Whitewater releases are scheduled for the Rhinelander River in Wisconsin. These
releases are a component of the settlement for the relicensing of Rhinelander
hydropower project.
DATE: June 26, 2001 TIME: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
FLOW: Run of River Flow
Note: This release is taking place during the annual Mill shut down. Flows
will be equal to the total Wisconsin River cfs at Rhinelander.
FLOW INFORMATION:
USGS Gauge – Wisconsin River at the Rainbow Flowage, 40 miles up stream of
Rhinelander. <http://wi.water.usgs.gov/rt-cgi/gen_stn_pg?station=05391000>
WVIC Automated Water Line – You can get an accurate daily average flow at
Rhinelander by calling WVIC automated water line: 715-842-1284, then press 5
for Rhinelander flows.
GUESTS OF RHINELANDER PAPER MILL:
We are guests of the Rhinelander Paper Mill; please be respectful to all
employees and their operations. Stay off all structures including railroad
bridges and catwalks. Do not enter any other areas of the mill. This is an
operating mill and there will be large trucks driving through the mill. Always
stay to the side of the road and always yield to mill traffic. Failure to
comply with these requests could jeopardize future releases.
CHANNEL DESCRIPTION:
All paddlers should be comfortable on fast whitewater with very few eddies. Just
like paddling any whitewater, paddlers are responsible for their own safety and
should paddle only if they have the appropriate skill level, experience and
equipment; such as full boat flotation, PFD, helmet, and throw rope. Since this
reach of river is normally dry, there are some flood hazards present such as
sweepers, brush and debris.
PARKING:
Parking is available on the North side of Davenport Street in the M&I public
parking lot. Overflow parking is available just inside the Mill fence by the
large gray building. Please do not block any roadways. Please do not park in any
unauthorized areas.
PUT-IN:
The put-in is on the east bank of the Mill property just below the dam. You can
drop boats off at this location but you cannot park there! Be careful getting
down the bank, don’t mess with the dam there is rebar in the plunge pool below
the dam, be conservative launching, don’t take any chances, and stay safe.
TAKE OUT:
The takeout is on river left a little below the last drop. If we are lucky there
may be volunteers to help us shuttle back to the put-in. If there are no shuttle
volunteers available you can carry your boat up the portage trail through the
Mill on the east side of the river.
FACILITIES:
There are no rest room facilities so please plan accordingly. There are no
changing rooms available, please be considerate of others as you are in a
downtown area.
CLEAN-UP & FISH RESCUE:
After the release paddlers are responsible to make sure there are no fish
entrapped after the dam is closed. So stick around and help with the fish
rescue. Paddlers should check the area to make sure we have left nothing
behind. We are responsible for keeping this area clean during recreational releases.
DONATIONS:
There is no fee for running the river during recreational releases. Donations
will be accepted. 100% of all donations will go to channel improvements.
Lastly, as a demonstration of appreciation for the whitewater releases be sure
to support the local businesses in Rhinelander. Grab dinner or gas up before
you leave town.