The impressive scope of the upcoming Androscoggin River cleanup, currently being organized by Communities Getting Involved, shouldn't eclipse the work that's been done by others who got involved picking up trash earlier this canoeing and kayaking season. While Communities Getting Involved boasts the biggest scope -- see my Aug. 3 posting -- it's not the only group of paddlers out there collecting trash.

Raft Maine's 2003 Presumpscot River cleanup (above) won a national prize.
Photo courtesy Raft Maine

Raft Maine, the trade association of 15 whitewater companies, cleaned up a section of the Presumpscot River in Windham-Gorham in May. Raft Maine, led by Joe Christopher of Three Rivers Whitewater, supplied the inflatable boats and other gear, while Windham Christian Academy and the Helen King Middle School of Portland supplied boy- and girl-power.

The Maine Outdoor Adventure Club cleaned up a section of the Saco River a few days later. Other organizations that have devoted volunteer time and effort include the Pulp and Paperworkers Resource Council from the NewPage mill in Rumford and the Friends of Merrymeeting Bay.

Paddlers from the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club pose with trash collected on the Saco River.
Scott Andrews photo

Some of these organizations were assisted by Tom's of Maine, which served as the Maine coordinator for National River Cleanup Week.

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