Editorial: Get to know, protect your river

• Kinnickinnic River

Submitted photo.

Talk about it

You don’t have to live here long before coming to appreciate the pride and admiration for the slender, meandering Kinni that runs through River Falls. The river’s cherished for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and simply for adding natural beauty to our charming landscape.

This Saturday, April 21, is payback time. The Kinni needs a thorough “bath.” The 18th annual cleanup is again sponsored by the river’s guardian — The Kinnickinnic River Land Trust.

Last year almost 100 people — including families, organizations, groups, students and children — showed up to extract junk that had littered and polluted the banks and shallow waters of the Kinni.

Besides these annual cleanups, member-supported KRLT has bought acreage for conservation easements along the Kinni, does prairie and woodland restoration projects, and has led field trips and environmental workshops for local residents and students.

It’s impossible to say anything but praise for a community that can summon an army of volunteers to tidy and purge a local waterway like the Kinni. KRLT adds lunch and refreshments as an incentive for participants. Cleanup crews Saturday will first meet at Glen Park’s main shelter at 9:30 a.m. sharp.

Those who join the effort are urged to wear long-sleeves, long pants, and hats to safeguard against sun, thorny plants and biting insects. Bring water and snacks to stay energized.

There should be a cheery support network of volunteers for Saturday’s cleanup duties. You’ll likely enjoy the teamwork and the satisfaction of maintaining the high quality of our local river.

KRLT needs to know what kind of turnout to expect so staff can plan and assign coverage for sections of the river. You won’t be turned away if you come unannounced, but please try to register by Friday.

You can do that by calling KRLT’s number at 715-425-5738 or by going to its website www.kinniriver.org

and clicking on Events.

The Journal’s online poll question this week asked: Do you think River Falls Mayor Don Richards should have changed his mind and asked for a recount after his narrow defeat to Dan Toland?

Early results: NO, 77.8%; YES, 22.2%. To add your opinion, go to www.riverfallsjournal.com

Tags: opinion, editorials, environment