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Posted in NYC | pictures on October 19, 2004
Canoeing The Gowanus Canal - pictures
A big thanks to the weather gods for supplying perfect canoeing weather on Saturday. And a bigger thanks to the Gowanus Dredgers for supplying the opportunity.
'The Gowanus Canal extends through the neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens, Park Slope and Red Hook. Built in the 19th century to accommodate barge traffic, the canal’s banks still reflect its industrial heritage.'
'Nearby buildings date back to the Revolutionary War, but today much of the canal is lined with concrete plants, warehouses, and parking lots that limit access to the water’s edge.'
'Very few remaining industries still use the canal for barge traffic. Today, as neighborhoods around the canal grow, residents are looking at the infamous waterway in a new light.'
'Since the mid-1800s, the Gowanus Canal has been heavily polluted. In the late 20th century, poor environmental conditions were exacerbated when the propeller in the flushing tunnel broke, leaving the canal's water essentially stagnant.'
In 1999, after years of advocacy by local officials and residents, the tunnel was repaired and 2,000 tons of contaminated sediments were dredged from the bottom of the canal. These efforts led to immediate water quality improvements and sparked, perhaps for the first time in 50 years, interest in recreational access.
The Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club is a volunteer organization that is dedicated to providing waterfront access and education to the public. We are located on the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, New York and run programs on the shorelines of Gowanus, Red Hook and DUMBO.
Posted on October 19, 2004 2:12 PM
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Comments (11)
Rock on! I had fun exploring the canal with you.
Posted by Lawrence | October 19, 2004 2:46 PM
Hey Brooklynvegan, how do we get in on canoe action? I just moved here and have, so far, only kayaked on the Hudson?
Posted by Elayne | October 20, 2004 11:02 AM
The pictures turned out great. I've only put up a few of the ones I took when I wasn't steering, which you can view through my link (http://www.sauna.org/loyly/photo/canal/ just in case something gets washed up.)
Once I have more than three minutes to spare, I'll see if I can put more up with more text.
Nice to have met you and thanks for bringing this event to my attention.
Posted by gak | October 20, 2004 11:15 AM
My grandpa was born and raised in the Slope, and he says he used to swim in the Canal as a boy. One time he felt something brushing against his leg. It was a rope, which he pulled and pulled, only to find the other end attached to a dead goat! I'll share these photos with him, I'm sure he will think the canoeing is as funny as the time I told him about the Gowanas Yacht Club.
Posted by tricia | October 20, 2004 5:56 PM
niiice
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Rock on! I had fun exploring the canal with you.
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