Don’t think people care about their watersheds, or in this case, their river? Just read this passionate announcement of the ambitious cleanup of more than 51 miles along the Clarion River.

In the Heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds were bald eagles are seen flying high and wildlife abounds in the wilderness surrounding this valley, runs a river were riffles and rock outcrops provide constantly changing scenery as the Clarion River flowing through narrow serpentine valleys and hardwood forests running approximately 110 mi long, in west central Pennsylvania draining a mountainous area of the Allegheny Plateau down into the Allegheny River, in the Ohio River watershed.

An area were today sightings of whitetail deer, wild turkey, squirrels, black bear, bald eagles, osprey and blue herons are common. Even catching a glimpse of a river otter is not out of the question.

The Clarion has become popular for family canoeing, as well as for trophy brown and brook trout, smallmouth bass, bluegills, bullhead, perch and walleye fishing. Outstanding features include a nationally recognized area of virgin white pine and hemlock.

Historical sites, wild animals and some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Where the quality of life is high and recreation opportunities are abundant.

The Clarion River is in need of our help as more than 1.5 millions visitors coming to the “wilds” area each year is taking a toll. As many are canoeing and picnicking they forget the “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics by not picking up their trash when they leave the area. Fishermen leaving lines, bobbers, and bait packages and many who drive past throw trash from their vehicles.

There are areas where people have remodeled camps or homes and thrown the trash by the edge of the water. Roofing shingles, boards and even a toilet can be found along the river. Anyone who spends time in this area can tell you there are many sites in desperate need of cleaning.

It’s because of a small number of those visitors and locals that we have to have cleanups like the ones scheduled in May. Some people find it is just to hard to pick up the things from their lunch and put it back in the bag to take with them.

In response to a recognition that our area streams and rivers were in need of cleaning due to the careless disposal of trash and other debris, we are trying to raise the public's awareness of the magnitude of trash accumulating in our area waterways by organizing a cleanup of the waterways, river banks and roadways along the Clarion River from Ridgway in Elk County to Millcreek, Clarion County by working with area groups, concerned citizens and other agencies.

This cleanup spanning four counties and running through ten townships for 51.7 miles, this cleanup will be the biggest ever tried in our area.

The planned cleanup dates are May 6 and 13, with May 20 as a rain date.

We are meeting at Pale Whale Canoe Rental in Cook Forest State Park, Cooksburg at 9 a.m. for registration, a safety talk, and to distribute equipment/supplies. A parental release form MUST be signed for anyone under age 18. No one under age 12 will be permitted in the canoes but there are areas for ALL ages to help clean along the banks, roadways and in the parks. Please dress appropriately to be in the grass and weeds. Lunch will be served back at Pale Whale.

This cleanup is registered as part of the Great PA Cleanup and the National River Sweep to raise awareness of the need to take care of a treasure we have in our own back yard, one that we want to be able to share with our kids and grandkids for many years to come.

So are you willing to do your part to help us restore the natural beauty of this area, one not marred by trash and litter?

PA CleanWays – Jefferson, Clarion and Clearfield Counties is the coordinator of this event. Funding for this project is provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Community Conservation Partnerships Program, business and private donations.

Any question please call 814-856-3291 or contact Robin Orris by sending email to: rorris@pacleanways.org .

4/28/2006