Well, I did manage to get out on Dec. 1st for what was apparently the last clean-up run of 2007. I grabbed a lot of small debris from center road, downstream past the small islands I've been working on to where there is a blow-down which requires portage.
That day was the day we had some sort of tropical storm - so it was incredibly windy. But I did manage to gather a full load of materials, so when the ice melts, not so much will wash downstream.
It was a great season, and hopefully the ice will break up early in the year.
Happy Holidays,
-Ed
Friday, December 21, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Was someone else cleaning up the Nashua River?
Saturday I went paddling on the Nashua at Center Rd. When I got there I saw 2 bags of kitchen trash on the path in the corn field I park in. The Nashua River Watershed Association booklet says it's private property, and apparently the owner doesn't mind kayakers parking there. So I cleaned up that trash and went to work.
Upstream there are some logjams that typically catch a lot of trash, but they were almost empty. Did someone clean up? If so, thank you!
So I collected some other stuff and went back downstream. At the big logjam I've been working on, I tried to collect some stuff out in the middle. See the before and after
Again, it's not ddone, but I've getting close.
Upstream there are some logjams that typically catch a lot of trash, but they were almost empty. Did someone clean up? If so, thank you!
So I collected some other stuff and went back downstream. At the big logjam I've been working on, I tried to collect some stuff out in the middle. See the before and after
Again, it's not ddone, but I've getting close.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Nashua River Brainshark Presentation
Hey I updated my Brainshark Presentation to include some new progress and some new pictures. I still haven't built a "before and after" gallery, but at least I updated my Brainshark Presentation. Check it out: View My Brainshark Presentation.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Nashua River Follow-up
Today, I made 3 runs down to the large logjam mentioned in the prior post. I wanted to collect everything I'd bundled up before winter or a flood, and since we were due to get a tropical storm today, I thought it might be a good idea.
It took me 3 trips to haul it all out - 2 tires, 2 coolers, 6 bags of trash and a couple of other miscellaneous items. There's still some trash there, but perhaps another weekend. At least I know this stuff won't end up downstream.
It took me 3 trips to haul it all out - 2 tires, 2 coolers, 6 bags of trash and a couple of other miscellaneous items. There's still some trash there, but perhaps another weekend. At least I know this stuff won't end up downstream.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Over the edge?
OK, maybe I'm going a bit over the edge - you tell me. Here's the deal, Friday I went out and bought hip-waders. I don't fish. I don't hunt. I pick up trash.
I went out Saturday morning and hit the Nashua River Watershed at Rt. 117 in Lancaster. My goal was to finally make a dent in the enormous logjam between Rt. 117 and Center Rd. I strapped on the hip-waders, grabbed a bunch of trash bags, some strong waterproof gloves and got into it.
I worked for about 3 hours on one small area. My goal wasn't to haul everything away, rather collect and bag as much as I could reach. I've been picking at this one area for a couple of years now, but nothing seems to make a dent.
I was in as deep as I could go, collecting debris. I pulled 2 tires, 2 coolers, a propane tank, and about 9 bags of rubbish out of the water and from all around the island. That was hard work, and it certainly made a dent, but it's probably less than half of what's there. Here's a before shot:
And here's an after shot:
I couldn't get everything, but I really didn't expect to. It's a good start on what is the single biggest problem area on the Nashua River now.
If you're paddling past, there are many bags of collected trash still on the island, please grab some and take it with you, I'd appreciate it.
I went out Saturday morning and hit the Nashua River Watershed at Rt. 117 in Lancaster. My goal was to finally make a dent in the enormous logjam between Rt. 117 and Center Rd. I strapped on the hip-waders, grabbed a bunch of trash bags, some strong waterproof gloves and got into it.
I worked for about 3 hours on one small area. My goal wasn't to haul everything away, rather collect and bag as much as I could reach. I've been picking at this one area for a couple of years now, but nothing seems to make a dent.
I was in as deep as I could go, collecting debris. I pulled 2 tires, 2 coolers, a propane tank, and about 9 bags of rubbish out of the water and from all around the island. That was hard work, and it certainly made a dent, but it's probably less than half of what's there. Here's a before shot:
And here's an after shot:
I couldn't get everything, but I really didn't expect to. It's a good start on what is the single biggest problem area on the Nashua River now.
If you're paddling past, there are many bags of collected trash still on the island, please grab some and take it with you, I'd appreciate it.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Product Labeling
I recently installed some flooring in my home which required an adhesive. So I finished the project and ended up with a little bit of the stuff left. Now, obviously this stuff isn't exactly inert.
