To preserve, protect & enhance the White River of Indiana

Temp closing of river launch

This weekend is the Broad Ripple Art Fair, so the canoe launch next to the Monon Trail will be closed from Thursday, May 16 through Sunday night, May 19.

Meanwhile, the Meridian Street bridge project continues and the coffer dam blocking the river will remain in place into July. As soon as we have a firm date, we will post it.

 

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Thank you, everyone!

Your volunteer effort made the 25th Annual White River Cleanup work! Despite blustery weather, you came and invested yourself in the banks of White River. You cleared away tons of trash while you performed a service for Central Indiana’s defining natural resource.

We also want to thank the sponsors who also helped make this important annual event happen.

Now you can enjoy this 25th Annual White River Cleanup slide show (on Facebook) and this 25th Annual White River Cleanup Youtube video.

You also can read White River Cleanup in its 25th year, and things are looking better, by Eric Weddle, in The Indianapolis Star, April 13, 2013.

 

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Broad Ripple Dam renovation

Citizens Energy Group is in the process of rehabilitating the existing Broad Ripple Dam and this work will continue through July 2013. During construction, temporary diversion dams will be constructed a short distance upstream of the dam and an access road will be constructed downstream of the dam. These can present additional hazards to boaters due to submerged materials and these areas should be avoided.

It is possible to portage the construction work. The maps of the White River available on the Friends of the White River web site show the existing portage location. Please be aware the upstream pullout point is not well marked and is mucky, making it difficult to use. The re-entry point for the portage is just downstream of the construction work and should be used with caution due to its proximity to the construction activities.

The completed dam will still be a barrier to river traffic and should not be ridden over in any flow conditions. Work is expected to complete on or before July 2013.

 

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Centennial approaching

Nearly 100 years ago, the United States suffered what has been called “the most widespread natural disaster” in U.S. history — a series of storms, tornadoes, high winds and record-setting floods that affected 15 states. The flooding affected hundreds of towns and cities in the Midwest and the Ohio valley and along the Mississippi. Many of the river gauges in use then still list the 1913 flood as the number one record-setter.

As we gather links related to the events, we will post them here and on Facebook:

‘Our National Calamity’: The Great Easter 1913 Flood by Trudy E. Bell — this blog has some fascinating historical accounts.

Indiana, The Great Flood of 1913 — Indiana flood photos posted by an anonymous author.

The Great Flood of 1913: 100 Years Later — information from the National Flood Risk Management Program, aka “The Silver Jackets.”

Thinking About Our Relationship with Water — an exhibit set to open soon at the Indiana Historical Society.

In progress now, an exhibit of photos at the Hamilton East Public Library.

Culver Military Academy — an account of Culver cadets aiding flood victims in Logansport.

 

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Beauty shot. Just because.

 

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Top 13 reasons to care about White River during 2013

• Its value as a natural resource
• Its opportunities for enjoyment of the outdoors
• Its contribution to property values
• Its adjoining cultural features
• Its improving water quality
• Its habitat for fish and wildlife
• Its varied character as its runs through communities and the countryside
• Its connections with local greenways
• Its historic significance
• Its volunteer events and activities
• Its parks and public places
• Its potential as an economic and environmental asset
• All the different reasons that make it special to you

 

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Meridian Street construction creates dangerous river hazard

After the recent flood, several Friends leaders had a good look at the bridge construction where Meridian Street crosses our White river. The coffer dam was left damaged and that has created a dangerous situation for boaters!

The inlets for the first set of tubes are full of debris, some of which came right from the construction site. There is about 40 feet of turbulent water before the second (downstream) set of tubes starts. Some of those tubes are blocked with ice formations, and at least two are tipped such that they are acting like funnels, with the outflow underneath the water.

Do not attempt to paddle through the tubes!

It is possible to portage the construction work. We suggest starting far to river right. It will be about 70 feet of carrying over large limestone boulders to get down to where you can re-launch your boat. There is a fair amount of rebar laying around on the limestone; likely, there is plenty under the water also.

We understand the construction will continue in 2013 and it will still be a mess there for a while. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation. It is possible that when the work is done, there will be a much improved canoe access at that bridge. For now, you probably want to plan your White River trips to avoid the Meridian Street bridge altogether.

 

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In flight

This photo of a bald eagle was captured by Dan Axler, on White River at Rocky Ripple, just upstream of the Butler University campus. Enjoy.

The Friends Facebook page featured 12 avian photos during the 12 Days of Christmas, to celebrate our feathered friends who depend on a healthy White River ecosystem.

 

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Wildlife gift cards on sale

Celebrate the season with note cards that will remind others of the wildlife and wildflowers that can be seen along the greenways adjoing White River and its tributary streams in Marion County. Twelve different illustrations by Dino Martins make a wonderful holiday gift. The price of $9.95 includes shipping and handling. Card orders for Christmas need to be received by no later than Thursday, Dec. 20. Quantities are limited, order today! Send an email to Kevin Hardie or phone (317) 255-1197.

 

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Friends focus on new friends

Each year, our Friends group continues to focus on involving other groups and individuals with this valuable waterway resource. Contact us to discover volunteer opportunities for your organization or to explore sponsorship possibilities. You also can choose to support these efforts by making a donation or becoming a member.

Then, we invite you to enjoy our Partnering to Protect White River slide show to view some dedicated volunteers at work.