First Annual James River Runoff Rundown
www.runoffrundown.org

On the James River this past Saturday, July 12, people were paddling with a purpose.

"The whole idea is to have the entire 340 miles covered today and, knock on wood, unless somebody was sick, as of yesterday afternoon we're going to have all 340 miles covered today," said Chuck Frederickson, the Lower James River Keeper.

From the headwaters to the bay, the James River Association organized the first Runoff Rundown to have boaters, kayakers and canoers collectively traverse every single mile of the historic river.

The purpose is to bring attention to the problems of pollution and runoff.

It is not just the obvious pollutants that cause problems on the James. The sediment from run-off can cause just as many problems. Sediment can block the light that penetrates into the river and that can essentially choke off the underwater grasses and harm the fish.

"They're not the most sexy thing in the world, a lot of people think mud and dirt just happens, but we want to keep that in the forefront too," said Frederickson.

The event also drew the attention of Governor Kaine's Secretary of Natural Resources, Preston Bryant. He and his wife joined the effort and spent part of the morning kayaking east of Richmond.

"And just in this four mile stretch of river we've seen about six eagles, four herring, a bunch of turtles and even a few crabs floating close to the top. So it's been a good stretch of river to see," he said.

Besides raising awareness, the event also raised more than $20,000 to help protect the river.

Copyright 2008 by Young Broadcasting, Inc.

Photos of GLEN's Rundown: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22498840@N05/

Greater Lynchburg Environmental Network (GLEN)

GLEN is an association of groups and individuals working to improve environmental quality in Central Virginia, including the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell and the cities of Bedford and Lynchburg.

Our Vision: A Greater Lynchburg community that recognizes the interdependence of ecology and economy, that protects environmental quality and promotes environmental justice, and that lives in a sustainable relationship with its resources.

Our Mission: To promote an environmentally aware and sustainable community in the Central Virginia ecosystem through education, advocacy, coordination, and collaboration among concerned individuals, organizations, agencies, and groups.

The Greater Lynchburg Area: Our ecoregion is Southeastern Mixed Forest until the mountainous edges of Amherst and Bedford, which become Appalachian/Blue Ridge Forest. Our climate is defined as Humid Continental, except for the souteast Humid-Subtropical corner of Campbell County. While city and county lines are typically drawn by politics, GLA boundaries (with the exception of Campbell County’s straight-ruler sides) are determined by geographical and hydrological features.

Along the west, the Blue Ridge Mountains direct the flow of water east by northeast to the Chesapeake Bay, or east by southeast to the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound. Smith Mountain and Leesville Lakes feed into the Roanoke (Staunton) River on the southern edges of Bedford and Campbell Counties, while the northern edges of Amherst and Appomattox contour along the Piney, Tye, and Appomattox Rivers. 

At the center, the James River not only defines Lynchburg but also shapes some portion of all four counties. 

Please visit GLEN's Network Partners and the Links section of this website to learn about the many organizations working to improve environmental quality in the Greater Lynchburg Area. Our news and calendar sections are updated regularly to help keep you informed. Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.