By Pete McIntyre

River roundup: volunteers clean-up garbage

Oct 4, 2019 | 5:15 PM

An annual cleanup of the Shuswap River has produced a mess of garbage, and found more evidence of land owners not following the rules.

Canoeists and kayakers from around the North Okanagan and Shuswap took part in the seventh annual Shuswap River Cleanup Paddle Sept. 29.

Volunteers began picking up trash at the Meadows campground in Cherryville before launching their watercraft and heading downstream to the take-out at Wilsey Dam/Shuswap Falls, collecting garbage along the way.

Charles Ruechel from Elements Adventure Co. was responsible for making sure all paddlers were safe and prepared for the day on the river, which is not without its hazards.

“Participants were motivated and eager to experience this scenic waterway and to give back to the community that they live and play in” said Ruechel. “My hope is that this event brings awareness of how to care for the river, and inspires other communities to do the same.”

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Garbage collected along river (submitted)

Organizers say there are several important messages that the Mabel Lake Community Club and the Middle Shuswap Water Stewards would like to spread in relation to this event.

“Although it was the fourth time in seven years that this section of the river was cleaned up, the crew still managed to easily fill a pickup with garbage from along the shoreline. Most of it had been left behind by people enjoying lazy summer days by the water. Punctured flotation mattresses, fishing tackle, beach toys, cans, bottles, tarps, cigarette butts and lawn chairs were some of the more common items picked up,” said a news release from Russ Collins of the Mabel lake Community Club.

Club members ask river users to remove all items at the end of their day.

Participants also noticed an increasing number of riverside property owners who have cleared or altered the riparian area to make room for gazebos, cabins, trailers, or simply to enjoy the river view, a trend over the last few years.

“People may be unaware that it is unlawful to remove vegetation or alter the land within 30 metres of the high water line without a permit to do so. The fish need that vegetation for shade to keep the water cool and for protection against predators,” said the news release.

The Cherryville Water Stewards report that the temperature of the upper Middle Shuswap River got as high as 18 degrees Celsius this past summer. At this temperature, fish need to begin upstream migration in order to find water that is cool enough for them to survive in.

Participants in Shuswap River Cleanup Paddle (submitted)

by Pete McIntyre

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