Opinion

Mayoral Notes: Claremont participates in the Source to Sea Cleanup

By CHARLENE LOVETT
By Charlene Lovett

Now in its 24th year, the annual Source to Sea Cleanup is a river cleanup coordinated by the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) in all four states of the 410-mile Connecticut River basin (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont).

Usually, the annual event is held over two days in September. But this year is a bit different due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.

Rather than a concentrated effort over two days, this year’s cleanup is occurring throughout the entire month. For several years, Claremont has participated in this event and continues to do so with the help of the Conservation Commission.

As the number of communities participating increases from year to year, the Source to Sea Cleanup is now one of the largest river cleanup efforts in the country. In 2019, more than 3,600 volunteers removed nearly 67 tons of trash from riverbanks and waterways across the four states. Among the usual items of bottles and cans, volunteers hauled out fishing equipment, food waste, tires, televisions and even refrigerators.

Since its inception, volunteers have collected more than 1,167 tons of trash from the Connecticut River watershed.

With the Connecticut River on one border and various tributaries passing through the city, Claremont is directly impacted by the health of this watershed. The promotion and foster of good stewardship of this valuable natural resource is one focus of the Conservation Commission. Led by Gary Dickerman, the Conservation Commission organizes cleanup efforts in support of the Source to Sea event. This year, the commissioners, their friends and family have focused on the Ashley Boat Landing and Stevens Brook near Tractor Supply.

Collectively, they removed 10 bags of trash from these two areas. Unlike previous years, there were no tires and the number of bags collected was less. All good signs that their efforts are making a difference locally.

However, opportunities still exist for others to participate in this year’s event. Mr. Dickerman has a list of trash hot spots throughout the city that need to be addressed and is working with various individuals and groups to get these areas cleaned up. Should individuals or groups wish to adopt a hot spot, please contact Chair Dickerman at [email protected].

If collecting trash is not an option, there are lots of other ways to help. People can report a trash site with the city’s Department of Public Works or be a #RiverWitness on social media. New this year, the CRC added this online feature to help people connect with others who share a concern for and appreciation of the watershed.

Over the last 24 years, thousands of volunteers have rallied to protect the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Not only have their actions improved the health of these waterways, but we as a region have become more invested in the stewardship of this watershed.

For Claremont, this effort secures one of our water sources, preserves one of our natural resources and enhances recreational opportunity.

To all who have volunteered in previous Source to Sea Cleanups, thank you. Claremont is one of the many beneficiaries of your efforts.

To learn more about the work of the CRC, please go to www.ctriver.org.

Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and a 22-year Army veteran. She welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].

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