WCP Online Newsletter

Volunteers needed for Cheoah Work days
by Tom Hayes (email)

Contributed 08/08/2005  Responses:  0

On Saturday the 27th of August and Saturday the 10th of September phase one of the Cheoah vegetation removal will go into effect. This will be an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with this river prior to the scheduled releases this fall, meet some more members of the extended paddling community, and help represent the paddling community to some influential federal agencies and the residents of Graham county. In order to participate, you must fill out a brief application. Email me and I will forward you the application form. The meeting time is currently scheduled for 8am at the Tapoco Lodge near the takeout. A breakfast buffet will be provided at the lodge by Alcoa and a lunch will be provided on the river. The Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Service will then make a presentation at 9am following breakfast. The crews will then divide up and head out to the river. It is important to wear closed toe shoes or booties as a lot of wading on slippery rocks will be necessary. Also, wear protective clothing as we will be working in thick underbrush most of the day. Bring water bottles and snacks for yourself and loppers and bow saws if you have them. No chain saws please! Finally, some more transportation in form of pickups and vans may be needed depending on the number of volunteers. There are rooms available at the lodge or nearby in Robbinsville,or we could make arrangements to carpool down the morning of the cleanup. It sounds like it will be a great experience and a lot of fun too. I hope to see a lot of interest from the WCP.