Pike-saic River Cleanup?

[Fish n Jeep]

While attending the meet and greet several weeks back, I couldn't help but notice the copious amount of trash scattered along the banks of the Passaic River. Just throwing this out there as an idea, but maybe we should have another MnG but make it a river cleanup day. Any interest?

[NorthJerzyG]

Really not a bad idea! Problem is, after a decent storm, more trash will wash up into the area that we clean so the results may not last. Still definitely an "eco" friendly idea though.

Also, on slow fishing days, I tend to make time to at least fill one bag I find laying around with trash and take it out. If nothing else it brings you good fishing karma........

[NorthJerzyG]

Maybe there will be more members interest after the contest.......:rolleyes:

Gotta say, I'm in. We could use it as grounds for a "round 2" . Meet up, cash in, clean up and fish. Maybe even some of the saltwater guys will be interested since ultimately, that's where all the trash ends up in the long run.....

[AndyS]

You know me, if I'm not fishing I'm writing letters.

Write letters to the towns that boarder that river. Write letters to DEP, FG&W, get people involved and let them know what is going on.

It is happening on the Raritan, no reason it can't happen on the Passaic.
Judy Shaw is a great woman, you can e mail her and ask for pointers on how to get started. It is amazing what a few letters can do.

Take photos of the worst areas and post them on here.

http://www.raritan.rutgers.edu/

[Fish n Jeep]

I hit the river on Saturday... at Little Falls it looked okay, with only a little trash on Fern River Island. When I moved downstream to Elmwood Park there were two coolers floating around in the eddy across from the boat launch, and an almost continuous stream of styrofoam cups and plastic bottles making their way downstream. I guess the high water probably picked up alot of streamside trash, so involving multiple communities along the river's path seems like a good idea.

[Eskimo]

.

Part of the issue with this urban river is it's fed by countless storm drains. The trash originates from sources that appear disconnected from the Passaic River, but ultimately finds its way into the river.


"We all live down river"
or to quote Stephen King, "We all float down here.".

[Mikeps326]

Everytime we clean elmwood park marina rain comes and more crap is there. The people that throw crap should get their fingers broken.

[AndyS]

The NJDEP has been working diligently on a statewide water management program, and the Raritan Basin has figured significantly in their plans. Join this discussion and learn how this will improve water quality up and down the Raritan. Can you imagine the improvements to fishing and boating? Swimming beaches will be on the on the horizon before we know it - it's all about reclaiming the river for the people and communities along it's banks. Join us.

Judy Shaw, Ph.D., AICP/PP
Environmental Analysis and Communications Group
E.J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy
Rutgers University
33 Livingston Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

This is just an example of what can happen when people pull together :)