A grassroots effort bringing together volunteers and sponsors to clean the Lower Wapsipinicon River and backwaters in an effort to make the public aware of this precious natural resource.

August 14-15, 2010

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2010 Results - 4.7 Tons Removed!
The Lower Wapsipinicon River Cleanup Project, a canoeing- and camping-based river cleanup event, took place for its fifth year August 13-15, 2010. Fifty volunteers worked together to remove an amazing 4.7 tons of trash from 23 miles of the Wapsipinicon River from Anamosa Access to Jungletown Access near Hale. The section of river covered weaves through Jones County. Of the trash collected, 58% was recycled. This brings the grand total removed from the Lower Wapsi over the last five years to a whopping 28.3 tons.

"Jones County has been such an amazing host! It was great to bring the cleanup to the beginning sections of the Lower Wapsi. Jones County Conservation Board and Cindy Borst (Lou-Lou's Landing) were such a big part of the event success. Each year I am amazed and touched to see people - many returning year after year – work so tirelessly to improve the health, safety, and beauty of our Wapsipinicon River," stated coordinator Melisa Jacobsen "It's in these small steps that we hope to increase awareness and ownership of local rivers. I'm always humbled when these folks thank me for putting the cleanup together - it is a small thing compared to their commitment - none of this would happen if they didn't have it in them to come wear themselves out for a weekend!" Heavy rains just prior to the cleanup made it a waiting game to see if the river would stay in its banks. Thankfully, paddlers were able to get on the river Saturday at 9.5 feet and dropping, again on Sunday, and still bring in quite a haul from what was visible at those levels. Olin Fire Department provided both on land and on water support for the event.

The Event provided free canoes, free camping, and low-cost meals, as well as an evening program on the history and people of Jones County presented by Joy Adams through partnership with Jones County Conservation Board..

Sponsors for this event included: Jones County Conservation Board; Clinton County Conservation Board; Lou-Lou's Landing; Friends of the Wapsi Center, Inc.; KA Screen Printing; Stone City Iron and Metal; Wapsi Bottoms Whitetails Unlimited; Olin Fire Department; Citizens Bank; Wapsi Waste; Petrzelka and Breitback PLC; Holiday Shores Motel (McGregor); Select Service Sanitation; RJ General Store; Kum N Go; Atlas Family Chiropractic; J&P Cycles; F&M Bank; Security State Bank; Jones County Transfer Station; and Stone City General Store Pub

The Lower Wapsipinicon River Cleanup Project is a grassroots organization with a twofold purpose: To remove trash from the river and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner; and to educate the public about the environment and the importance of caring for natural resources.

They will be cleaning up on a different section of the Lower Wapsipinicon each year. In 2011 they will cover Jungletown Access near Hale to Walnut Grove near Toronto. For further information, or to get on a mailing list for next year, please write to LWRCP, 2740 - 160th Avenue, Calamus, IA 52729, email coordinator@lowerwapsicleanup.org or visit the website at http://www.lowerwapsicleanup.org

Click for: Press Release, Pictures, Sponsor List

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TRASH BY THE NUMBERS

Recyclables --2720 lbs. (2.272 tons) total, or 58% of cleanup total:
40 lbs. aluminum
120 lbs. glass and plastic
800 lbs. (0.8 tons) tires
1.76 lbs. (1.76 tons) mixed scrap metal

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