Late June Reportback
We had a wonderful float along the White River. We started just downstream of the dam (coordinates 46°29’53.50″N, 90°54’30.41″W.) We floated to the Highway 13 bridge which took about 5 hours because the water was low so we often had to get out of our canoe and carry or push it over rocks. This float was in late June.
Note: NL means “non-local being”
- Tried to enter river with heavy canoe close to dam — steep, rocky, and lots of rock slabs in waterway. Needed to portage canoe several times, difficult. Do not recommend starting that close to the dam or bringing a heavy canoe with low water levels.
- Along bank in first quarter mile of float, noticed: bird’s foot trefoil (NL), crown vetch (NL), honeysuckle (NL), bull thistle (NL), speckled alder, blue vervain, mullein
- Boneset and lots of frogs noticed at easement
- Several washouts along the banks, before and after easement
- Arrowhead common along river
- Small clams/mussels found in sandy river bottom
- Honeysuckle, buckthorn, narrow-leaved wood pea encountered at easement (all NL)
- Halfway between dam and highway 13 encountered small population of showy lady’s-slipper (Cypripedium regalis), uncommon orchid
- Encountered two bald eagles six times along river!
- Spooked small family of geese near end of float
Recommendations for future floats:
- Bring ample water, snacks, sunscreen, broad-rimmed hats
- Sing to the river! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks5IIzYX3t8
- Make sure devices are charged for recording observations
Check out photos of some beings we encountered!
