Summer of 2015 - Vol 2

THE RIVER ROUNDUP – FRCC’s River Stewardship News Vol #2: 10/5/15

The summer of 2015 has come and gone. It was the first year the FRCC had an official ‘River Steward Program’. Besides myself, three paid stewards and five volunteer stewards patrolled the river with a mission to make the Wild and Scenic section of the Farmington ‘A safe and fun place to recreate on’. Over 1200 hours were spent by the team on the river.

What did the team do?

• Kept the area looking clean. An estimated 950 bags of trash were removed throughout the summer!
• Make people aware of the steward program. Close to 1000 users on the river were spoken to about being environmentally responsible, picking up after themselves and safe behavior on the water.
• Spent considerable time at the Satan’s Kingdom tubing put-in asking people to bring less potential trash onto the river.
• Helped with invasive plant removal.
• Spoke with local businesses about protecting the river. Left brochures and flyers.
• Promoted river stewardship at the Barkhamsted Summer Camp.
• Surveyed users about their experience on the river.
• Spoke to fishermen about regulations.
• Reported problems to the River Steward.
• and maybe most importantly, were a presence on the river so people knew others are watching!...

As much of an impact as all the stewards had, we cannot do this job alone. As more users come to enjoy the Farmington, litter will become a bigger problem, as well as conflicts between people trying to recreate on the water. You can do your part. Consider what you take with you on the water as all items can potentially end up as trash. Pack out what you pack in. Many areas do not have garbage cans. Also, remember the river is there for all to enjoy, and many beginners come here to fish and paddle.

Our plans are to continue with the steward program again in 2016. If you would like to volunteer some of your time or know someone that may want to be an assistant steward next summer, please contact me at mail@farmingtonriversteward.org.

-Stephan Bastrzycki
FRCC River Steward
www.farmingtonriversteward.org

POSTED ON: Monday, 5 October 2015

BY: River Steward