So I looked at the packaging for instructions as to how to dispose of the product. Nothing. I believe it should be the responsibility of packaged product manufacturers - especially those which are hazardous - to include instructions as to how to properly dispose of their product.
Think about it - when you buy paint, does it include instructions for proper disposal? Not likely.
So I looked at the packaging for instructions as to how to dispose of the product. Nothing. I believe it should be the responsibility of packaged product manufacturers - especially those which are hazardous - to include instructions as to how to properly dispose of their product.
Think about it - when you buy paint, does it include instructions for proper disposal? Not likely.
Al Gore - Nobel Peace Prize
You know what - good for him! I'm not political, and he's not holding any office, but I think that's a nice use of the Peace Prize - to showcase someone's environmental advocacy.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Nashua River Lancaster
Saturday was a spectacular day, so I decided to try to work on an area that's been a problem for a long time - between rt. 117 and Center Rd. There's a corn field that's private property, but apparently the owner is nice enough to let paddlers park there.
I walked down to the river and it was so low. I know it hasn't rained in weeks, but I was still surprised. So I threw in and began the first trash run with my new kayak. There were numerous items, which wasn't a big surprise since that part of the river's been a bit inaccessible this year. But I got downstream to where I hoped, the fork where the river splits around a small island and it forks off to a dead end stream.
There's a huge logjam there. I cleaned up a tire, and a basket full of trash, and headed back upstream to unload it. But the river's so shallow, it was tricky to get back, but I managed, and headed back for another load. I filled up again and went back to the truck.
I didn't make a dent in that pile. It's just so huge, and tough to get into. Honestly, if I had good tough hip-waders, I could do a lot more. After all, the water's only about 2 feet deep there right now.
I walked down to the river and it was so low. I know it hasn't rained in weeks, but I was still surprised. So I threw in and began the first trash run with my new kayak. There were numerous items, which wasn't a big surprise since that part of the river's been a bit inaccessible this year. But I got downstream to where I hoped, the fork where the river splits around a small island and it forks off to a dead end stream.
There's a huge logjam there. I cleaned up a tire, and a basket full of trash, and headed back upstream to unload it. But the river's so shallow, it was tricky to get back, but I managed, and headed back for another load. I filled up again and went back to the truck.
I didn't make a dent in that pile. It's just so huge, and tough to get into. Honestly, if I had good tough hip-waders, I could do a lot more. After all, the water's only about 2 feet deep there right now.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Hunters Rendezvous
I needed to get a new kayak. I reviewed many websites, made some phone calls, and I could not find another Dirigo 120. Bummer, so I looked at dozens of other models and manufacturers.
Obviously my clean-up efforts are no place for a kayak costing thousands, and generally the touring kayaks are narrower and more cirved on the bow and stern. That won't work. I saw the Dirigo 106, which just seems to be a bit shorter, but the length helps with tracking. So I was prepared to select another model.
I intended to go up to Amherst NH, since they had a bunch of models in stock. But then I remembered a little hunting store nearby. Right on Rte. 119, I'd never stopped in - I'm not a big fan of hunting. Nonetheless, I walked up, told the guys I was looking for a kayak, but didn't want a sit-on-top model. He said "I only have one - it's on the end of the rack."
I walked over, and lo and behold, a Dirigo 120, a model that has a couple more features, like a drain plug, and a fishing rod holder (I don't fish, but maybe I will, or I'll use it for a lock.) AND, the guy wanted to move the item, and he gave me a sweet deal. Thank you Hunters Rendezvous!
Obviously my clean-up efforts are no place for a kayak costing thousands, and generally the touring kayaks are narrower and more cirved on the bow and stern. That won't work. I saw the Dirigo 106, which just seems to be a bit shorter, but the length helps with tracking. So I was prepared to select another model.
I intended to go up to Amherst NH, since they had a bunch of models in stock. But then I remembered a little hunting store nearby. Right on Rte. 119, I'd never stopped in - I'm not a big fan of hunting. Nonetheless, I walked up, told the guys I was looking for a kayak, but didn't want a sit-on-top model. He said "I only have one - it's on the end of the rack."
I walked over, and lo and behold, a Dirigo 120, a model that has a couple more features, like a drain plug, and a fishing rod holder (I don't fish, but maybe I will, or I'll use it for a lock.) AND, the guy wanted to move the item, and he gave me a sweet deal. Thank you Hunters Rendezvous!
Nashua River - Unthinkable
I took a nice long paddle on the Nashua River yesterday, starting and 119 to past Rt. 2A and back again. When I reached the Rte. 225 bridge near the Nashoba Paddler and the boathouse, there were about 20 or so canoes.
