Living With the Methow River

Monthly Activities and Learning Opportunities

September 2016

2014 was a rough year for the Methow. The Carlton Complex fire burned homes and stripped the hills of their vegetation. Heavy rains on the burned land caused sudden flooding, and without vegetation to hold the dirt together, hillsides failed. Buildings, vehicles, and other man-made debris rode the flood into the river. In the days following the flooding, the Methow river was littered with lumber, propane tanks, pipes, and all manner of other things that didn't belong there.

Local salmon recovery agencies spearheaded the cleanup and the community came together to help. The Department of Natural Resources supported the cleanup effort through volunteer coordination and funding for debris disposal. The Department of Ecology provided two work crews through the Conservation Corps. Local river guides and anglers used their knowlege of the river to scout the worst of the mess and guide the cleanup effort. Landowners along the river provided access and pitched in to clean up the banks. More than 100 volunteers dragged out everything from insulation foam to roofing metal. Wastewise recorded 27,000 pounds of debris brought in by the cleanup effort, not counting the additional thousands of pounds of scrap metals accepted by Cascade Concrete for recycling. Les Schwab in Twisp received more than thirty tires.

This community effort made the Methow River a better place for everyone--boaters, fishermen, and fish alike.

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This year’s MRC calendar connects to ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION tailored to each month. If you haven't gotten your calendar yet, you can download an electronic version here.

Come back each month and find interactive activities, print outs, and suggested learning opportunities in our community.

 

Just follow the fish and engage in learning.