September 6, 2014 - South Branch AuSable River Cleanup
Today we teamed up with the Anglers of the AuSable and the Gates Lodge
on Stephan Bridge Rd to clean the South Branch while their members cleaned
the N Branch and Main Branch and this river, too.
That's a lot of rivers to clean in one day but I always like to be part of projects like this.
The DNR was gracious enough to open the gate at the Castle, so we could get a
head start on the work and so the Angler crew could come for the lumber
we had left there on August 26th during the Dismantling Project.
Since Shirley M. had not been to the S Br before, she was presented with
a PFD knife to commemorate the event.
On the river - Group photo taken by one of the Angler guys.
On the river.
On the river.
The river was simply gorgeous today.
After our Dismantling Project, what had looked like this.....
Now looks like this...... WOW!
We met a lot of nice Angler crews on the river.
Here's what we found in 6 miles of river - about 3/4 of a regular bag.
Here's what everyone found on all three branches. Note the lumber on the bottom.
About half the dumpster is filled with our lumber - the rest is regular trash.
We want to thank the Anglers and also Josh at The Gates Lodge for the great
after-party and for his amazing help removing the debris we produced
with the Dismantling Project.
We also want to thank the DNR for their cooperation by opening the gate
at the CASTLE and for their advice and consent during the planning
for this complicated project. Having the DNR working with us on projects like
this is a great boost to our productivity and their direction is always welcome.
To the Paddle Brave Canoe Livery we want to say a HUGE THANK YOU
for the many FREE car shuttles they have provided to us during
this project. Tom and Jill have shown their dedication to the South Branch
by being so willing to help out. You Guys ROCK!
I have NEVER seen the South Branch as beautiful or as clean as it was today.
I can say without fear of being contradicted that the South Branch today is
the cleanest and most beautiful river in the State of Michigan.
It was such fun to be there today. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked to
make the AuSable River system clean, cold and beautiful.
All the photos we took today can be found at this site:
Submitted by Norm Fred