Attendees:

Joan Koos
Alice Hemphill
Steve Taylor
Wilma Morrissey
Cathie Oliver
Faith Hahn
Robert Karl
Mary Burne
Eric Anderson
Dan Van Abs
Peter Krukowsky
Brian Gallagher
Katrie Hillman
Michael Craghan

Mr. Taylor began the meeting by introducing Mr. Brian Gallagher, owner and operator of Mohawk Canoe and Kayak in Howell Township.

Mr. Gallagher began by discussing river paddling safety standards followed by his company. He said that safety is the most important issue for him and for the success of his business. He said there is a 100 degree cut off for paddling trips. When the combined air and water temperatures go below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, they will not offer canoe or kayak tours. Mohawk staff is trained in safety and are consider themselves "keepers" of the river. Before patrons get in a canoe or kayak, they must watch a short orientation video on water safety. Guides evaluate each paddlers skill level and place them in either a canoe or kayak depending on their individual skill. All paddlers must sign an insurance waiver releasing the company of any liability. All paddlers must wear shoes and a personal floatation device. Shoes are required because of sharp objects in the river such as natural cedar spikes. Alcohol consumption is prohibited. Mohawk has a carry-in/carry-out trash policy. Patrons are provided a safety presentation that focuses on dangers associated with river obstructions as well as safety issues related to stream bank erosion. Guides use information provided by the Manasquan River gauging station at Squankum to conduct a high, medium, and low risk evaluation. Boats are not rented during high flow events.

A variety of trips are offered based on time and the level of difficulty. One hour trips begin at Southard Road, two hour trips begin at West Farms Road, and three hour trips begin at Ketcham Road. All of the trips run to the Mohawk Landing for portage. Mohawk Canoe recommends easily rated sections based on their own rating system. Mohawk Canoe has its own Trip Rating Table. The Manasquan River is either Class 1 or Class 2 depending on flow conditions, but this rating doesn't account for river obstructions. The Manasquan has numerous obstructions and consist primarily of dead trees and branches.

Mohawk Canoe and Kayak has developed a river cleaning protocol to facilitate navigation on the river. First they scout the river after every storm or flood event. Mohawk employees run segments and perform general maintenance to remove material hanging down towards the river, but not actually in the river. They use tree trimming loppers to remove small material and keep river navigation open. They also remove trash to improve the aesthetic value. The next phase is referred to as "Dam Buster" where a minimum of three staff work together to remove material obstructing flow. Only enough material is removed to safely navigate the river. Often only a small opening is created to enable navigation. The "last resort" involves using a chainsaw. The chainsaw is only used in severe conditions and only for logs about 2.5 feet in diameter. This requires 4 staff including Mr. Gallagher. In 8 years of working on the river, they have only used the chainsaw six times. Extra precaution is used when working with the chainsaw to prevent accidents and to prevent contaminating the river. The chainsaw is packed and sealed in a container until ready for use. All oil and gas is kept in a sealed cooler until needed. This prevents the possibility of oil/gas spills on the river. When dam material is moved, they "knit" trees together to ensure they are stable and less vulnerable to movement and subsequent erosion.

In 2004, Mohawk Canoe plans to initiate several new programs. They plan to keep better records and document changes to the river. They are also interested in sponsoring a river clean-up to educate the community as well as river users about pollution impacts to the river. As a policy, they will eliminate the use of Styrofoam coolers. Too often they find that paddlers damage the coolers and the remaining pieces of Styrofoam are lost on the river. They would also like to develop additional educational materials that focus entirely on environmental education.

Mr. Gallagher also mentioned that occasionally he will run tours in the narrows adjacent to the Wildlife Management Area. On a few occasions, he has noticed wave runners in the area. He said that it's very alarming to have wave runners darting around the corners in the narrows, and he's certain that it disturbs the birds nesting there.

Mr. Taylor suggested that perhaps restrictions should be placed on the wave runners in the area of the Wildlife Management Area.

Mr. Gallagher said that the Paddlers Expo will be held in Edison on March 23rd. Mohawk Canoe and Kayak will have a booth and advertise trips on the Manasquan River. He invited the MRWA to share a booth with him and display environmental education materials. Mr. Taylor agreed and asked for volunteers to help serve the booth. Cathie Oliver agreed to help.

Mr. Van Abs announced that the State is pursuing funding from owners of contaminated sites through the Natural Resources Damages Program. Restoration funds will be available in areas where natural resources have been impacted. NJDEP would like businesses to contribute directly rather than give funds to the State for redistribution. The MRWA should use the Watershed Management Plan to identify potential projects for funding. The MRWA should also identify businesses on the "Known Contaminated Site List" and work with them to identify projects for funding.

Mr. Taylor announced that a stormwater workshop is being held at 9:30 a.m. on February 20th at the NJ Water Supply Authority Administration Building. Municipal officials have been invited to learn about their responsibilities under the new stormwater management regulations. Mayors, administrators, engineers, and environmental commissions from the 13 towns in the watershed have been invited. The MRWA will also present services that it can provide to municipalities to help municipalities implement the new stormwater permit.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.