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Bob Pierce Photos
The escarpment known as The Appalachian Plateau extends from Maine all the way to central Alabama. Somewhere in the middle is our own Cumberland Plateau, spanning from the brow of Kentucky to just south of Birmingham.
As individuals, we are very fortunate to have this paddling treasure chest just 80 or so miles from Nashville, and we as an organization are blessed by our relationship with the fine folks at Camp Nakanawa. I can’t think of a better place to hold a paddling event, and come April we will once again descend upon the area for Rendezvous 2010.
The dates to remember are April 15 – 18. Jack Lyle once again is working to schedule lots of trips, and Ann and Pepe will provide good lodging, good food, and the warmth of a fire in the Wigwam. If you would like to lead a trip, please contact Jack. We need all levels of excursions, from Class I to Class IV. Sea kayaking on the lake would be a big plus.
There are a few minor changes in store this year. Most notably, we’re moving the auction back to the dining hall. That will free up the Wigwam for music and socializing. We’re working very hard to streamline the check-in process, and you can help. When you visit the website for Rendezvous forms, please make note of the attachments. Take a moment to fill out the waivers completely (both ours and ACA’s) and bring them with you to camp. When you check-in, pass them to the person opposite you at the desk, and they will verify that the information is complete. Remember, each person attending the event must fill out and sign the waivers, and minors must be accompanied by an adult and have their waiver completed as well. Of particular importance is your ACA number. Please record it on your registration and TSRA saves money. If you’re not an ACA member, please check the appropriate box at the top of the form and add the costs to your registration total.
One of our long range goals is to increase Rendezvous attendance by 20% each year. Bring and friend and introduce them to TSRA and the great paddling and help us reach this goal. We try every year to make Rendezvous memorable and their favorite future destination.
Please find the registration form elsewhere in the newsletter, or on our website at www.paddletsra.org. Take a moment to track down your ACA membership card and include the number on your form. Also, please print your email address carefully, as I will be using email for confirmations.
So go ahead and sign up, bring your friends, and plan to join us. And keep in mind, an action-packed weekend like this can’t happen without a lot of planning and help—so please volunteer to pitch in. Contact Jack Lyle to lead a trip of any kind. Contact Melissa Strausbaugh if you’re interested in Kids’ Rendezvous. Contact Jim Shelton for everything else.
See you in April!
Jim Shelton
Chair, Rendezvous 2010
Wilderness First Aid Clinic
March 27-28, 2010
(Registration Deadline --- Mar. 15th, 2010)
Outdoor enthusiasts frequently participate in hazardous activities in wilderness environments where calling ‘911’ is not an option... want to learn more? Check out the Wilderness First Aid Clinic!
TSRA Measures Progress on Strategic Plan for 2009
In summer 2008, the TSRA Board adopted a four-year strategic plan intended to move TSRA ahead with our mission: "to promote the conservation and protection of Tennessee’s flowing waters and teach current and future generations to enjoy and protect our waters." In this plan, our four-year goals include:
• Being recognized as the leading voice for flowing water conservation in Tennessee.
• Conducting paddling schools that educate 400 paddlers and 20 new instructors per year.
• Growing membership to 750 active annual members.
• Heightening community awareness to support both our membership growth and conservation efforts.
• Having the staff and board composition necessary to support our work and play.
...to read the full text, see the November Newsletter.
The results are in...thanks to everyone who voted. This year we received over 50% more votes than the last several years. Special thanks to all the nominees who volunteered their time to serve the membership.
Congratulations to the 2010 Board of Directors:
Daniel Boone
Jim Clapper
Sam Davis
Eric Fisher
Trent Ganstine
Rob Karwedsky
Gene Levine
Steve Logan
Jack Lyle
Lisa McCarter
Jim McCool
David Pelren
Mark Quarles
Patty Shultz
Heather Stacey
Scott Strausbaugh
Charlie Wilkerson
Barnett Williams
Fanci Worthington
Check out the bios for the 2010 Board of Directors .
CALLING ALL TRIP LEADERS!!
Want to help TSRA, have some fun, and change people's lives?
LEAD A TSRA TRIP IN 2010!
You don't have to be Eric Jackson to lead a TSRA trip, although if he calls we won't turn him down. You DO need a moderate amount of skill, a desire to help people, and some common sense (OK, I know this eliminates some of you, but we're willing to overlook that last one.)
If you have a favorite stream, trail, cave, or bike route that you'd like to show to others, please contact me and we'll put it on the 2010 Calendar! I promise you won't be sorry. You'll get a LOT in return!
To lead a trip, contact Jack Lyle: JLYLE@HVUD.COM
Cell Phone: 615-394-8024
Home (nights): 615-376-9179
Want to know what your state legislators are doing for the environment? Not sure who your Tennessee legislators are? Click here to sign up for legislative updates and to learn more about your legislators and their scorecards! Find out first-hand about Tennessee General Assembly voting sessions before they happen and learn how you can make a difference for the environment. TSRA is proud to support Tennessee Conservation Voters by offering you a link to these free email updates!
TSRA has an on-going video/audio history project featuring interviews and conversations with some of the founding members. Here is a short Quicktime movie, (2MB) "The Genesis of TSRA with Bob Miller"
A group of TSRA paddlers running Wooten's Folly rapid in Clear Creek canyon on the Cumberland Plateau.
©David Pelren
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