2016-03-08 Meeting - Paddle The Pec

Reported by Lion Elizabeth Moshure

Illustrated is a photo of guest speakers from the Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation (in yellow shirts) who joined us at our Lions Club dinner meeting on March 8, 2016.

Shown are FPRF speakers Roger Schamberger (seated), and Lee Butler, Jim Leamey and club president Bert Kersten (standing)

The presenters were invited and sponsored by Lion Liz Moshure. Their program was very informative and showed us progress on watercraft landings on which the group has been working.

Interesting Note:

“The Pecatonica River was a scenic stream and as the upper drainage area was denuded of timber and the land cultivated, there was always an increasing amount of silt in its waters. Hence many mud flats were formed and sloughs filled up with silt deposits.” - Leslie T. Fargher, Oct. 1968 http://pecriver.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/FPRF-newsletter-July12-pg2.pdf

 

The Pecatonica River is still a navigable stream, but it is doubtful that the steam-powered craft from the 1860's will ever ply its waters again for commercial purposes. 

For people who don’t own recreational watercraft, there are several private enterprises in the area who actually rent kayaks and canoes for individuals to be able to make leisurely paddling or fishing trips on the river.

Recreation interest in FPRF has grown each year since the organization was founded. The three speakers were also invited to a Ridott Township meeting that same night to discuss another river landing east of Freeport.

If you know of someone looking to get on the river, additional info can be found on the FPRF website www.paddlethepec.com  and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-the-Pecatonica-River-Foundation-106458509379216/

People can also contact the Stephenson County Visitors Bureau for further information. Phone:(815) 233-1357

Lee Butler -- Secretary /Treasurer, Roger Schamberger – Governmental Liaison, Jim Leamy- Safety Chair

 

FPRF is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible.

Make checks payable to: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.