The first canoe had 3 girls in it, they appeared to be Indian and spoke broken English, but they asked me to show them how to paddle. I was a bit surprised that someone would put them in a canoe and not show them how to paddle, but at least they were wearing PFDs. After a quick explanation, they seemed to grasp the idea. So I moved on, seeing canoe after canoe of people who were very friendly, but thoroughly confused.
The weather continued getting better and after what is about a 12 mile round trip, I didn't even have a full basket. Thay was great! It's getting so much nicer, and now that the Oxbow and Bolton flats are clean, not much drifts downstream to that area.
But then tragedy! When I got home, I opened the garage door, which I usually do, but then I generally park outside. For an instant I forgot I had my beloved Dirigo 120 on top of my truck. WHAM! I hit the top of the garage, and tore about a 2 foot gash in the hull of my kayak! Unthinkable.
Well I'll try to repair it, and if anyone has any tips, that would be helpful, but it looks like I should consider a purchase of a new kayak.
The first canoe had 3 girls in it, they appeared to be Indian and spoke broken English, but they asked me to show them how to paddle. I was a bit surprised that someone would put them in a canoe and not show them how to paddle, but at least they were wearing PFDs. After a quick explanation, they seemed to grasp the idea. So I moved on, seeing canoe after canoe of people who were very friendly, but thoroughly confused.
The weather continued getting better and after what is about a 12 mile round trip, I didn't even have a full basket. Thay was great! It's getting so much nicer, and now that the Oxbow and Bolton flats are clean, not much drifts downstream to that area.
But then tragedy! When I got home, I opened the garage door, which I usually do, but then I generally park outside. For an instant I forgot I had my beloved Dirigo 120 on top of my truck. WHAM! I hit the top of the garage, and tore about a 2 foot gash in the hull of my kayak! Unthinkable.
Well I'll try to repair it, and if anyone has any tips, that would be helpful, but it looks like I should consider a purchase of a new kayak.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Brand Awareness
As a marketing pro, I've spent my career helping companies build awareness for their brands. Because of my marketing bretheren, companies have built products that are instantly recognizable from a great distance. Mountain Dew, Budweiser, Miller Lite, Dunkin Donuts, Coca-Cola, the list goes on. I can spot those brands in the piles of rubbish that collect in the rivers.
I'm sure those companies would say they can't control how their products are disposed of, once used, and that they're not responsible. And to a point, they're right. But when is the last time you saw any effort by a beverage manufacturer or a coffee chain to educate its customers about being responsible when disposing of the empty container. I'm not sure I've ever seen it.
I think I'll start a whole new genre of product shots. You know the ones: product alone, product in use, product in its environment, product with a hot model. Perhaps I'll call it "product defacing the planet". I'll show the gatorade trucker bombs full of piss, the Dunkin Donuts cups among the lily pads, the Bud cans drifting down the river. There's some brand awareness no one wants.
I'm sure those companies would say they can't control how their products are disposed of, once used, and that they're not responsible. And to a point, they're right. But when is the last time you saw any effort by a beverage manufacturer or a coffee chain to educate its customers about being responsible when disposing of the empty container. I'm not sure I've ever seen it.
I think I'll start a whole new genre of product shots. You know the ones: product alone, product in use, product in its environment, product with a hot model. Perhaps I'll call it "product defacing the planet". I'll show the gatorade trucker bombs full of piss, the Dunkin Donuts cups among the lily pads, the Bud cans drifting down the river. There's some brand awareness no one wants.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Rent a Kayak or Join a Tour
I was asked where someone might rent a kayak or join a tour without having to go and purchase a kayak before finding out if they like it.
There's one place right on the Nashua River called Nashoba Paddler. They rent kayaks and offer tours for groups. You can vist them here: www.nashobapaddler.com
If you really want some more advanced instruction or want to try out some new equipment, check out the tours at REI www.rei.com. If you sign up for their calendar of events newsletter, each month they'll send you info on how to sign up and what's happening. (I love REI!)
-Ed
There's one place right on the Nashua River called Nashoba Paddler. They rent kayaks and offer tours for groups. You can vist them here: www.nashobapaddler.com
If you really want some more advanced instruction or want to try out some new equipment, check out the tours at REI www.rei.com. If you sign up for their calendar of events newsletter, each month they'll send you info on how to sign up and what's happening. (I love REI!)
