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)