Now Reqruiting for the 1st Annual Great Niagara Boat Dance!

Calling All Canoes, Kayaks, and Non-Motorized Small Craft!

Happy New Year! Canadian and U.S. municipalities along the Niagara River have declared 2009 as The Year of Our Shared Waters because, in this region, our water is so important to us. We depend on it for our food, transportation, energy, and enjoyment.

Why is 2009 so special?
The year 2009 is special because the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 established the International Joint Commission--a binational body that manages the quality and quantity of water in the Great Lakes and the Niagara River. One hundred years later, we still need to take better care of our waters and find creative new ways to connect people with the water. Because when citizens connect to the water, they are more likely to protecting our valuable natural resource in the future.

What is a boat dance?
In hopes of inspiring citizens to be involved in the protection of their water, the First Annual Boat Dance will be held on June 12, 2009 to celebrate The Year of Our Shared Waters and the 100th Anniversary of the Boundary Waters Treaty. We are looking for people who enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and sailing and who want to be involved in this synchronized boat dance. All skill levels are welcome to join! Choreographer, Gerald Trentham will combine the movements of our small vessels with music and song. The final performance will take place at dusk and lights on the vessels will allow the boat dance to be seen from the shore.

How can I join?
If you want to be involved in this event, please sign up on the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper website (www.bnriverkeeper.org) or call 716-852-7483. Our first meeting is on February 9th at the Riverkeeper offices on 1250 Niagara Street. There will be at least four on-land rehearsals in April and May, and an in-the-water rehearsal in early June to prepare for the two final performances. The first tentative performance will be held at the Canoe Club in Canada on June 9th, 2009 and the second performance is scheduled to take place at the confluence of the Buffalo River and City Ship Canal right in front of the Erie Canal Harbor on June 12th, 2009.

For more information feel free to contact Lynda Schneekloth (lhs1@buffalo.edu), Richard Butz (butzra@yahoo.com), or Robbyn Drake (rdrake@bnriverkeeper.org).