-Ed
Monday, August 27, 2007
Still River Depot - Harvard MA
When I paddle the Oxbow, I generally throw in at Still River. It's got easy access and plenty of parking. This weekend I went out on Saturday morning, wow it was hot! I paddled downstream this time, as I hadn't been downstream in a few months because of other trips and the attention I was paying to the Rt. 117 area.
I was somewhat surprised. I guess it's been since late May or early June since I'd been on that stretch. I made it about 1 mile downstream and my basket was full. I turned around, emptied my kayak, and headed back down.
I made another run, getting about 1.5 miles downstream clean. But the heat started to get to me and I hadn't eaten breakfast, so I called it quits. But I was kind of upset that I didn't even get to Rt. 2.
Sunday I had some free time, so I started out fairly early. I paddled all the way to where I had made it saturday, and started picking up. I grabbed everything from the next several logjams, and then I started to find fewer and fewer items. That was really cool - some of the places that ordinarily collect a lot of trash were empty.
I kept paddling past route 2 and down toward Hospital Rd. I stopped just short of there, but realized I hadn't seen a piece of trash for quite a long time. Hopefully further downstream is still just as clean. The construction at the bridge generally puts some trash in the water, but I'm hoping for the best.
Now that the huge trash deposits between Rt. 117 and Rte. 2 are gone, I'm optimistic that the next high water event won't cause as great a mess as they have in the past. There's still a lot upstream of 117, but that stuff should have a hard time getting downstream any time soon.
The Oxbow really is a beautiful place, now that I've got it trash-free again this year. Get out there and enjoy it folks!
-Ed
I was somewhat surprised. I guess it's been since late May or early June since I'd been on that stretch. I made it about 1 mile downstream and my basket was full. I turned around, emptied my kayak, and headed back down.
I made another run, getting about 1.5 miles downstream clean. But the heat started to get to me and I hadn't eaten breakfast, so I called it quits. But I was kind of upset that I didn't even get to Rt. 2.
Sunday I had some free time, so I started out fairly early. I paddled all the way to where I had made it saturday, and started picking up. I grabbed everything from the next several logjams, and then I started to find fewer and fewer items. That was really cool - some of the places that ordinarily collect a lot of trash were empty.
I kept paddling past route 2 and down toward Hospital Rd. I stopped just short of there, but realized I hadn't seen a piece of trash for quite a long time. Hopefully further downstream is still just as clean. The construction at the bridge generally puts some trash in the water, but I'm hoping for the best.
Now that the huge trash deposits between Rt. 117 and Rte. 2 are gone, I'm optimistic that the next high water event won't cause as great a mess as they have in the past. There's still a lot upstream of 117, but that stuff should have a hard time getting downstream any time soon.
The Oxbow really is a beautiful place, now that I've got it trash-free again this year. Get out there and enjoy it folks!
-Ed
Saco River Camping and Kayaking
Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I've been busy paddling! I went up to the Saco River in Conway, NH to go camping for the weekend with my daughter and her friend. The girls had a great time and didn't want to leave when it was time to go.
The guys and I hired a shuttle to take us upstream so we could paddle back to our campsite. The shuttle mormally runs about 7 miles, but they cut the route short because the water was really low.
The water was low, but it was still passable. I love the Saco River! It's so beautiful and the water is so clear. We saw some great birds too - I think they were Turkey Vultures - huge - they look like really big hawks. Does anyone know if that's what they are?
Like any river, especially a well-traveled one, there's trash in the Saco too. It's really hard to imagine how anyone could possibly look at the Saco in all it's beauty and decide to throw thier beer cans in. I'm not against having a few beers and enjoying the great outdoors, but I never let my trash in to the water.
Maybe next year I'll plan a trip and bring the laundry basket and give the Saco a day of attention. That's one long river though... maybe a week long trip down??
The guys and I hired a shuttle to take us upstream so we could paddle back to our campsite. The shuttle mormally runs about 7 miles, but they cut the route short because the water was really low.
The water was low, but it was still passable. I love the Saco River! It's so beautiful and the water is so clear. We saw some great birds too - I think they were Turkey Vultures - huge - they look like really big hawks. Does anyone know if that's what they are?
Like any river, especially a well-traveled one, there's trash in the Saco too. It's really hard to imagine how anyone could possibly look at the Saco in all it's beauty and decide to throw thier beer cans in. I'm not against having a few beers and enjoying the great outdoors, but I never let my trash in to the water.
Maybe next year I'll plan a trip and bring the laundry basket and give the Saco a day of attention. That's one long river though... maybe a week long trip down??
Monday, August 13, 2007
Who's been cleaning the Nashua River?
