The Michigan United Conservation Clubs, in partnership with Steelhead Manifesto, hosted the fifth annual Big Manistee River Clean Up in the Huron-Manistee National Forests on Saturday.
More than four dozen anglers, paddlers and boaters volunteered at the High Bridge Boat Launch near Brethren to help maintain the “wild and scenic” section of the Manistee River. That stretch of the river is protected by Congress for its outstanding fishing and remarkable scenery, qualities that are diminished by illegal dumping and litter.
“The Manistee Wild and Scenic River is a world-class cold water fishery and paddling destination,” said Huron-Manistee National Forests public affairs officer Nate Peeters. “The essential contributions of partners such as MUCC and Steelhead Manifesto ensure that those benefits will be preserved for future generations.”
Volunteers on Saturday collected more than 200 pounds of refuse from the riverbanks and bottom. The haul included food and beverage containers, fishing gear and a metal ladder. Longtime volunteers noticed that this year’s haul felt lighter than usual.