BWAers:

Mark May 10 on your calendars for the annual Red River Cleanup.

Yesterday, I spoke with Russ Miller about the cleanup. He was excited that we were going to help out again this year and was really appreciative of the past support from the BWA. He indicated that the rafts and duckies were all in good shape and needed no repairs and wanted me to extend his thanks to everyone who helped on the repairs last year. Russ graciously offered his place up for camping both Friday and Saturday nights. Miguel's Pizza will be served on Saturday after the cleanup.

Having paddled the Red this past weekend, I can tell you that I have seen few, if any, places that can rival it for natural beauty. If you have never been on the Red, I urge you to use this as your opportunity to not only see the natural beauty of the Red River, but to help make it a cleaner place also.

Russ indicated that the more people we have the more river we can clean. If you would like to volunteer, please post here.

Allen

That's great news Allen! There was a little more water last year in addition to some preventative measures taken to protect the ducks. Even if its warm be sure to wear some neoprene pants and sturdy shoes. Last year Russ made a weekend float down to pre-bag the trash which helped focus on bigger items like tires and refrigerator doors. There are several tribs that make their way into the stream down from Russ' that seem to be a renewable resource of tires so check them too (spectacular views also). Camping at Russ' is awesome too! Make sure you go out to the point to enjoy the view, there are several nice trails as well going down to the river upstream of his house too! Plus you've got to respect the off the grid living in such a beautiful place!

Allen, you have directions right? It can be tricky...

Dustin

Dustin,
Thanks for the advice on the cleanup. I will be sure to pass that along. As for directions, I have a general idea of where Russ lives. However, if you have directions that you can send my way that would be much apprectiated. You can email me at kirkwoodea at yahoo dot com. Russ was very appreciative of the job you did last year on the cleanup. You have set the bar high. Hope all is well in Colorado. Looks like snow, or lack of, is not a problem this year.

I am looking forward to meeting Russ and seeing his place. I have heard a lot about it.

Allen, just contact Russ and he'll get back to you. I had it posted last year, but i think the phorum change may have nuked it. I'm not sure if i have it since the move.


YES, we've gotten 20 inches of snow in the last couple days, and over 40 in the last week. I'm gettin scert reading how low flow most of the runs are around here. I may be stuck doing some of the more mellow class III-IV runs and huge playboating runs on the Colorado and Roaring Fork (and ski mountaineering) until later June-July if it keeps this snowfall up. We're over 100 inch base and the biggest snow month is still 3 weeks away! Skis crossed for more snow, 4 powdays in a row! I love my job!!!

Dustin

American Rivers has a web tool to assist in organizing a river cleanup. I have used this to create a website for the Red River Cleanup. The web address Red River Cleanup

If you have any problems or questions please let me know.


Allen

Allen,

Since some are not familiar with the BWA could you stretch that out to Bluegrass Whining Association? Also, there are typically two cleanups, the one we've been participating in is the Upper Red section, Russ works with both but may be less involved with the gorge section. The Gorge section is later in the spring or early summer. One section at a time is quite an undertaking, unless there are a hundred or so to help. I'd have a flyer or something at the NPFF to strum up some interest (i could help here) and/or go ahead and get the RRGCC on board and post some flyers at the Shell station, climbers hostel, and Miguels among other local establishments. Do you know where the fundraising goes to? American rivers or this effort?

It would be cool to help Russ out again as a club financially too. Last year we donated some money and the materials for the duck repair. Money well spent if the ducks are holding air this year!

Great work Allen!

Dustin

Well I want to bring this back to the top of the message list.

We have 10 days to go before the start of the Red River Cleanup. I urge you to volunteer for this activity and get to see first hand one of the most stunning streams in KY. While many offer more excitement, none can exceed its natural beauty. Please go to the link below and volunteer.

One last thing.....if we have 15 or more volunteers our own JBob has offered to shave his beard. If we get 30, he will shave head and beard.

Click on the link below to volunteer:
Volunteer for the Red River Cleanup


Allen

Hey Allen
For my part, I just have to play it by ear. I hope that you will allow me to just show up on the day if the gods and (more importantly) goddesses allow it.
Chris S.

Chris Schardl

Has anyone notified the RRG newt population that jBob will be there? And that they could potentially have fewer places to hide if his beard has to be shaved?

The newts have been relocated to the Lower Red. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has been notified and will be sending a representative.

B