Features, Latest Edition

The Meridian Weekly – April 10, 2022

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Cover Photo: River Cleanup Planned

The Friends of the Maple River are planning their Annual Maple River Cleanup & Logjam Removal Day on Saturday, April 23rd.

Volunteers are needed to pick up trash, old tires and debris found along the edge of the Maple River; along roads near the river and at bridges and river access points on the river. The FOMR are also hoping to put three or four crews on the river to remove obstacles that block river enthusiasts from floating the river in canoes, kayaks and small boats.

Anyone interested in helping on this environmental conservation project is asked to meet at 9 a.m. at the Elsie Dam located on Island Road, one mile west of the Village of Elsie. The trash pickup and log jam work will run from 9am-1pm. Work crews will be organized, assignments made and supplies provided (trash bags and water).

Volunteers should wear the appropriate clothing for weather conditions, heavy duty footwear or boots and gloves. Those wishing to help with the log jam, tree
and brush removal will need a Jon boat, canoe, kayak, waders and a saw or chain saw. This work will only take place if the river is at normal levels or lower. State law requires a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for each person in a water craft for river travel.

The FOMR are hoping to clear a navigation path as far up the Maple River as possible (somewhere between Owosso and Ovid) to where it empties into the Grand River at Muir, only removing enough obstacles to make a path that allows
the paddler to stay in their watercraft. We do not want to clear the river, only enough (about 5 ft.) to allow safe passage. Logs, brush and other natural materials in the river make excellent habitat for wildlife and fish plus it provides a challenge for paddlers, adding to the enjoyment of the trip.

Keeping the river open is a major objective of FOMR and could use your help. If there is anyone who would like to volunteer to keep a section (between bridges) of the river open during the paddling season (April-October) on their own, or anyone with questions, please contact FOMR member, Jack Nutter at 989-862-5541.