On Friday, May 22nd a group of local paddlers got the Upper Yough Access area into top shape for the ’09 season. This facility, owned by the State of Maryland, has been maintained by American Whitewater volunteers for the last 8 years. We do the work and collect the money, saving paddlers and the State some serious money!
Friendsville paddler John Regan was the driving force behind the day’s work. He and his tractor spread 50 tons of gravel over the well-used parking lot and brush-hogged the outer field to the boundary line. Matt Fithian, Andrew Robinson, and Jaimee ?? from the Garrett College Outdoor Adventure Program and Dustin Stough from Friendsville used pickaxes, shovels, rakes and a spud bar to replace six rotted landscaping ties. Afterwards, they helped spread gravel to the outer edges of the lot. Tom Pittman and Jeff Macklin handled weed-eating chores while Chris Wilson and Steve Speck, taking a break from Greenfield Home Services, helped AW Board Member Charlie Walbridge get the grass trimmed perfectly. AW spent $800 of your access donations on the day’s improvements and another $800 will keep the portable toilet serviced all year.
We couldn’t do this without access donations from countless river users like you. Don’t forget to donate! We suggest $2 per day or $20 per season.