Mahoning and Beaver Rivers – Heron Nesting Run

[JPTolson]

Posting this for trip leader, Tom Smith

RE-SCHEDULED FROM MAY 7TH TO MAY 14TH

Covert to Wampum

Trip Leader-Tom Smith

When-Sunday May 14th 2023

Where-New Castle, PA

Launch spot- McKinney Russell Boat Access Area
https://maps.app.goo.gl/41rTEq2pytj6jprd7

Take out- Bevington Boat Access Area
https://goo.gl/maps/6cY4cSkyS4pLHSDe7

Time- 10:00 am

Distance-10 miles

Rapids-Class 1

This is the trip everyone calls "Covert to Wampum". The launch site is called McKinney Russell Boat Access Area, and the take out is called Bevington Boat Access Area. Good to know if you get lost and need Google to help.

We will meet at the launch site at about 10:00 am, (some of us will be there early to help unload) drop boats and gear, then hopefully shuttle by 10:15-10:30. Shuttle time is about a half hour. (15 minutes down, 15 minutes back.)

This is the section of the Mahoning River that turns into the Beaver River. Paddle time varies based on water level but usually about 3 hrs when you factor in about a half hour for lunch. We will stop at Shaw Island to eat lunch as it is about half way through and a good sized island. Waves are generally class 1 at the most. There are several areas where the river narrows and you get some nice, fast moving ripples.

Towards the end of the trip there is a blue heron rookery, river left, in the top of about three sycamore trees. There are a lot of nests and usually all of them have a bird on them at this time of year.

[JPTolson]

Posting this trip update for trip leader, Tom Smith.

Weather is looking good for Sunday's run. Need to add a note about the shuttle time. It might be a little longer than first posted. There is sometimes a good deal of mud at the takeout. I will be bringing a couple shovels so we can cut a small path if needed. There is concrete under that mud.

[SOS57]

JP I just stopped by Bevington Launch. The ramp is clean..

[JPTolson]

Good to hear that the mud is gone from the take out. Thanks for checking, Stan.

I plan to attend and bring my sister who is here from Michigan.

[TkRhoades]

This is Troy Rhoades- I will be there on Sunday

[JPTolson]

Posting this trip update for trip leader, Tom Smith.

We've gone from a 13% chance of rain to a 58% chance. We'll keep an eye on the forecast and make the call on whether to cancel the Covert to Wampum paddle by 8 pm Saturday night.

[onbohio]

It's not looking good for tomorrow. We try not to schedule trips for Mother's Day but we might move this one to May 14th. The 21st is Beaver Creek and by the following week (Memorial Day weekend) the herons may have left the nest.

Let us know if you would be available to paddle on the 14th.

Final decision will be posted by 8pm or earlier tonight.

(Side note- I work pretty much every Saturday so that is not an option for me.)

[onbohio]

The forecast is for rain the entire time we would be on the water and possible thunderstorms by 4 pm. We're going to have to cancel tomorrow's paddle.

If there is interest in doing it next Sunday May 14th we may run it then if the weather cooperates. The blue herons are usually on nest up until about mid to late May.

[TkRhoades]

Thanks for letting us know. I am not available next Sunday.
Troy

[SOS57]

Has anything been decided about trying this on mother's day? Haven't seen any new posts.