Some good advice for June floaters

It appears that the professional foresters were correct — the lodgepole pine that seemed to be dying only weeks ago are already producing new, green needles. We still need to remember that the foresters also warned that several wet springs in a row could cause the death of some of these young pines.

So far, this spring seems wet to me. In fact, I’m told that Kalispell has had more than two inches of rain above normal for this year to date. I guess that lodgepole pine regeneration would not be hurt by some mortality, but I would prefer to do the thinning myself.

Even though I consider this a wet spring, so far I haven’t seen or heard anything that would indicate we could have any flooding on the North Fork. In fact, every case of flooding that has been recorded indicates that it will take place between June 6 and June 15. I’m writing this on June 14, which should mean that we’re safe until next year. However, if I lived in downtown Polebridge, I might not be so confident. After all, Mother Nature makes her own rules.

Today is the first day in more than a week when it hasn’t rained, and none would say it was a scorcher. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m past ready for some sunny weather. I’m anxious to float the river but plan to stick to my personal rule — I don’t float unless it’s at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit at launch time.

More important is the second part of the rule — “with prospects of warming.” I haven’t always had that rule, and before I established the rule spent some awful, cold, wet days on the river. No more. Unless, of course, it involves a search-and-rescue mission. In that case, I hope it’s a successful mission and the victims are rescued unhurt. They might have to listen to a lecture about adopting my rule in the future.

I would offer further advice to folks who float the North Fork River in June. At this time of year, the river is very fast compared to late July and August and is much higher. Also, there’s more debris in the water and sticking out from the bank. As a result, the river is much more dangerous than it is later in the summer, as well as colder.

That means it’s important to pay attention. Look ahead, read the river and watch the banks. Most spring or early summer accidents involve getting swept into the bank or a log jam. If the river looks bad ahead of you, stop, get out of your boat and walk downstream and scout a safe route.

Finally, don’t just have lifejackets in the boat. Put them on before you launch, make sure they fit properly and keep them on until you get off of the river. Many a strong swimmer has drowned either from getting hit by a rock or from the cold.

The North Fork Landowners Association will hold a community picnic and potluck at Sondreson Meadow on June 20 from 1-4 p.m. and a easy hike (two miles round-trip) to Hornet Lookout on June 22 (meet at Whale Creek Junction at 10 a.m.) and a potluck and square dance at Sondreson Hall June 23 at 6:30 p.m.