Fri Nov 20 2009
By LISA NICELY
It's time to take out the trash -- from the rivers.
The Barb Breckler Maumee River Shoreline Sweep will be held Saturday, and volunteers are being sought to help with the 26th annual river sweep.
The cleanup is sponsored by City Beverage, Defiance County Environmental Services, Kissner's, McDonald's and the Fort Defiance Boat & Ski Club.
Last year, more than two tons of litter was taken from the waterways.
"The river is an important part of our community and this event gets bigger every year," said Don Brown of the boat and ski club. "This is an excellent opportunity to help educate the public on the importance of the precious resource that our rivers represent. Participants see first-hand the impact that inappropriate environmental behavior has on the waterways of our area and the natural beauty we are blessed with."
He stressed that the river sweep is not just a one-day event. Throughout the year boaters and visitors to the parks can also pick up litter to help the wildlife that would be affected by debris.
The river sweep kicks off with a 7:30 a.m. pancake and sausage breakfast at the Independence Dam State Park Marina. To ensure there is enough food for everyone, individuals should call 419-784-2917 if they plan on attending the breakfast.
At 8 a.m. workers will be on the water, rain or shine. Boats are necessary as the pickup will concentrate on the marina area and the shoreline of the Maumee from the dam westward to the railroad bridge just west of the North Clinton Street bridge. Individuals are asked to wear old clothes and a life jacket.
Volunteers don't have to be on a boat to help with the sweep. There are various areas accessible along the shore that need to be cleared as well.
All volunteers are welcome. Minor children will need parents to sign a waiver . Along with volunteers from the general public there will be crews from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio.
Jamie Blank of the Fort Defiance Boat & Ski Club said that an old dump site was found that will keep some volunteers on the sweep busy for awhile.
"There's a washing machine, old car parts and more," he said, adding that a few crews also will travel up the Tiffin to clean up that site during the sweep.
To ensure boaters will not get stuck on debris in the waterway, the boat and ski club will be putting up buoys warning boaters of underwater obstructions for that day.
Also, there is a possibility that boat safety checks may be held. For more information, call 419-784-2917.
The river cleanup was renamed the Barb Breckler sweep after the former secretary of Defiance County Environmental Services who died of cancer.
"She was very dedicated to our programs, and she loved the river sweep," said Tim Houck, director of environmental services.
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