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Editorials - 04/19/01Our river needs us |
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For the 17th straight year, Western Carolina University has organized spring cleaning for the Tuckaseigee River, and it's time once again for all of us to do our part.
Supported financially by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and many other individuals and businesses, the annual river trash collection effort requires many volunteers to be successful. The river cleanup is one of our best chances as a community to interact with WCU and its students. Like Mountain Heritage Day, it is an event that truly merges town and gown. Everyone who pitches in this Saturday will have the satisfaction of knowing they've done their part for the river that runs almost the length of Jackson County. The fact that people desecrate the beautiful Tuckaseigee by using it as a dump is almost incomprehensible to us. Though it would seem that by now everyone should be better educated as to where our solid waste and recyclables belong, volunteers collect literally tons of trash from the river's waters and banks each April. We are lucky that WCU chooses to put its considerable muscle behind this cleanup that benefits the entire county, not to mention the communities downstream. We encourage everyone who can to join in this year's effort to rid the Tuckaseigee of a year's accumulation of trash. In order to add a little excitement this year, coordinator Shane Williams of WCU has added hidden treasure that will be found by some lucky volunteer. All who participate will be treated to a Saturday night cookout and will be eligible to win some great prizes, including a bicycle donated by Motion Makers of Sylva. And cash awards will be given to the two groups - one campus and one off-campus - that have the most members involved in the cleanup effort. Clearing the trash and debris from the river is vital to the health of the waterway and essential to the well-being of the animals who make their home in and around the Tuckaseigee. We commend all those involved in planning and executing this annual event, which improves the river for all of us. Participation affords all of us the opportunity to spend a day outdoors while performing a valuable community service. If there has ever been a truly "win-win" situation, this is it. The Tuckaseigee is the only river we have in the northern end of our county. We need to clean it up now - and take better care of it in the future.
Editorial policyThe opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views. |
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