Lee Creek Cleanup, September 6, 2008

Lee Creek Cleanup Map

The first ever Keep Arkansas Beautiful: Lee Creek Cleanup is Saturday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cleanup will span from Devil’s Den State Park to the Natural Dam Park. Cleanup from Devil’s Den to the old Silver Bridge on Highway 220 will be cleaned up by teams on foot, horseback, canoe and vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles.  The US Forest Service will have a check in station at the Silver Bridge area of Hwy 220. The main Headquarters for this event will be located at the Day Use Horse Parking Area at the west end of the Devils Den State park just off of Highway 220.

The purpose of this cleanup is for swimmers, whitewater paddlers, bass-anglers, nature enthusiasts, landowners and concerned citizens to take part in keeping a designated Extraordinary Resource Water (ERW) in condition for the designated uses currently listed for the river. Citizens of Northwest Arkansas, the River Valley and tourists rely on Lee Creek for many recreational uses throughout the year. This is why so many people are going to be participating in the cleanup effort to take care of one of their favorite water resources.  The Keep Arkansas Beautiful: Lee Creek Cleanup is one of many kick-off events for the Great Arkansas Cleanup and will be a great activity for adults and children. Several youth clubs, civic and business organizations, private landowners and other individuals will take part in cleanup events across state as part of the Great Arkansas Cleanup campaign between Sept.1 and Nov. 30.

Organizers for the Sept. 6 event include the Washington County Cooperative Extension Service, Washington County Environmental Affairs Office, Washington County Conservation District, Devils Den State Park, United States Forest Service and the Arkansas Canoe Club. Sponsors for the event are: the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission, Tyson Foods, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Waste Management, Pack Rat Outdoor Center, Uncle Sam’s Safari Outfitters, Lewis & Clark Outfitters, Southtown Sporting Goods 2, Arkansas Canoe Club, Audubon Arkansas, Arvest Bank, the Ozark Society and the Arkansas Game and Fish Stream Team.

Cleanup volunteers will be treated to many thanks, free food and refreshments, as well as some fantastic door prizes.

The cleanup schedule includes volunteer check-in and cleanup from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; lunch from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and door prize giveaways from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Contact John Pennington for more information. jhpennington@uaex.edu