I went out this weekend and completed the stretch between Rt. 117 and the Still River Depot at the Oxbow. And when I say completed, I mean if I can see it, get to it, and transport it, I take it out of there. So there are no more bottles, cans, tires, propane tanks, spray paint cans, or solvents. I even removed a 5-gallon bucket of paint, and the last gallon of used motor oil. In short, no human waste except for maybe 2 very large items I cannot possibly transport on a kayak. And I intend to keep it that way.
On Sunday, I ran into a nice couple who were probably about 60 years old. They asked what I was doing, and then the man shared a nice story with me. A few years ago he used to paddle in the Oxbow area, but he was so disgusted by the trash and pollution that he stopped. When he came back a month or so ago, he was very surprised how clean it was. I shared with him how I'd been working on it for more than 2 years now, and probably have removed more than 10 tons of waste. He was very appreciative, and I believe he'll be coming back more regularly now.
The woman said "Why don't you join a group?" I told her groups might undertake some of the legal battles to protect an area from development, but when it comes right down to getting your hands dirty and cleaning up a mess, groups don't do anything.
On Sunday, I ran into a nice couple who were probably about 60 years old. They asked what I was doing, and then the man shared a nice story with me. A few years ago he used to paddle in the Oxbow area, but he was so disgusted by the trash and pollution that he stopped. When he came back a month or so ago, he was very surprised how clean it was. I shared with him how I'd been working on it for more than 2 years now, and probably have removed more than 10 tons of waste. He was very appreciative, and I believe he'll be coming back more regularly now.
The woman said "Why don't you join a group?" I told her groups might undertake some of the legal battles to protect an area from development, but when it comes right down to getting your hands dirty and cleaning up a mess, groups don't do anything.
I'm no Boy Scout
A couple of months back I saw a Boy Scout troop preparing for a day on the Nashua Rivar at the Oxbow. But then I saw what seemed to be tents and overnight gear. Although they must have gotten special permission to camp, I didn't see a lot of water.
I asked one of the men accompanying the boys if they planned on staying overnight, when he replied "yes" I mentioned that he should try to keep the boys out of the water. (February had just had the report of excessive fecal matter, and I didn't want them to be sick.) He replied that he would be sure they wouldn't swim in it, but that he brought purifying tablets so they could drink it. !!!! Drink it!!!? I strongly suggested they go buy bottled water.
Has anyone heard any reports of an entire Scout Troop being dreadfully ill?
I asked one of the men accompanying the boys if they planned on staying overnight, when he replied "yes" I mentioned that he should try to keep the boys out of the water. (February had just had the report of excessive fecal matter, and I didn't want them to be sick.) He replied that he would be sure they wouldn't swim in it, but that he brought purifying tablets so they could drink it. !!!! Drink it!!!? I strongly suggested they go buy bottled water.
Has anyone heard any reports of an entire Scout Troop being dreadfully ill?
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Bolton Flats - Nashua River
Yesterday I paddled from the Oxbow at Still River up to Rt. 117. That's a challenging upstream paddle... especially with no portages. My goal was to get past the logjamb that's about 2/3 of the way between the 2 points, collect some materials and drop them at Rt. 117.
My goal was to work on this difficult middle section of the stretch between the two points. With so many logjambs and obstructions, it's a hard stretch of river to transport a full load of trash.
This stretch is really shaping up. I think with one more trip from Rt. 117, and maybe 1 or 2 from the Oxbow, that part of the river will be trash free, except for a few very large items I can't budge.
When that happens, I want to get together with a couple of guys and paddle from Rt. 117 down to the dam in Pepperell just to enjoy the clean river. I'm sure there will be a few items to collect, there always is, but the huge piles of trash, tires, propane tanks, and coolers are gone, at least from that part of the river. Upstream from Rt. 117 still has some big issues, but at least a 1-way trip is easier in that area.
My goal was to work on this difficult middle section of the stretch between the two points. With so many logjambs and obstructions, it's a hard stretch of river to transport a full load of trash.
This stretch is really shaping up. I think with one more trip from Rt. 117, and maybe 1 or 2 from the Oxbow, that part of the river will be trash free, except for a few very large items I can't budge.
When that happens, I want to get together with a couple of guys and paddle from Rt. 117 down to the dam in Pepperell just to enjoy the clean river. I'm sure there will be a few items to collect, there always is, but the huge piles of trash, tires, propane tanks, and coolers are gone, at least from that part of the river. Upstream from Rt. 117 still has some big issues, but at least a 1-way trip is easier in that area.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Plastic Water Bottle Recycling
In the news lately there's been a lot of stories about bottled water. Not only is the water often just filtered tap water, it's an ecological nightmare. Bottled water creates an enormous amount of plastic waste, and the energy required to manufacture and recycle that material is generated by carbon-based energy sources.
