Local Kayaking / Canoeing

[Sycamorefan96]

Is anyone on here into kayaking at all? These are the local ones I've done quite a bit. Are there any I'm missing on my list that I should try out?

Wabash River- Can get a bit boring at times, especially if the water is slow. The Asian carp usually aren't too bad, especially if you stay away from the bank, but they definitely startle you when they leap out of the water.

Sugar Creek- A local favorite, but not a lot of public access points available as they seem to want people to use an outfitter.

Big Raccoon Creek- My personal favorite. Not very many people use it which is a plus and there's lots of access points. It can get pretty low towards the end of summer, but I've never not been able to go on it. There's also a Little Raccoon Creek that occasionally has enough water in it (typically in the Spring), but I've never tried it yet.

Vermillion River- Farther north up towards Cayuga, but I really enjoyed my first trip on that small river last week. Will definitely do that one again. There's also a Little Vermillion River up there by Newport, but I'm not sure if it's ever navigable. It looked really low last week, but perhaps in the Spring months it might have enough water like the Little Raccoon mentioned above.

Brouilletts Creek- For those not familiar with this one it's in NW Vigo County and southern Vermillion County. I've been on it a couple of times and it's surprisingly a decent creek to go on. Unless it's been extremely dry it seems to usually have enough water to go on.

Otter Creek- I've been upstream from Old Mill Dam too many times to count. Planning on doing it one last time during Labor Day weekend before they knock the dam down. Unfortunately this creek only seems to have enough water to kayak in where the dam is holding the water which is roughly 1.5 miles. According to BankShot and a Tribune Star article they were supposed to put in a ramp for kayaks at Hassleburger Ave but they never did. Perhaps the creek has more water in it closer to the river. Anyone ever had any luck with that one?

Vigo County public kayak launch site in the works

Kayaking along Otter Creek in Vigo County could become more accessible to the public next year.With the Vigo County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approving a $165,820 engineering design contract for

www.tribstar.com

Prairie Creek / Negro Ditch- Locals down there call it something else, but it's in SW Vigo County in the river bottoms, and I canoed the ditch with a buddy once, which was honestly more fun than it should have been

Eel River in Clay County- I've not been on this one yet, but it looks like it would be a great one to try.

 

[BankShot]

Maybe a Vigo Co. Commissioner (Meistro?) could explain this article?

 

[sycamore tuff]

Tribune star update on mill dam removal

Vigo gets $80,000 state grant to help with Markle Mill Dam removal

Vigo County will receive $80,000 in state funding to help with the removal of Markle Mill Dam on Otter Creek.

www.tribstar.com

 

[sycamore tuff]

Seems like a waste of time and money to me. Now what will they name the park?

 

[Sycamorefan96]

Tribune star update on mill dam removal

Vigo gets $80,000 state grant to help with Markle Mill Dam removal

Vigo County will receive $80,000 in state funding to help with the removal of Markle Mill Dam on Otter Creek.

www.tribstar.com

"Many of the projects aim to improve water quality by reducing sediment and nutrient inputs. Improved water quality helps fish and wildlife populations and improves recreational opportunities, the state says."

"IDNR says these projects will result in more than 1,030 miles of open streams and rivers, allowing for free passage of fish, aquatic organisms and recreational users."

---------------

Just what we need. More open waterways so that the Asian Carp can keep breeding in more and more of our rivers and streams.

 

[Gus Macker]

Been a lot of years but used to canoe Big Walnut in Putnam County and fish for smallmouth bass. Liked the upper portions above the Little Walnut confluence vs. sections below. Been 30 plus years so much has likely changed.

Big Raccoon was good but flow below the dam could really get low when they needed to keep the reservoir at summer pool. If into fishing at all the section above the lake between Hwy 231 and Portland Mills could be a lot of fun during the spring White Bass run.

 

[Sycamorefan96]

Been a lot of years but used to canoe Big Walnut in Putnam County and fish for smallmouth bass. Liked the upper portions above the Little Walnut confluence vs. sections below. Been 30 plus years so much has likely changed.

Big Raccoon was good but flow below the dam could really get low when they needed to keep the reservoir at summer pool. If into fishing at all the section above the lake between Hwy 231 and Portland Mills could be a lot of fun during the spring White Bass run.

