The Week of Water

The past 10 days have been an up and down venture - at least for the West Cananda Creek. Last Sunday, the river was at flood stage and according to those that live at Hinckley, the water was spilling over at about 2 - 2 1/2 feet. Now this means that everyone downstream is going to have excessively high water which creates a problem for a number of us. This high water lasted for at least 7 days and then suddenly it was gone. On Friday (4/25/08) the water level was very low in the morning and then in the late afternoon it was back up again. causes one to ponder - who is controlling the flow and what is their motivation?

All week the Canal Corporation could have been diverting water to the canal. This would have been a great use of the snow melt and since the water all ends up in the Mohawk River anyway would have caused no harm. The canal opens May 1st, and a little extra water in the system would have caused no pain for anyone. But instead of "managing" the system, the Canal Corp in their infinite wisdom have done what they always do - screw everyone else and take the easy way out.

Now, the single day up and down can only be caused by Brookfield Power and their "peaking" operation. Peaking means that they only run their turbines at the point in time when the price of electricity is at its highest. While this makes sense from a business standpoint, their FERC license does not allow this and the trout in the river do not do well in the up and down water flows.

Once again, this question is begging to be asked. . . is anyone going to manage the West Canada Creek watershed? Managing, by definition - be in charge of, act on, oversee; watch and direct;
responsible for planning and controlling. Within the parameters of this simple definition - someone needs to start planning for the snow melt and determing a way to lower the reservoir without harming the downstream users. Someone needs to start planning for power generation and determing a flow level that meets this need and also meets the need of the trout and insect life in the river that the trout feed upon. Someone needs to step up to the plate and start proactively preparing for changing weather patterns and making sure that the downstream users are protected. The purpose of a dam controlled river is: A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or slows down the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment; a structure built across a river to hold back water for a variety of reasons, including protecting areas from floods, storing water, and generating power. I understand that the reservoir was originally built to create a water source for the canal, along with numerous other reservoirs in the area. The concern is that the canal used to be used for commercial traffic moving goods east and west through New York state. When is the last time anyone saw a commercial barge moving along the canal carrying goods east or west? In four years in the area I have seen one (1).

The New York State Canal Corporation operates the canal at a deficit of at least $80 million. This number is from Assemblywoman Destito. If she is willing to state $80 million, one wonders what the real number might be. In a state that has the highest tax burden on it's citizens, how can the Governor allow this historic monstrous tax burden to continue for "pleasure boaters". Start charging significant lock fees like the Canal Corporation charges on the Thruway and see how many continue to use it.

This is a discourse for another day - which will be soon. Have a great day everyone.

West Canada Creek

The West Canada Creek flows through the Kuyahoora Valley and next to the people of the valley is probably the greatest resource the area has. It is a beautiful trout stream that is enjoyed by thousands of people every day from April through November.

With the opening of Trout Season, you can drive the length of the river from Trenton Falls to Herkimer and at just about every fishing parking area you will see people our fishing and enjoying the bountiful river. As May approaches and the waters warm a bit, you will begin to see the fly fishermen appear as the trout begin feeding on the different forms of insect life that amazingly rise through the water from egg to nymph to fly and at the moment it reaches the surface takes off in a perfect symbol of the wonder of nature. It is the goal of every fly fisherman to be able to tie the perfect duplicate to the creature that Mother Nature has so amazingly created.

As June comes and the water continues to warm to a temperature that humans can stand, the canoes and kayaks appear. Then as July nears and the water is almost comfortable to a 40 plus year old the youth begin to tube the river. July and August find the river filled on a daily basis with you and old, men and women, enjoying a slow float down the river. The quiet and peace broken by laughter and screams of delight as someone is dunked or tipped into the cool, clean waters of the West Canada.

September brings the beauty of the leaves reflecting on the water and the quiet and peace of a canoe or kayak trip down the river. You pass through the rolling farms of Trenton, then into the Village of Poland. From Poland you pass through Railroad Rapids, passing more farmland on your way to Newport. Just before you get into Newport you can stop near the Blue Rose or the West Side Saloon for a quick bite to eat, then paddle down through Newport and take out at the Newport Telephone Company to portage around the dam. Put back in and continue your float toward Middleville. This area requires a more experienced paddler as the water is more challenging, yet just as pristine and beautiful as ever. After passing the KOA and floating about 2 more miles, your last portage around the Herkimer/Middleville dam, then floating about 3 - 4 more miles into the Herkimer and the Mohawk River.

The Kuyahoora Valley has a lot to offer and the West Canada Creek is the Queen of the area. If we treat her right, she will pay us dividends - if we continue to mistreat her, she will reward us with our due.