Personally, I try not to drink bottled water. But when I am out kayaking on the Nashua or Squannacook Rivers I can attest to the fact that water bottles account for probably 25% of the containers I collect. There's a lot of irony in that.
First, someone buys bottled water because the water sources are polluted, and the heavy treatment of public water supplies makes the water taste badly. Then they take the water bottle out, where it becomes litter, and eventually ends up in the river where the problem compounds itself.
Filter your water at home, put it in a re-usable bottle and don't become part of the problem.
Personally, I try not to drink bottled water. But when I am out kayaking on the Nashua or Squannacook Rivers I can attest to the fact that water bottles account for probably 25% of the containers I collect. There's a lot of irony in that.
First, someone buys bottled water because the water sources are polluted, and the heavy treatment of public water supplies makes the water taste badly. Then they take the water bottle out, where it becomes litter, and eventually ends up in the river where the problem compounds itself.
Filter your water at home, put it in a re-usable bottle and don't become part of the problem.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Nashua River - Bolton Flats
Generally the Bolton flats area lies between Route 117 in Bolton and the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge. There's a significant trash problem there, and I've been working on it over recent weeks from the 117 side.
The trouble with this stretch is that there are many obstructions which create several impassable areas. If I was doing a 1-way trip downstream I wouldn't have to portage, but carrying cargo is a problem for maneuverability and being heavy in the water.
Saturday, I threw in at the Oxbow at Still River Depot and headed upstream. I hadn't traveled that stretch in about 2 months so I wasn't sure what I'd find. My goal was to paddle as far upstream as I could, collect what I could carry and survey what needed to be done. In that, I was successful.
I paddled as far as I could until I reached a logjam that must only be a mile or so from Rt. 117, it was simply impassable without portage, and portage would have also been quite difficult. So I turned around and headed back. I'd collected a lot of debris, and spotted a few more areas of concern. I'm pretty sure in a good day, with 2-3 trips I could finish that stretch. There were 3 tires, I collected one and sent the others further downstream for easier collection on another day.
The trouble with this stretch is that there are many obstructions which create several impassable areas. If I was doing a 1-way trip downstream I wouldn't have to portage, but carrying cargo is a problem for maneuverability and being heavy in the water.
Saturday, I threw in at the Oxbow at Still River Depot and headed upstream. I hadn't traveled that stretch in about 2 months so I wasn't sure what I'd find. My goal was to paddle as far upstream as I could, collect what I could carry and survey what needed to be done. In that, I was successful.
I paddled as far as I could until I reached a logjam that must only be a mile or so from Rt. 117, it was simply impassable without portage, and portage would have also been quite difficult. So I turned around and headed back. I'd collected a lot of debris, and spotted a few more areas of concern. I'm pretty sure in a good day, with 2-3 trips I could finish that stretch. There were 3 tires, I collected one and sent the others further downstream for easier collection on another day.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Bird Watching on the Nashua River
Rubber Duckies are cute, but not when they become trash in the river. How they get there is no mystery either. Some local civic group decides to have a duck race fundraiser/raffle by selling a rubber duck for a buck or so, and setting a whole pile of them adrift down the river. The first duck that gets to a particular destination wins the prize.
Do the planet a favor, pick up all the ducks you send downstream or better yet, use your imagination and come up with a better fundraiser that doesn't teach kids that it is fun to put junk in the river and watch it float away.
Do the planet a favor, pick up all the ducks you send downstream or better yet, use your imagination and come up with a better fundraiser that doesn't teach kids that it is fun to put junk in the river and watch it float away.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Earth Day
Most every day is Earth Day to me, but sometimes I need to remind myself that rivers aren't the only thing that need cleaning up. Since my daughter was young we'd walk up and down our street and pick up the Dunkin Donuts cups, beer cans, and McDonalds wrappers, among other things.
This year for Earth Day, I decided to extend that reach a bit and include a nearby town forest. I filled my truck, but did a good job. The thing is, it's not very much street frontage, maybe 1/4 mile. But it was messy and I don't like to see it that way.
Yesterday, I repeated the task, but only needed my wheelbarrow. It is amazing with all the drunk driving laws that the majority of roadside trash is empty beer cans. I guess that'll never change.
