Paddlers are invited to join members of the Friends of the Black River for a number of paddling opportunities this summer.
FBR will sponsor a paddle on the Black River reservoir landing just above the Black River Falls dam from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 2, as part of the Karner Blue Butterfly Festival.
FBR will again hold the Paddle in the Park in the kids’ fishing pond at Lunda Community Park Saturday, July 2, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the Festival in the Park. Kayaks and paddle boards and related gear will be available for those who want to try paddling. FBR will collect freewill donations at the Lunda Community Park paddle for the park’s maintenance fund.
Whitewater paddling can be experienced during a number of Hatfield dam releases. The releases will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, July 9, August 13 and September 10 (second Saturday of each month during the summer). Paddlers wanting to take advantage of the release should meet by the County Hwy K bridge on West Clay School Road for put-in around noon.
The annual paddle on Lake Wazee will be Saturday, July 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the lake’s beach. Paddlers can try kayaking and learn basic as well as advanced skills such as rolling given by FBR paddling instructors. Visitors to Lake Wazee will need to pay admission to enter the county park.
To borrow boats and/or gear, contact Jeff Polzin at 715-896-5534. For more information about the paddles or FBR, email info_fbr@yahoo.com.