Volunteers remove tires, carpet, pipes, fishing line and more from Ridgway Reservoir & Unc River at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk

About 20 volunteers came out to Ridgway State Park on a beautiful autumn Friday morning last week to clean up the shores of Ridgway Reservoir, the Uncompahgre River, and fishing ponds at Pa-co-chu-puk. Thanks to to the energetic volunteers including UWP Board Secretary Mary Menz, and the park staff who provided refreshments, assistance, and a fun boat ride to the west short of the reservoir. Also we truly appreciated the awesome gifts from sponsor, RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service, and their promotion of the event. Special shout out to Gunnison Gorge Anglers for their assistance, too!

Volunteers removed a variety of trash from cigarette butts to styrofoam pieces, glass alcohol bottles, carpets, pipes, a car tire, lots of plastic trash, and several yards of fishing line, too! Actually, the park stays rather clean thanks to vigilant staff and courteous visitors. Overall approximately 300 pounds of litter was removed – not a huge amount but the wildlife, environment, and future visitors will certainly appreciate the cleaner shores.

We look forward to this fun event next year and have tentatively set the date for Oct. 5, 2024.