Middle Fork Cleanup 2-22-14

[Half Ton]

The Middle Fork of the White River is going to get a makeover on the 22nd of February with the help of the Beaver Watershed Alliance and dedicated volunteers.

Currently, there is not a super huge amount of trash along the riverbed or in the stream. However - The public access points due suffer some illegal dumping, and as far as you want to walk along the creekbed, you will find some trash.

landlubber access points will be at Lake Sequoyah, Strain Cemetery, Black Oak Bridge, the Bridge above that, Sulphur City Bridge, and the Arnett Area.

There is still enough trash scattered along the river that boats would be helpful in this effort. Most of the sections that will likely be floatable in Feb are 2-4 miles in length. Save the date on your calendar and come on out and help out!

We will need a special volunteer helper for cleaning in the Arnett/Hazel Valley area.......navigation in that area is not recommended for a rookie, but if you have the time and don't mind getting a little lost in the process.....a little interest is all you need to earn the role.

[Cowper]

We will need a special volunteer helper for cleaning in the Arnett/Hazel Valley area.......navigation in that area is not recommended for a rookie, but if you have the time and don't mind getting a little lost in the process.....a little interest is all you need to earn the role.

First, thanks for getting out the info on all the planned clean ups!

Second, when you say "navigation...not recommended for a rookie" - What type of navigation skills are needed? Navigation skill as in use of GPS or map and compass, or navigation skill as in controlling your boat on moving water?

[Half Ton]

Great question, Cowper.

I am talking about roadmap and GPS skills. Depending on where a person turns in a few places, they could easily get lost for a while on a scenic road trip.

The upper 12 miles of river in that stretch usually don't flow enough to paddle. If they are up though, then class 3 skills are needed even though there are only two or so 3's.

No need to thank me though, it's my job in the upper white these days- although I did get started in the profession from volunteer work.

Cowper, you are the one to be thanked for always kicking that pollutions a$$ on your free time!!

[cpresoz]

There's nothing like getting lost up in those those roads. Next thing you know you're headed to Brentwood or White Rock or the hippy girls' place up Black Oak Road and Robinson Mountain.

[magicmike]

John- What time are volunteers rendezvousing for this clean-up? Hoping to be able to make it out to help after the roll session that morning. Noonish would probably be the earliest anyone could make it from the Jones Center. Thanks-M-

[Half Ton]

Thanks for the Info Mike! We're either getting started at noon from either Lake sequoyah or black oak church or both. We'll know for sure within the week.

[Half Ton]

Final event details are for the check-in to be at Bunch Park in Elkins.

The start time is 1 pm and will end around 5. GOOD Door Prizes and food for all volunteers.

[arkansas-santa1]

Well it looks like there will not be enough water to float a boat on the upper Middle fork , but I will bring my 16' to put trash in. I can lead folks to Arnett if need be.

[arkansas-santa1]

Well it looks like there will not be enough water to float a boat on the upper Middle fork , but I will bring my 16' to put trash in. I can lead folks to Arnett if need be.

[Half Ton]

Yeah, I doubt it will rain enough. If you could lead folks to arnett and maybe hazel valley that would be great. At least one car door and tire are on the way to where the road ends at Jericho rd.

Looks like decent weather chances are fair. See you on Saturday!

[arkansas-santa1]

Ok see you Saturday @ Elkins.

[magicmike]

See ya'll at Bunch Park around noon Saturday. -M-

[hfunkhouser]

This is in my neck of the woods! I'd like to see some of the upper, whoever is going up there I'd like to tag along. See ya'll at the park.

[Half Ton]

We'll see y'all tomorrow at 1pm!

[Half Ton]

Over 60 volunteers came out to the first ever middle fork cleanup and removed 43 tires and over 2,000 lbs of trash from the river and its surrounding watershed!!! I was impressed with how much litter and junk the volunteers found.

Several volunteers from ACC took care of our main put-ins and take-outs on the river. Several landowners, and adjacent farm owners participated and appreciated the effort. One farmer stopped by to check on a cleanup crew with a trailer full of trash and he wanted to know why they were illegal dumping on his property in broad daylight.......

When he found out what they were really up to, he warmed up quickly and was very appreciative of the volunteer effort and the watershed organization putting on the event.

Thanks to all that came out and helped, We'll hope to see yall again with others out at the april 26th East Fork White River Cleanup