This year for Earth Day, I decided to extend that reach a bit and include a nearby town forest. I filled my truck, but did a good job. The thing is, it's not very much street frontage, maybe 1/4 mile. But it was messy and I don't like to see it that way.
Yesterday, I repeated the task, but only needed my wheelbarrow. It is amazing with all the drunk driving laws that the majority of roadside trash is empty beer cans. I guess that'll never change.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
What's New?
I ran into a friend and they asked me what the most interesting item I'd found was. I said well, it's either the plastic yellow banana, the big wheel, or the oil cans and torch tank (like the bernsomatic you use at home for plumbing).
Sometimes it's a rubber ducky, sometimes a mudflap. Whatever it is, I tend to rember the interesting stuff. One time I even found Nemo.
How's to say I can't have some fun along the way?
Sometimes it's a rubber ducky, sometimes a mudflap. Whatever it is, I tend to rember the interesting stuff. One time I even found Nemo.
How's to say I can't have some fun along the way?
Big Wheel, big deal
Yesterday I went paddling on the Nashua River at the 117 put-in. We'd had some rain so the water level was a bit higher than recent weeks. I had just completed the first trip downstream and was on my way for round 2, and I ran into a couple canoeing down to the Bolton Flats area.
They questioned whether I was a member of the Nashua RIver Paddlers (apparently some group) or whether I was just doing this on my own. That kind of puzzled me a bit since I've only ever seen the presence of the Friends of the Oxbow contribute in any way to cleanup activities (and I feel like I know where the trash is). I said no, and moved on.
I did see the woman want to contribute, which was cool, but she almost went for a swim. She wanted to get a trash can out of the crotch of a tree. She stood up in the canoe and almost swamped it. She did manage to grab it and throw it in the canoe, so that's great, nice to have a little help. I think the name on their van was Bob's Carpentry or something like that. I can't say whether he's any good, but his heart's in the right place so that count's for something.
Several trips later, I had a full basket, and had managed to wrestle a big wheel out of the river. It weighted a ton. I managed to hoist it on to the rear deck and head on my way. When I reached the logjam downstream (which I barely cleared empty), I nearly swamped the kayak, bit I did lost the basket, creating a huge trash spill. I paddled frantically collecting everything for the second time.
When I'd collected everything, I turned around and realized I'd lost the big wheel. Damn. All thet work. I know at some point I'll find it again, but it must have sank like a rock.
They questioned whether I was a member of the Nashua RIver Paddlers (apparently some group) or whether I was just doing this on my own. That kind of puzzled me a bit since I've only ever seen the presence of the Friends of the Oxbow contribute in any way to cleanup activities (and I feel like I know where the trash is). I said no, and moved on.
I did see the woman want to contribute, which was cool, but she almost went for a swim. She wanted to get a trash can out of the crotch of a tree. She stood up in the canoe and almost swamped it. She did manage to grab it and throw it in the canoe, so that's great, nice to have a little help. I think the name on their van was Bob's Carpentry or something like that. I can't say whether he's any good, but his heart's in the right place so that count's for something.
Several trips later, I had a full basket, and had managed to wrestle a big wheel out of the river. It weighted a ton. I managed to hoist it on to the rear deck and head on my way. When I reached the logjam downstream (which I barely cleared empty), I nearly swamped the kayak, bit I did lost the basket, creating a huge trash spill. I paddled frantically collecting everything for the second time.
When I'd collected everything, I turned around and realized I'd lost the big wheel. Damn. All thet work. I know at some point I'll find it again, but it must have sank like a rock.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Tanks for Nothing
Over the course of the past few years, I've dragged... oh, say... 3 dozen propane tanks out of the river. Why would items like propane tanks end up in the rivers? First, the old tanks were made obsolete in 2002. You can't fill it, so you had to get a new one and get rid of the old one. Second, local landfills and recycling centers charge you to get rid of the old tank. So that costs a few bucks. I guess the only sensible thing to do is kick the old one into the river.
Now, months or years later, I find it and take it to the recycling center who, through their generosity decide to take them for no fee because it's part of an environmental clean-up project.
Kind, yes, but it's a great deal of work for what seems like no reason at all. I understand towns need to charge to dispose of problematic items, but I also think that leads to increased illegal dumping.
-Ed
Now, months or years later, I find it and take it to the recycling center who, through their generosity decide to take them for no fee because it's part of an environmental clean-up project.
Kind, yes, but it's a great deal of work for what seems like no reason at all. I understand towns need to charge to dispose of problematic items, but I also think that leads to increased illegal dumping.
