By Tyler Clarke, Cowichan News Leader Pictorial, September 21, 2010
The fish that live in the Cowichan River should be a lot happier with humans, now.
One full truckload of recyclables and two truckloads of garbage were hauled out of the Cowichan River, Sept. 11, during the second-annual Cowichan River Cleanup.
“That is significantly less than the three tonnes last year, so I think people are clueing in,” key organizer Gerald Thom said. Thom and the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Committee, organized the event, which saw 73 volunteers turn up.
Although the forecast implied cool, wet, weather would prevail throughout the day, those volunteers not scared away by the predictions found relatively warm temperatures.
This year’s findings easily competed with last year’s haul, which included just about everything – even a kitchen sink.
This year’s load included an old crayfish trap, an old logging pike pole, a crayfish in a beer can, a book, a crack pipe, a teddy bear, a cooking pot,and a rusty old vehicle muffler.
Following a productive day of cleaning out the river, volunteers were treated to a barbecue, snacks and prizes, which were all donated by various businesses.
“The community really banded together,” Thom said.
The day’s events capped off with a performance by Youbou rock band The Radiators in the old fire hall stalls in the Lake Cowichan Municipal Office.
The Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Committee meets every month to discuss various issues involving the lake and river.
All meetings are open to the public. Visit their website, located online at http://cowichan-lake-stewards.ca.
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