SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Black River Action Team (BRAT), a volunteer-based river group based in Windsor County, Vt., hosted a truly formidable crew of 22 Hypertherm associates as they roamed the bed and banks of the Black River and the Connecticut River in search of “treasure.” They brought back a veritable trove of tires, trash, bicycles, shopping carts, and much more.
Over the course of five hours, the tally included roughly 2,075 pounds of trash collected over about 10 miles of river: 59 tires, nearly 200 beverage containers, three bicycles, two scooters, spent fireworks, two Price Chopper shopping carts, one walker, one mattress, 68 cigarette butts, hats, socks, shoes, plastic jugs, food wrappers, a traffic cone, a “no parking” sign, fishing line and gear, and much more.
Many thanks to the volunteers and Hypertherm associates for their hardy muscles and high spirits. This event was one of several conducted by BRAT as part of the annual Source To Sea cleanup of the Connecticut River Conservancy.
Deep appreciation also goes out to the fine folks at Casey Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram of Springfield, Vt., and at Springfield Cadillac/GMC, for eagerly stepping up to take on a portion of the trash haul. Each dealership sent a vehicle to be filled, and will be properly disposing of all the junk that was piled in.
Would your company or community organization like to head up a pirate-themed crew next year? Give Black River Action Team a holler to get signed up before next July. Free pirate swag to all who participate. Contact BRAT Director Kelly Stettner at blackrivercleanup@gmail.com or 802-591-0101. Learn more at www.blackriveractionteamvt.org.