Debris situation

Just heard from the Corps of Engineers that the debris release is today, Wednesday, June 12.  I'll be at the fund raiser (see below) at 5 p.m., but plan to be at the marina for a cleanup at 6 p.m.   If you are interested in helping with the removal, call me at 304 293-7760. Here's about the last time we did this:  http://onthemonongahelariver.blogspot.com/2011/06/debris-release-june-2011.html
The marina is here.

 Thanks for your interest!

Eat at the Fondue Factory in Morgantown on June 12

Have supper at the Fondue Factory Wednesday evening June 12 and help the Mon River Revival's efforts to clean litter from the river. 

The Fondue Factory is contributing 15% of every check that evening to help this effort, which began in 2006 to remove litter from the river, educate the public about the issue, and improve it for everyone.


We could certainly use the help.  Since the City of Morgantown cut funding because of fiscal issues a couple years ago, I've been paying out of my own pocket for expenses.   There's no money to expand the program; so Capt. Tim and his crew is concentrating river cleanups on just the Morgantown area. 

It's always been a dream to work the entire river, but that would be costly.  So, we're doing what we can.  And this Fondue Factory benefit will really be a big help for this year's expenses.  Plus the food is great!

Have supper at the Fondue Factory, help the river

The folks at the Fondue Factory in Morgantown have agreed to share 15% of their profits on Wednesday, June 12, with the Monongahela River Revival. Wow! This could pay some of the bills for our 2013 summer cleanups on the river.  So, if you are reading this, think about having a nice Wednesday evening in Morgantown.  The Fondue Factory is fun!

Monongahela River Cleanup Schedule, Summer 2013

If you are interested in going out as part of the crew on the Monongahela Monitor for a cleanup, here's the summer schedule.  Usually we leave the dock at 9 a.m. sharp in order to get in before the real hot part of the day.  The dock is located here. An you can park nearby at the parking garage.

One thing: Let me know you plan to come. That way, if I need to cancel for any reason (weather, for example) I can call you. Send me an email here.

Sunday, June 2
Sunday, June 16
Saturday, June 29

Sunday, July 7
Sunday, July 21
Sunday, July 28

Saturday, Aug. 10
Saturday, Aug. 24
Saturday, Aug. 31

Sunday, Sept. 8
Saturday, Sept. 21  (this will be an afternoon trip - begins at 3 p.m.) pre-triathlon

First "quickie" cleanup for 2013

Got out on the Mon with Aaron Sutch of the Mountain Institute last weekend for our first cleanup.

Did the area between Old Lock 10 and the new Morgantown Lock and Dam and also the area near Decker's Creek where we have an information kiosk and litter barrel.  That barrel is working real well.

As you can see, Aaron did most of the work.

It was great to get out on the river and see all the activity. One thing I noticed right away this year: kayak fishing is really taking off.  We saw three people in kayaks fishing when we brought the boat up from Mark's Marine Repair, where she lays up during the winter. Years ago, none.  One person fishing in early May reported landing a 27 inch drum, as the one at left.

By the way, it was nice having Aaron, who is co-chairman of Morgantown's Green Team, aboard.  Not only because he understands environmental issues, but also he can also handle the helm for me.  Very cool.

Some years ago I learned that plastic litter is making its way to the oceans where albatross, for some reason, eat it and die.  Below is a recent trailer for a new movie my daughter brought to my attention.

I've seen lots of photos of dead albatross, with ingested plastic stuff, but I've never seen one actually dying.

It's pitiful. Midway Island is so far away, yet we are managing to destroy life there.
Midway movie.

Petition to Corps of Engineers

Lets see if we can get the government to help us out and get the litter out before it comes down river and goes to the Gulf of Mexico. Click here to sign the petition. Please sign the petition!

Here's an old post related to this.