Big Walnut Creek is another one I'm interested in trying eventually. Putnam County Parks Dept says it's mostly only navigable from March-June, but I'm not sure how accurate that really is.

 

[sycamore tuff]

My son and I went up Otter creek a few weeks ago before they tear the dam out. Yesterday was such a beautiful day I decided to do it again. One last time after what I thought would be the last time. It’s too bad the commissioners or council members decided to destroy a local landmark and a nice place for a two hour kayaking trip.

 

[BankShot]

Our farm was dissected by OC @ the Trestle located @ Fruitridge & Tuttle Ave. Nothing like having your own water playground...we sold & moved to Newburgh in '64. Slum trailer park now occupies the farmland (Morris?). Shortly after purchase, he reshaped the WIDTH of the creek w/ his bulldozer to provide larger plats. Aunt's husband (Rex Johnson) was the Steam Engineer @ Markle Mill when it burned in '38, shortly following the conversion to electricity.

 

[meistro]

My son and I went up Otter creek a few weeks ago before they tear the dam out. Yesterday was such a beautiful day I decided to do it again. One last time after what I thought would be the last time. It’s too bad the commissioners or council members decided to destroy a local landmark and a nice place for a two hour kayaking trip.

How is removing the dam going to keep you from kayaking Otter Creek? The dam is what's called a low head dam, which has been deemed by the state to be unsafe and a danger to people that venture around it. The dam was built to power a grist mill that has been gone for 80 plus years. It is failing and if we take it out now, most of the cost will be covered by grants. Repairing is not allowed by the state, nor rebuilding the same type of dam. The only option would be to build a step down dam at a cost of 3-5 million dollars. This dam serves no functional purpose in modern times and we feel spending that kind of money would not be a good use of taxpayer money. The foundation of the Markle Mill will be saved as well as upgrades to the park. I'm one of the 3 commissioners that had to make this decision. What would you rather us do?

 

[Sycamorefan96]

How is removing the dam going to keep you from kayaking Otter Creek? The dam is what's called a low head dam, which has been deemed by the state to be unsafe and a danger to people that venture around it. The dam was built to power a grist mill that has been gone for 80 plus years. It is failing and if we take it out now, most of the cost will be covered by grants. Repairing is not allowed by the state, nor rebuilding the same type of dam. The only option would be to build a step down dam at a cost of 3-5 million dollars. This dam serves no functional purpose in modern times and we feel spending that kind of money would not be a good use of taxpayer money. The foundation of the Markle Mill will be saved as well as upgrades to the park. I'm one of the 3 commissioners that had to make this decision. What would you rather us do?

I'm curious how one is supposed to kayak Otter Creek, especially once the dam is gone? At least with the dam there, there is enough water to go upstream and come back. Most places Otter Creek only has a few inches of water which might be enough to go downstream, but it certainly isn't enough to go upstream very easily. The county was supposed to put in an access point at Hassleburger Road, but that's never happened. If that ever happened then Old Mill Dam to Hassleburger would be a decent kayak trip, but currently there's no public access points anywhere except for Old Mill Dam. Could you guys at least spend a little money there and fix that issue? A gravel parking area with a dirt trail to the creek would be plenty sufficient.

 

[sycamore tuff]

The dam created a reservoir upstream which was great for kayaking. I know someone drowned there a few years ago which is very sad. If my son drowned there I would want it removed too but personal responsibility has to come into play at some point. People are killed on interstates daily but we aren’t getting rid of them. I’m sure you and the other commissioners did what you thought was best. I just think it’s a shame.

 

[Sycamorefan96]

I'm curious how one is supposed to kayak Otter Creek, especially once the dam is gone? At least with the dam there, there is enough water to go upstream and come back. Most places Otter Creek only has a few inches of water which might be enough to go downstream, but it certainly isn't enough to go upstream very easily. The county was supposed to put in an access point at Hassleburger Road, but that's never happened. If that ever happened then Old Mill Dam to Hassleburger would be a decent kayak trip, but currently there's no public access points anywhere except for Old Mill Dam. Could you guys at least spend a little money there and fix that issue? A gravel parking area with a dirt trail to the creek would be plenty sufficient.

And here's the link for the article, so you know I'm not just making stuff up.

