The Czerwonka Family Crew

Submitted by Greg Czerwonka - Leader:

15 June 2024 - Boardman River Clean Sweep Report
Boardman Lake and Boardman River from Lake downstream to Union Street Dam

Starting with good news.... The lake and river were possibly cleaner than they have been in the past 13
years. Thousands upon thousands of fry (1" long fish) were everywhere in the shallows, and many
fingerlings were visible in slightly deeper waters.

Today, 8 paddlers in 7 boats scoured all banks of the lake and river in search of man-made refuse in the waters.
There appeared to be less simple trash along the banks or caught in fallen trees, in comparison to prior years.
They retrieved approximately 30 drink cans/bottles, 6 empty plastic liquor “miniature” bottles, a dozen plastic
shopping bags, and an assortment of random wrappers/packaging.

Given the relatively clean shorelines, paddlers spent more time looking into the waters and were able to identify
and retrieve most larger items. This includes two pickup tires, a bicycle frame, a ceiling fan, a tent, some industrial
metal, and a wayward boat cushion.

These 8 people removed approximately 400 pounds of trash from these waters, and identified a few larger items to
retrieve at a future date.

They all had a great time and we had no safety probelms on the river.

Added By Michelle Czerwonka:

This morning a neighbor came by, we chatted about the day ahead. Mentioned doing the Boardman for the BRCS,
neighbor said "I predict you'll find a bicycle!". We'd never found one before, but nonetheless he pledged it was to be.
I invited the neighbor to join us, they did!

As I paddled around finding the usual cans an easy arm's toss from shore, I had to chuckle when I looked down and
there was a bicycle frame! As I was finding the frame, the kids found bicycle tires.

Now I’m excited to get back out there, find some more bicycles!

The kids and I made plans to go weekly. It’s really quite fun to work together finding treasure while also doing good.

CLICK HERE to see all the photos taken today

These projects are funded by grants from:

MI-CORPS

The Consumers Energy Foundation

National Cherry Festival Foundation

And private donors like you.