“I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t seen it.”
By John T. Ryan
Peru – This story’s headline expresses your Peru Gazette reporter’s sentiments today as I watched volunteers bring old tires and refuse to shore at the Carpenter Flats Route 9 bridge. The Ausable River Association (AsRS), in partnership with Adirondack River Rentals, hosted today’s cleanup.
Volunteers came from all over the Adirondack region. Working in two shifts (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.), the volunteers collected about 120 tires (some with rims) plus many other junk items. Greg Johnson, co-owner of Adirondack River Rentals said, “One year we pulled out over 230. I’ve seen washing machines, a refrigerator, and even a cash register.”
Adirondack River Association river steward Jake Hill said his organization works to protect the Ausable River watershed. He explained that the current low water level enabled the volunteers to get out of their canoes and walk to the trash. He commented, “Protecting this river is incredibly rewarding work.”
Suzanne Weirich drove down from Saranac Lake with two other volunteers. She said, “We were invited to come this afternoon, and it’s been absolutely great. It’s been very, very gratifying helping to help decontaminate the river.”
Posted: September 8th, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, General News, Peru News, Upstate New York.