For the last five years American Whitewater has maintained the Sang Run Access on the Upper Yough for Maryland State Parks. This season Boy Scout Troop 53 from Grantsville, MD gave us a big boost! Boys, parents and several well-known local paddlers put in over 75 hours of work and gave the area a facelift. American Whitewater contributed $550.00 of your access dollars towards this effort.
The work plan was developed and lead by Dustin Stough to fulfill the service project requirement for his Eagle Scout rank. Dustins father, Upper Yough regular Scott Staugh, is the troops Assistant Scoutmaster. He helped coordinate the work with support from Scoutmaster John Carey and Assistant Scoutmaster Mike Fazenbaker. Two dozen boys and parents traveled to Sang Run several times. They repaired fencing, stained the change area, and repainted the fee box. A half-dozen rotted ties at the perimeter of the parking lot were dug up and replaced. The boys also placed rocks along the riverbank to stabilize the launch area. Although a few minor details are still outstanding the project is 95% complete.
Area kayakers also made important contributions. John Regan brought his tractor up from Friendsville and spent several hours helping the boys spread gravel throughout the parking area. Wes Mak used his chipper to help the boys lay wood chips over a badly-eroded access trail through the woods to the river. And of course, Charlie and Sandy Walbridge continue to mow the grass each month. Volunteer help like this is the reason we can keep access costs well below what the state would have to charge.
River access doesnt just happen and American Whitewater depends on your continued support. Please put your access contributions in the fee box next time you run the Upper Yough. And if you see Dustin or Scott on the river, give them a big thank you!