SierraScape August - September 2004
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The 37th Annual Operation Clean Stream, an event that works to promote clean water resources, anti-littering and a higher standard of river stewardship in the Meramec River Watershed, is set for Saturday, August 28, 2004.
Operation Clean Stream remains one of America's longest and largest ongoing river restoration projects. Last year's activities attracted nearly 3,000 participants, from various age groups and backgrounds, to the Meramec River and its tributaries including the Big, Bourbeuse, Courtois and Huzzah Rivers. Furthermore, agencies and organizations at the local, state and national levels have recognized this program as a key environmental event in the St. Louis Region. The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region and Monsanto with support from both businesses and government entities sponsor the annual project.
Operation Clean Stream is Stream Team number five and has evolved to more than just a river cleanup project. The event also serves as a public campaign for educating Missouri Citizens on the value of clean water and our responsibility to area rivers and streams. Operation Clean Stream's publicity and physical activities have galvanized the community into reclaiming the Meramec Watershed as a regional conservation and outdoor recreation resource.
According to Ron Coleman, Executive Director of the Open Space Council, the organization that founded and initiated Operation Clean Stream in 1967, "I would hate to think about what the Meramec would look like today without 37 years of Clean Stream. It is simply amazing how citizen volunteers, business and government have come together each year on the 4th Saturday in August to pool their muscle and resources in an effort to enhance the Meramec River Corridor. It is almost as if the project has taken on a life of its own."
The lower Meramec River watershed's renaissance has led to the removal of thousands of bank-side cabins and tons of trash, improved water quality, enhanced fish and wildlife habitat and created opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the river corridor and its tributaries. The watershed's progress is visibly evident thanks to the dedication of Operation Clean Stream partners, sponsors and volunteers. Operation Clean Stream, Missouri Stream Team #5 also provides technical and resource assistance to many regional groups seeking to initiate other stream projects.
Volunteers are invited to participate as individuals or with a group on Saturday, August 28, 2004. Workers boat, float in canoes or work in shore parties on assigned sections of the Meramec, Big, Bourbeuse, Courtois or Huzzah Rivers. To float, you must provide your own canoe. People of all ages are welcome, but children must have adult supervision.
Volunteers are required to sign a waiver, and then they are provided trash bags, gloves and a free bumper sticker. Following the clean up, participants can join other workers at one of ten picnic sites in the watershed to socialize and enjoy free refreshments for their efforts. A commemorative hat or t-shirt may also be purchased at the picnic sites.
To find out more about how to get involved in this year's Operation Clean Stream go to www.openspacecouncilstl.org. or call 636-733-0088.
Contact 636-733-0088 for information.