-Ed
Friday, July 6, 2007
Nashua River in Pepperell
Last Saturday, June 30th, 2007 My friend Dennis and I went to the Nashua River for a morning paddle before our party that evening. What a spectacular day! We paddled all the way upstream to Rte. 2A where the Squannacook meets the Nashua.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! I hadn't paddled much past Rte. 225 this year, and to my surprise, I was able to cover that whole 8-mile-ish stretch and not even fill my basket with trash.
That was a great feeling.
Often, because the volume of trash is high, I have to choose which trash I pick up. I have to decide to pick up the motor oil containers, spray paint, solvents, or other waste before I pick up trash. My logic is that the highly toxic items need to go before the stuff that's mostly just unsightly.
Not sure if the logic really holds up, but it might.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! I hadn't paddled much past Rte. 225 this year, and to my surprise, I was able to cover that whole 8-mile-ish stretch and not even fill my basket with trash.
That was a great feeling.
Often, because the volume of trash is high, I have to choose which trash I pick up. I have to decide to pick up the motor oil containers, spray paint, solvents, or other waste before I pick up trash. My logic is that the highly toxic items need to go before the stuff that's mostly just unsightly.
Not sure if the logic really holds up, but it might.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Nashua River Oxbow
A few years ago when I started paddling, I found few areas I really liked, one of them was the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge on the Nashua River in Harvard, MA. So I started paddling there on a regular basis and collecting trash and other items which contribute to the pollution of the watershed.
Now, a couple of years later, and probably 10 tons of waste later, you can paddle from the Oxbow Stillriver Depot down to Pepperell without significant waste. In late 2006 and in early 2007, I had it pretty well cleaned up, but the big floods in April caused a lot of waste to be washed downstream and back into the area between the Oxbow and Rte. 119 in Pepperell.
Last weekend I dragged the last tires and propane tank out of the Oxbow. There may still be a few pieces of trash, but not very much. Then I went to the Nashua River at Rte 117 in Bolton. Wow, what a mess!
I spent about 4 hours collecting tires, propane tanks, and other waste, but I never got out of earshot of Rte 117! I literally filled my pickup truck, and really only cleaned about 1,000 yards of river.
That's a tough stretch to clean up. If I go downstream, there are some areas that make the return trip very challenging. A portage is always possible, but when you have a kayak filled with trash, it's not easy to get in and out.
Well it looks like I'll have to make many more trips to that area in order to get it as clean as the Oxbow is now, but hey, it's worth the effort.
Now, a couple of years later, and probably 10 tons of waste later, you can paddle from the Oxbow Stillriver Depot down to Pepperell without significant waste. In late 2006 and in early 2007, I had it pretty well cleaned up, but the big floods in April caused a lot of waste to be washed downstream and back into the area between the Oxbow and Rte. 119 in Pepperell.
Last weekend I dragged the last tires and propane tank out of the Oxbow. There may still be a few pieces of trash, but not very much. Then I went to the Nashua River at Rte 117 in Bolton. Wow, what a mess!
I spent about 4 hours collecting tires, propane tanks, and other waste, but I never got out of earshot of Rte 117! I literally filled my pickup truck, and really only cleaned about 1,000 yards of river.
That's a tough stretch to clean up. If I go downstream, there are some areas that make the return trip very challenging. A portage is always possible, but when you have a kayak filled with trash, it's not easy to get in and out.
Well it looks like I'll have to make many more trips to that area in order to get it as clean as the Oxbow is now, but hey, it's worth the effort.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Getting Started
Hi, I'm Ed and I'm starting this blog to share stories about environmental issues. I'm not a lobbyist or paid by anyone to offer my particular opinions about the planet, environment, or politics. I also don't act on behalf of any organization. I'm just one person taking action to try to improve the environment near where I live.
As a starting point, I created this presentation using Brainshark. It's a brief presentation about the work I've been doing to clean up the Nashua River Watershed in Massachusetts. It's authored in my own, unpolished voice.
http://www.brainshark.com/brainshark/vu/view.asp?pi=2313458
I'll be adding images, stories, and some more multimedia presentations to this blog as I get started, and I'll try to keep up with responses and will link to others with like minds.
-Ed
As a starting point, I created this presentation using Brainshark. It's a brief presentation about the work I've been doing to clean up the Nashua River Watershed in Massachusetts. It's authored in my own, unpolished voice.
http://www.brainshark.com/brainshark/vu/view.asp?pi=2313458
I'll be adding images, stories, and some more multimedia presentations to this blog as I get started, and I'll try to keep up with responses and will link to others with like minds.
-Ed
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