Vigo County public kayak launch site in the works

Kayaking along Otter Creek in Vigo County could become more accessible to the public next year.With the Vigo County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approving a $165,820 engineering design contract for

www.tribstar.com

 

[BankShot]

Cindy Rothrock & Mickey Hines likely bitched & moaned to the Commissioners about her farmland being covered by "archaeological remnants" post-flood. Her property sits between Hassleberger & the river. She feared massive littering from those canoeing...just another REASON why NTH is the SHIT HOLE it is today. They had a chance in '72 to create a Conservancy District, which failed in a close 3-County Referendum (Parke-Vigo-Clay). This would've controlled the periodic flooding of Otter Creek & NTH. Clay County voiced the greatest opposition. Guess 50 yrs. of nothing speaks for itself...before Greg Gibson bought next-door Forest Park a few yrs. ago. Pristine piece of real estate formerly owned by Tony Hulman & TH 1st.

 

[Sycamorefan96]

Cindy Rothrock & Mickey Hines likely bitched & moaned to the Commissioners about her farmland being covered by "archaeological remnants" post-flood. Her property sits between Hassleberger & the river. She feared massive littering from those canoeing...just another REASON why NTH is the SHIT HOLE it is today. They had a chance in '72 to create a Conservancy District, which failed in a close 3-County Referendum (Parke-Vigo-Clay). This would've controlled the periodic flooding of Otter Creek & NTH. Clay County voiced the greatest opposition. Guess 50 yrs. of nothing speaks for itself...before Greg Gibson bought next-door Forest Park a few yrs. ago. Pristine piece of real estate formerly owned by Tony Hulman & TH 1st.

Hopefully @meistro has an answer because I really want to know if that ramp is still in the works. I'd likely use it a lot of it was ever put in. Old Mill Dam to Hassleburger would be a nice trip, and so would Hassleburger to Tecumseh (on the Wabash). The article was from two years ago, but I have no idea if they have even put the new bridge in since I rarely ever drive that way.

 

[BankShot]

Send an inquiry to Co. Commission Pres. Chris Switzer. There was NO public release re: Contract "Change of Order" plans, which is POOR GOVERNMENT, regardless of County.

 

[meistro]

That ramp was proposed by a previous commissioner. This project is not currently on our radar. Regarding 96 comment above about not enough water in the creek to kayak - if that's the case, why would we want to put in an area to access it? And yes, there is a lot of opposition from property owners for having kayaking through private property.

 

[BankShot]

It was my understanding that public waterways and their peripheral shorelines have a natural PUBLIC easement. As a developer/home builder this shouldn't be rocket science. Any idea where MICKEY HINES resides? WICHITA, KS...

Btw, did the previous Commissioner (Brendan Kearns) have a thorough discussion w/ Vigo Officials on the issue? Why was THIS idea trashed? Wasn't the bridge built? People were hoodwinked...bad govt.

 

[BankShot]

Timeline of Forest Park/Markle Mill Dam Events

*** From the TH “Saturday Spectator” @ VCPL - Special Collections.

1825 - Abraham Markle dies; Fred & William continue ownership.

1848 - Frank T. Hulman & John Ludowici pool $2,500 & move from Cincy to TH to start wholesale grocery business. Frank lures younger bros. Herman to move from Germany. Frank & family were lost @ sea in the 70's on the “Austrian” steamship while returning to Germany to visit relatives. Shortly after, Herman became good friends w/ banker, W.R. McKeen. The favors exended by McKeen allowed Hulman to prosper.

1866 - Fred Markle dies;

1878 - Mill sold to Henry S. Creal.

Jan 8, 1881- Estate sale of deceased Henry Creal’s personal possessions by Mark Creal. Henry died of diptheria.

Nov 1, 1894 - TH Trust Company formed; Pres. L.H.C. Royse; initially trust-only; added savings bank, real estate, rental & insurance.

1898 - Creal Mill sold to T.J. Walsh (Welch).

1900 - Clabber Girl Baking Powder invented.

Sept 1, 1906 - Forest Park Labor Day events AD.

May 18, 1907 - 150' Suspension Bridge constructed in Forest Park over Otter Creek.

May 25, 1907 - Forest Park agent Walter Phillips purchases Markle Mill from Thomas J. Welch for $6,000. Value of “water rights” to Otter Creek described.

