By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-987130.mp3
Greenfield, MA – An annual effort to remove trash from the Connecticut River watershed will be a bigger deal than usual this fall, because of the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene. The group that organizes the annual cleanup has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports..
The Connecticut River Watershed Council is seeking volunteers for the clean up project that will take place October 1st in Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Jacqueline Talbot, of the Connecticut River Watershed Council, is coordinating this year's clean up. She said communities have been working hard to recover from the storm, but there is much more that needs to be done to make the Connecticut River and its tributaries safe again for people and wildlife.
What in years past, may have been a simple task of picking up trash from a fishing spot, or boat launch, could be complicated this time as a result of the flooding. Talbot says group leaders have been planning how to tackle the clean up in consultation with local authorities.
Volunteers will be issued trash bags, gloves and paper masks. The cleanup project is supported by corporate sponsors which donate cash and materials. A construction company is helping with the removal of heavy debris.
Richard Ewald, planning and development director for the Connecticut River Watershed Council says the organization spends about 40 thousand dollars on the annual clean up, but may spend more this year.
Last year, for the first time in the event's 15 year history, it was postponed as a result of heavy rains that caused flash flood concerns.
The Watershed Council estimates that more than 650 tons of refuse has been removed since the annual cleanups began.
More information about the annual Connecticut River watershed clean up is available at the website, ctriver dot org..