn by participating in the DCR “Learn to Fish” event on Sunday, June 3, from 9-11 a.m. Through this program, you will learn fishing techniques and how to be environmentally responsible when fishing. You will even discover what species live in the reservoir! The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game will be providing a group fishing license as well as fishing poles and tackle. The group will meet at the Old Stone Church in West Boylston.
• Free Fishing Weekend: On June 2 and 3, take a friend or family member fishing for free--you won't need a fishing license to fish any waterway statewide for these two days! It is time well spent with family and friends. Your purchase of a fishing license directly supports fishing, stocking, education and fish habitat management programs. Contact Jim Lagacy, DFG’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Program Coordinator for scheduling a fishing festival or clinic in your area during the year at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.
• Accessible Recreation Fair: Join us at Artesani Park in Brighton on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a fun-filled event provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Universal Access Program (UAP). Individuals, families, and friends of people with disabilities can come together to enjoy a cycling fair (with an assortment of cycles available for use) and adaptive recreational activities including hiking, letterboxing, face painting, and interpretive programs. Take this opportunity to learn about DCR’s inclusive, accessible programs and resources available to people of all abilities around the state so that everyone can enjoy the outdoors this summer!
• A Sense of Place Festival: On Saturday, June 9, visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Upton and join singer/songwriter and educator Erica Wheeler in discovering your sense of place through music, writing, and reflection. Bring a picnic lunch and a blanket or chair and enjoy Erica’s inspirational, entertaining, and educational program with friends and family. We invite you to come for the day or any part of the program.
• Identifying Animal Tracks: If you’ve ever come across an animal track and wondered what it was, then this is the event for you! On Saturday, June 9, from 1-3 p.m., Stillwater Farm in Sterling will be hosting a program all about animal tracks and habits. Find out what animals might inhabit your back yard, and learn to interpret signs that they were there. It’s a great activity for both curious kids and adults!
• Summer Discovery Hike: Spend this Father’s Day hiking! On Sunday, June 17, a DCR ranger will be leading a three mile summer discover hike to the Blue Hills reservoir in Quincy. We will meet at the Shea Rink parking lot, and the hike will begin at 1 p.m. This is a great way for families to spend time together enjoying the outdoors.

These and other activities can be found on the at Massachusetts Outdoor Events or DCR’s event page and DFG lists hundreds of outdoor events and activities for June and the rest of the summer on its website in the following links: MassWildlife Calendar of Events and Rivers and Wetlands Month Calendar.

Rapids are always changing

Tim Purinton

Director, Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration

View Tim's Bio

At last spring showers are falling and rivers are back on the rise. Rising water is often the trigger for our migratory fish to start swimming upstream in search of spawning grounds. It is also the trigger for many paddlers to start paddling downstream through the rapids.

Massachusetts offers a bounty of paddling opportunities. Though it is the whitewater paddlers who will don a drysuit or wetsuit, life jacket and helmet this early in the season when water temperatures may be hovering just above freezing. Fortunately, there are opportunities in Massachusetts to enjoy a whitewater paddling excursions throughout the summer and fall.

Regardless of whether you explore rivers in the company of a professionally trained raft guide, as part of a fishing and boating tour, by renting a canoe or inflatable raft or simply grabbing your kayak and paddle in your garage, there are several things you should keep in mind.

River recreation has certain risks that can be minimized with proper judgment and equipment. Safety is an attitude and awareness, as much as a set of rules. Have an honest knowledge of your skills and experience, and only attempt activities within your ability.

RIVER SAFETY:

• Because whitewater releases from the hydropower dams can raise water levels quickly, visitors are advised to be alert to changing conditions. River flow forecasts and water level reports for several river segments in Massachusetts may be obtained by phone and online at www.H2OLINE.com.
• Practice extra caution above and below dams. Do not paddle close to the tops of dams, or approach the outfall below the dam. Despite a seemingly benign appearance, the hydraulic created by the outflowing water can create a deadly trap.
• Brush, fallen logs, bridge pilings or anything else which allows the river current to sweep through but pins you or your boat against it can be dangerous. This is especially true due to recent storm events and fallen trees. Keep in mind, fallen trees provide many benefits to fish and wildlife. Check out DER’s and Appalachian Mountain Club’s Trees, Paddlers and Wildlife: Safeguarding Ecological and Recreational Values on the River brochure and video for guidance on ways to assess and ways to address obstacles in the river created by woody vegetation.
• Do not stand up in fast water if deeper than mid-calf. Your feet and legs could be trapped, allowing the current to push you under. Instead, float on your back with your feet on the surface “in front of you” or “downstream of you.”  Hold your boat downstream of you so you do not become trapped between your boat and a rock or barrier. Wait to stand up until the current slows or the water becomes shallow.
• If you hear thunder and see lightning, get off the water. Take shelter in a thick stand of trees if lightning strikes nearby.
• Know without a doubt what poison ivy looks like. In some areas of the river it is plentiful as some of us outdoor enthusiasts have come to know all too well.

Be a well-prepared paddler:

• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD), especially if you are in rapid current, are a weak swimmer, or the water is cold. By law children are required to wear a properly fitting PFD, and each adult is required to have one in the boat. Think of it as a seatbelt—it only works when you are wearing it.
• Wear footgear to protect against sharp rocks or other hazards, and sunscreen and a hat to protect from the sun.
• In case the boat tips over (mishaps do happen), stow your items neatly in a waterproof bag, so they can be retrieved easily. A duffel or backpack lined with plastic bags that is secured to the boat works well.
• Be aware of the signs of hypothermia. Symptoms include: uncontrollable shivering, mental confusion, physical sluggishness, pale complexion, and an inability to get warm. Hypothermia can occur even during the summer if you’re not equipped properly.
• Don’t drink any surface water unless it has been chemically treated or physically filtered.

Now that you are well-prepared (or, if you prefer, being a spectator), then you might want to check out some river events happening this spring listed in the DER’s Rivers and Wetlands Month calendar.