Owasco River (Outlet), New York, US
|
|
Canoga Rd to Turnpike Rd
| Usual Difficulty |
II(III) (for normal flows) |
| Length |
3 Miles |
Craig Stern Squirtin' Out
Craig Stern Squirtin' OutPhoto of Craig by Phantomboater aka Stevie"G" taken 11/21/04 @ 450 cfs
Gauge Information
River Description
The Owasco River originates at the North end of Owasco Lake. The river is initially navigable to
the first dam but then flows through an industrialized section of Auburn where downstream flows
are used and regulated by Auburn
Hydro. The river becomes navigable again at Wadsworth Street, upstream of the suggested
put-in at Canoga Road. The Turnpike Road takeout, 3 miles downstream, is also the beginning of a
pleasant, 4.5 mile class 2 section through remote woodlands and valleys to the Village of Port
Byron, from here, continuing downstream at class 1, the Owasco meanders to the Seneca River and a
State Boat Launch site at Mosquito Point.
ACCESS:
Put in: Canoga Road bridge. Auburn does not currently provide public access to
the Northern Navigable portion of the river that AW paddlers use, although they (?) support it in
the Auburn Greenway Trail & Auburn Comp Plan . The property owner at the Canoga Road put-in ( all 4 corners) has
been known to assert his authority by physically moving paddlers vehicles or challenging paddlers
who do not contact him before accessing. There have been several citations issued to paddlers
using this section. Clarification of the Auburn City Code may be needed. Auburn Code 234-11-C
Take out: Turnpike Road bridge-current access is a herd path with parking
on the shoulder suitable for 3-4 cars. Cayuga County possesses all 4 corners inclusive in a 400+
acre parcel acquired from NYSEG with a requirement that it remains "open land".
Discussions about better parking/access here have progressed to the County Planning Level with
support from local Town Boards and County Legislator Dave Axton commenting, "..Let me speak
to some people but i guarantee you it would need to be built to spec.."
HAYDEN ROAD-current access is also a herd path with limited roadside parking however, excellent
public access potential exists on lands with ownership disputed between the deeded landowner and
NYSDOT. Parcel Id# 87.00-2-76 at Cayuga GIS MapsThis is near the northern terminus of the 400+ acre County Land and
the beginning of the class 1 section flowing into Port Byron.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:
TRASH
Currently there is trash all over the entire stretch ranging from shopping carts and TV's, to
tires, old boats, and more. Although local assistance has been requested for disposal there has
been no help. A small volunteer group is forming for removing the debris from the river.
STRAINERS
This river is a floodway and maintenance as established by DEC, falls on the local towns. A small
volunteer paddling contingent has been actively removing hazardous strainers from Auburn-Port
Byron following published AW guidelines; there has been favorable contact with local officials
and DEC Officers.
STEWARDSHIP
The River downstream from Turnpike Road flows through a unique, undeveloped and primitive section
where many species including Mink, Fox, Beaver, Fish, Waterfowl, Eagles, and more are routinely
seen. It wanders through a wooded valley along exposed gypsum formations. Fortunately, it is
mostly included in the 400 acre Cou
Auburn City Code chapter 234- 11 reads as follows:
A. Immodest
exhibitions. No person shall publicly make any indecent, immodest or immoral exhibition or
exposure of his or her person, or of any animal or thing, or cause or procure any other
person so to do.
B. Swimming in public
places. No person shall swim or bathe in the Owasco River. No person shall swim or bathe in
any other raceway or canal or public place, unless his or her person is covered by a proper
and sufficient garment or bathing suit, so as not to expose his or her private parts,
including the breasts of a woman, or remove his or her clothes for the purpose of putting
on such garment or bathing suit preparatory to bathing during the daylight hours, unless
within a tent, building, or other concealed location.
C. Rafting and boating
on Owasco River. No person shall engage in tubing, rafting, boating or similar activities
north of the Mill Street Dam on Owasco River in the City of Auburn.
AW information
about New York navigation laws
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/resources/repository/New.York.Navigation.pdf
http://www.protectadks.org/data/content/view/137/1/
Boaters who had trouble on the river and required rescue have been cited.
Forum Discussion about Owasco River: http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/25,26877/
StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2012-02-06 18:01:59
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