Building appreciation for the Monongahela and working toward a clean river.

A Solution (Pick up Trash along the River Banks)

It's difficult to imagine how we can clean up trash from behind the lock and dam if the Corps of Engineers will not allow access. The government's position is understandable, though. The dam is a dangerous area.

However, the trash accumulation can be reduced.  The photos show trash along the river banks in the area from Uffington to near Hildebrand Lock and Dam.

It comes from upstream and is everywhere along the banks (six miles from Morgantown L&D to Hildebrand L&D). This year the litter is worse than ever. On July 31, four volunteers in kayaks collected their boats full of trash along the banks above the dam in just one hour. More photos and details on this.

All of this trash is waiting for the next heavy rain to be washed down to the Morgantown Lock and Dam, where it will add to the shameful blemish on our county and city.

Also, it is an eyesore while it sits along the banks, lodged against fallen trees and other natural barriers.

Most of us don’t see that, but visitors who boat on our river or who travel the rail-trail see it. The Mon is a healthy ecosystem now, but floating trash gives it a bad reputation that deters tourism and holds us back from realizing the river’s recreational potential.  Also, this all goes downstream to affect those who live in Pittsburgh and everywhere in between.

By fetching this litter from its temporary location along the banks, we remove the current eyesore and the subsequent one when it would pile up behind the Morgantown Dam (and also below along the city front if it should be washed through the dam).  Revival Home

Support the Revival kayaktour@magicriverwv.com

Living Lands and Water