Mid-winter thaw exposes eye-sores on river, trails
STEWARDSHIP -- Picking up after ourselves and our dogs is an ethic that needs some reinforcement, according to outdoor enthusiasts hitting the region's rivers and trails last week during the big thaw.
As snow recedes we're reminded that some people are litterbugs, and other people are too lazy to pick up after their dogs.
Two cases in point from area recreationist reports:
Lower Spokane River / Litter
I've never floated in February before. And while Sunday was sure a good day to float, hike, bike, play Frisbee golf or just walk the dog (the parking lots and trailheads at Riverside State Park were full) and enjoy the mid-winter spring-like weather, it was sure apparent that the lower Spokane River missed out on its annual scrubbing by the cancellation of the Spokane River Cleanup this past fall.
We had never seen so much floating Yuck in the eddies of the river. So much trash was strewn about on the riverbanks that will soon be floating in the rising water. It was just disgusting to be honest with you. And it's going to get worse when the water recedes, leaving the soggy riverbanks stinking with even more wet mildewy clothes, plastic bags, bottles and murky Yuck.
Let's hope and encourage the Friends of the Falls to reconsider and fully support this much needed community endeavor. While we can try and continue to monitor the upper Spokane River and do our part, we need to rally other users of the Spokane River corridor to restore this pristine gem and more importantly give back to our community.
--Bart Rayniak
Pend Oreille Bay Trail / Dog poop
I am hiking the Pend Oreille Bay Trail right now for the first time in a long time. I am totally appalled at all the dog (crap) in and along this wonderful trail. UGH!
--Sandii Mellen