June 29, 1907 - Forest Park being seriously examined for TH Parks system “connected by blvd’s. Primary drawback of current park system is absence of water for boating. Charles Duffin, Forest Park Director refused a $30,000 offer. City looking @ riverside (current Fairbanks Park) locations.

1915- Sept 21, 1938 - Charles D. Hansel owned Markle Mill; worked @ Bridgeton Mill after Markle Mill burned down until retirement.

July 18, 1908 - George H. Freers accepted a position w/ the Forest Park Mining Co.
Une16, 1923
June 26, 1909 - Record attendance (900) for Sunday non-special event; Juy 4th AD describing Fox Chase, Cliff Climbing, Boat/Tub Racing activities.

May 18, 1912 - Forest Park purchases new 20 passenger auto for Ellsworth (NTH) commute.

July 12, 1913 - Great description of Herman Hulman family dynamics w/ Herman Jr. & Anton.

Dec 13, 1913 - Herman Hulman estate settled by Anton & Herman Hulman. Final
asset value was $608,250 real estate & $257,332 personal. Minus deductions, taxes were paid on $841, 658. Final state tax paid was $9,615.22.

May 16, 1914 - Hulman Family bodies moved to Cavary Cemetery.

July 14, 1917 - Advertisement of Forest Park.

Oct 25, 1919 - Party involving Mrs. Bruce Bindley (TH Trust Co.) & Mrs. Herman Hulman.

June 16, 1923 - and through to the following dawn, the largest Ku Klux Klan rally ever held in Indiana took place in Forest Park, five miles north of Terre Haute. 5,000-robed Klansmen paraded through the city, and on their return to the park, burned six 30-foot tall crosses.

May 9, 1925 - Coney Island (NY) “talks” re: purchase of Forest Park never materialized.

May 3, 1930 - C.D. Hansel is campaigning for Republican Vigo Commissioner nomination (1st District).

Sept 9, 1933 - TH Trust Co. “reorganization plan” in prep for transition to new national bank (1st National)

Note: 1928 - McKeen National Bank merged w/ 1st National Bank
- Note: Samuel McKeen, Bank Founder died on 6/30/1903 @ 72. George Markle & Herman Hulman were “honorary” pall bearers. His grandfather’s bros. (Thomas) signed the Dec. of Independence. McKeen was in Packing (1854-64), lumber (1864-77; owned mills in Williamsburg & Burnside, KY; was Pres. of the KY Lumber Assn. Also involved in flour mills (2 in TH, 1 in Ellsworth (NTH) and banking.

1932 - TH Bank & Trust merged w/ 1st National Bank.

Dec 8, 1934 - Forest Park considered as CCC camp possibility lease under TH Trust Co. ( Bruce Bindley, Board President). Forest Park was included in their “asset portfolio.” Speculation cast as to WHY Terre Haute/Vigo had not been awarded a CCC site while Clay County had.

Dec 14, 1935 - Forest Park “transient camp” built by CCC totally dismembered w/o ever being used. A 3-yr. Lease arrangement w/ the State of Indiana was signed. Talk of re-use “south of Terre Haute.” (Shakamak #522 Camp?).

Aug 20/26, 1938 - Anton Hulman purchases Forest Park from TH Trust Co.

Sept 24, 1938 - Fire destroys Markle Mill facility.


July 30, 1939 - Decribes Hulman’s Forest Park recreation center amenities for “employees.” Cites need for water to supply 8 acre lake/pool & 40' high dam.

Dec 14, 1940 - TH Trust Co. “Final Report.”

March 1/8, 1941 - TH Trust Co. “Final Dissolution” of assets.

March 14/20, 1965 - 7:00 am fire destroyed $150,000 Forest Park Lodge. Fire caused by smoldering cigarette leftover from prior night gathering. Owned by Hulman & Company.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

It was my understanding that public waterways and their peripheral shorelines have a natural PUBLIC easement. As a developer/home builder this shouldn't be rocket science. Any idea where MICKEY HINES resides? WICHITA, KS...

Btw, did the previous Commissioner (Brendan Kearns) have a thorough discussion w/ Vigo Officials on the issue? Why was THIS idea trashed? Wasn't the bridge built? People were hoodwinked...bad govt.

Elections have consequences.