Upper Iowa River Cleanup Sat. 9/24

“Quite a few of you enjoyed the Upper Iowa River trip in June. Here's your chance to help keep that river pristine! The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is again sponsoring a cleanup event.

Unfortunately, I have a few things to cover Saturday afternoon, but maybe I can get there Friday night/Sat. a.m. to grab some photos.

SHEEYAT! I see the sign-up deadline was Sept. 17... well, if interested, try contacting anyway either Monday or Tuesday. I ran into a couple kayakers on the Mississippi today from Dubuque, who said they would be helping.

http://www.inhf.org/UIRcleanup.htm

Register for 2005 Upper Iowa River clean-up!
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This article was written by the Iowa DNR and posted on INHF's website in Sept. 2005.

CRESCO — Next week, a caravan of canoeists will snake through the Upper Iowa River, hauling trash from the water.  The Fourth Annual Upper Iowa River Cleanup takes place Saturday, Sept. 24.

Those interested in volunteering must pre-register by Saturday, Sept. 17. Contact Deb Keefe at 877-787-2267 or keefe@earthlink.net. The day will begin with breakfast at 8 a.m., Saturday at the Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Campground (3312 Chimney Rock Road, Cresco).

Every year since 2002, volunteers have traveled the Upper Iowa River between Kendalville and Bluffton for a weekend cleanup. Participants spend a day on the water, pulling everything from pop-cans to car parts out of the water.

Last year, 75 volunteers retrieved roughly 1,300 pounds of garbage. The program has grown every year since its first outing, when 20 people participated. Organizers expect at least 100 volunteers this year.

Cleanup participants will receive breakfast and lunch on Saturday and free camping both Friday and Saturday nights. Canoe use is free during the event.

Participants should wear “work” clothing, closed-end shoes and heavy-duty gloves. Insect repellant and sunscreen are advised.

The program includes a potluck dinner Saturday night — participants should bring a meal item and reusable dinnerware. Local businesses have also donated prizes for a drawing that evening.

This year, organizers plan to offer two shorter (3-hour) and two longer (5-hour) floating options. Improving upon last year’s program, organizers will place signs along the route and position support staff at every pick-up and drop-off point.

Representatives from various sponsoring natural resources groups (including the Iowa DNR, Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation) will give short educational presentations Saturday evening.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.






© Copyright 2005 Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation”