Playwave Strainer Update and Post Storm Caution

Good news for any fall and winter paddlers - heavy rain 2 weeks ago floated and the pushed the strainer out of the way. Of course, the recent deluge from what's left of tropical storm, Ida, has certainly caused a number of new "adjustments" to the rivers and creeks. Any time you venture out on any waterway after a storm - especially one with sustained rain and wind - be on the look-out for new dangers such as:

• fallen trees
• drowned animals such as deer and livestock
• large debris such as tires, building material, appliances and anything that could wash down from a swollen tributary creek

Rivers are wild and untamed places - even where it passes along well traveled roads, through neighborhoods, and in towns and cities. But isn't that why we love them so? Give rivers the respect they are due.

Status of Dan River Hazard

With the weekend drawing near and the Fall Colors on the river nearing their peak we expect many will be loading up their canoes and kayaks for an exhilarating river trip.

If you're planning to visit the Dan River section between the Highway 89 bridge and Hanging Rock State Park please review the following video to familiarize yourself with the hazard we wrote about earlier this week.

Winston-Salem Journal recognizes DRBA's new office & aspirations in Stokes County

Very exciting news arrived this morning with a Winston-Salem Journal article about DRBA's efforts and aspirations for working in Stokes County. We really appreciate the attention that Journal columnist, Lisa O'Donnell, gives to outdoor recreation and the environment and are thrilled that she chose to give us a little spotlight.

And without intending to be critical we'd like to correct one small error; the article states that there are currently only 2 public accesses along the river in Stokes County. In fact there are four; Hart's Access at the Hwy 704 bridge, Hanging Rock State Park, Moratock Park in Danbury, and Davis Chapel on Snow Creek near the Dodgetown Rd. bridge over the river.

We are, of course, very excited about the prospect of bringing Hemlock Golf Course back into the county's system of accesses with assistance from NC Wildlife Resources.

Thanks again to Lisa O'Donnell and the Journal!

River Hazard on Hanging Rock section

Important warning to all boaters on the Hanging Rock State Park section of the Dan River! We will post updates as conditions change with regard to this dangerous river hazard.

DRBA Stokes is open for business

Hello outdoor enthusiasts, DRBA members and Stokes County residents!

My name is Dale Swanson and I'm the Stokes Programs Coordinator for the Dan River Basin Association in the brand new Stokes Field Office … and I can't imagine a greater privilege.

Stokes County is truly blessed with a wealth of natural and cultural resources. The Saura Mountains. The Dan River. Hanging Rock State Park. Rich traditions in music, art and simple living. Abundant small mouth bass, wild turkey, and other wildlife.

I could go on for paragraphs … but that would just delay us from getting out there to experience all that this corner of the Dan River Basin has to offer.

The purpose of this blog and of the new DRBA Stokes Office is to provoke Stokes County residents and visitors to participate in enjoying, protecting and spreading the good word about our natural and cultural treasures.

I hope you'll make a note of this blog – Stokes OUTDOORS – and keep up with what DRBA is doing here in Stokes. And perhaps you'll consider taking the extra step and become a DRBA member.

Now – I've got to get out of the office and enjoy this glorious Autumn day in Danbury!

BTW - also check out the other DRBA blogs:

• The Rivers & Trails Journal focusing on Martinsville/Henry County, VA and surrounding areas.

• Dan River Basin Adventures covering all of the Dan River basin.