Methodical map maker charts Connecticut River


Karl Meyer consults one of his maps before departing Brunelle's Marina in South Hadley. Reminder Publications submitted photo

June 14, 2010.

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

HOLYOKE -- When he spoke with Reminder Publications, Karl Meyer was on his boat on the Connecticut River in southern Vermont, doing something that other boaters see, at least initially, as unusual behavior. Instead of traversing the river in a north or south direction as most do, Meyer was methodically going from the west side to the east side and back again.

The other boaters weren't aware the South Hadley resident was preparing another map of the Connecticut River. So far, he has published five maps and is presently preparing the sixth, which would cover the river from Bellow Falls to Vernon, Vt.

An experienced boater with a captain's license, Meyer started the mapping project in 2005 when he realized there were no contemporary maps of the Connecticut River. He explained his maps provide information including the depth of the river, the locations of islands, amenities near or on the river and attractions and other details, but cannot say his maps are for navigational purposes.

Only the Coast Guard publishes navigational charts, which are regularly updated, something he said is beyond what he can do.

A quick look at one of his maps, though, does show a wealth of information. The one covering the segment from Holyoke to Enfield, Conn., describes the depth of the river, the location of boat ramps, offers historical notes and warnings on water quality.

"I wanted to create a single and comprehensive source for all who use or visit the river," he said.

The response to the first map was great enough that Meyer decided to do more. With each additional segment of the river, he said he widens the geographical area he has covered as well as expands his potential market.

Although one might think the river with its shallows and channels might change a lot from year to year, Meyer said his research has shown it doesn't. He has a map of the river from 1903 and the channels are still where they are today.

What has changed over time is the classification of the water itself. Meyer noted that above the Holyoke Dam the water in the Connecticut is classified as "B," which means it is not drinkable but is safe for swimming. Below the dam, the water quality is "C," which he said is due to pollution at least in part from discharges from Combined Sewer Overflows.

"I've talked to people who say they've seen a huge improvement [in the river] over 30 years ago," he said.

Each map takes about one year to complete. Meyer explained that in the winter he consults topographical maps to acquaint himself with that part of the river. Each map covers 20 to 30 miles. He also drives around that section of the river to see it for himself to gather more research.

He will even charter a plane to look at a section of the river from an aerial perspective.

Come boating season he's on the water for "a good 15 days."

He uses a recording depth finder and side-scan sonar, among other tools to get the detailed information he includes in the maps about the river's bottom. He can cover about two miles a day.

If necessary he leaves his boat, "The Martini," and gets into a canoe in order to traverse the shallow waters.

In the fall he then creates the map and publishes it.

He said the present stretch of the river in Vermont he is mapping is "beautiful -- deep, wide and very easy [for boaters]." He did say that on the day of the interview, high winds were whipping up white caps and spray.

For Meyer what started as a bit of an experiment, has paid off.

"The first year [sales] were encouraging enough to do four more," he said.

Meyer's maps are available at area retailers and from his Web site, www.ctrivermaps.com.

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