INDIAN RIVER — Barrels, tires, bottles, car parts and even a few lost dollar bills were among the litter pulled from the Indian and Sturgeon Rivers two weeks ago during the Big Splash river cleanup.

    Organized by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG), HeadWaters Land Conservancy and the Tuscarora Township Parks Commission, the cleanup was an effort among volunteers to pick up trash along the banks and bottoms of both rivers.

    “All three groups understand and appreciate the importance of these rivers to the community, the economy and the beauty of Northern Michigan,” read a press release from HeadWaters Land Conservancy.

    Volunteer divers entered the Indian River at Burt Lake and moved downstream, collecting litter from the river bottom, gathering enough trash to fill a small aluminum boat — despite high, swift waters due to recent rains. They pulled out broken dishware, auto parts, a bike, barrels and other trash.

    One canoeist braved the swollen Sturgeon River and filled his aluminum canoe with bottles and cans, lighters, unopened food packages, a baseball cap and enough sandals for almost 30 bare feet.

Volunteers put in a total of 177 hours and covered approximately four river miles.

    “The day was a success because removing just one can would leave the river in better shape than it was the day before,” said Garry Carr, a member of the committee which organized the cleanup.

    Plans are in place for a 2009 event.

    For information visit www.headwatersconservancy.org.

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