B) Union Road to Michigan Avenue (7 miles)

Quick Facts: Location: Just west from Manitowoc. Shuttle Length: 2.3 miles. Character: A fine stretch of wide-open boulder-bed rapids. Put-in is approximately 650' elevation. Take-out is approximately 595' elevation. Thus total elevation change is approximately 55'. The overall gradient is ~8 FPM. General Overview Just above I43, paddlers will find 3/4 mile of fairly continuous class I-II rapids. There will be a few really sweet surfable waves (especially at flows of 1000-2000 cfs) but most will be 'catch on the fly', having little or no eddy service. Canoeists and recreational kayakers may extend their trip another three river-miles by continuing down to Schuette Park (Broadway Street at Clay Pit Road), however that stretch contains no additional rapids. We formerly listed put-in/access from the end of Logwood Lane, right at the start of the gradient. However, some paddlers (likely recreational kayaks and canoeists, and perhaps at least as likely, fishermen and other sportsmen) have had *far too little regard for private property*. Property owners complained about having their driveway blocked, people walking across lawns (to avoid having to walk through snow in early season, or mud and shrubs at other times), tossing trash (soda and beer bottles and cans), and any number of other *totally inexcusable behaviors*. While you have the right to be on the water, *you do NOT have the right to cross private property to get to the river* (no matter how brief it may be to get to the water), unless you first get the owner's permission! It has been reported that 'No Trespassing' and 'No Parking' signs have been posted all along the end of Logwood Lane, necessitating the use of alternate put-ins. Unfortunately, the next best public access is the bridge at Union Road. Another alternative is putting in on the Branch River. While canoeists and casual recreational paddlers may not mind this additional distance, paddlers wanting to focus more exclusively on whitewater will find that more-than-doubling the length of the trip (with virtually no additional whitewater) will make this reach far less enjoyable. Nearer/shorter access may be possible if permission is sought and obtained from private property owners at other locations backing to the river. However, if you are unwilling to ask, or if a property owner declines allowing access (which is their right!), please use access from one of the listed road bridges. While a few folks have argued to the contrary, I have found the water quality on this stretch can be very 'iffy'. Yes, it can run as clean as any other Midwest river, especially upon periods of more extended high-flows. However, the drainage is dominated by dairy farms (including, I believe, some 'industrial farms'), and virtually every field in the area is spread with manure all winter. It stands to reason that much of the runoff (especially in early spring, but often quite present from summer thunderstorm flows as well) will contain significant amounts of fecal matter. Recent changes in DNR rules regarding farm practices should help, but I wouldn't expect miracles. Note: this is not intended as a criticism of agricultural practices or the farmers in the area. It is just an advisory for those who may pursue recreation on this river. Keep your mouth closed if you flip or get some significant splash. I would also make sure to shower (ASAP) and thoroughly rinse all gear after being in/on this river.