The fourth annual Shuswap River clean-up by paddlers was a success.
Hosted by Elements Adventure Company, the event took place on the middle Shuswap River, near Mabel Lake.
“Despite the cold, rainy weather, 14 people attended,” said Charles Ruechel, organizer.
“About 214 pounds of garbage were hauled out of the river, including old tires, plastic bottles, car parts and a third of an old canoe.”
This specific section of the river was cleaned two years ago.
“It’s surprising to see how much junk finds its way into our river system,” said Ruechel.
Karl Podolski was one of the returning volunteers that helped clean the 30-kilometre section of river. He says there were very few spawning salmon to be seen.
“As if to make up for the lack of salmon, we saw more than 100 bald eagles perched in overhanging tree branches all along the way this year. It was incredible, and unusual.”