Help Keep Mad River Beautiful!

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Hello Potential Mad River Volunteer!

My name is Paul Cicconetti and I am a TU Mad River Chapter Member; I recently volunteered to help lead the Adopt-A-Bridge, Streamwatch, Litter/Open Dumping and Cleanup programs for the Chapter. Keep reading to learn more about how you can help keep the Mad River beautiful!

Upcoming Mad River Cleanup

The Trout Unlimited Mad River Chapter is planning a large-scale cleanup of the Mad River in late summer/early fall. Currently, we are considering August 24, 2024, but September 21, 2024, is also an option. The final date will depend on the availability of local organizations who have partnered with us in the past.

This cleanup will focus on the area from the north side of West Liberty Park (Lions Ball Park on Maps) to Mad River Gorge Park in Clark County. We will need as many volunteers as possible, so if you would like to have fun and help make a difference, please let me know. I will be reaching out to local outdoors groups, organizations, businesses, and agencies to get more people involved and to seek potential supply and equipment donations.

Ongoing Litter Issues

Litter along the Mad River and open dumping are ongoing issues that need continuous attention. If you are out on the river, please look around for any trash that can be picked up and disposed of properly. 

As discussed at the annual meeting, carrying an empty onion bag or mesh bag for trash collection while on the water is a good idea. This is especially important around the US-36 bridge area, where local landowners are frustrated with the litter and open dumping. They are considering revoking access to the river, so please be mindful and help keep the area clean. If you collect trash that you are uncomfortable taking with you, please contact me for options. 

Open Dumping

If you encounter large-scale open dumping, including dumping of large items, please contact the county wildlife officer. 

Champaign County

Nicholas Oliver

Wildlife Officer – Champaign County

ODNR Division of Wildlife

Phone: 937-206-9320

nicholas.oliver@dnr.ohio.gov

Logan County

Adam Smith

Wildlife Officer – Logan County

ODNR Division of Wildlife

Phone: 937-441-5224

adam.smith@dnr.ohio.gov

Adopt-A-Bridge Program

If anyone is interested in the Adopt-A-Bridge program and would like to help monitor and clean up litter at specific bridges, please reach out to me, and I can share the link with you and add you to the list of volunteers. 

Conclusion

I look forward to hearing back from you about these important volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by replying to this email.

Have a great week!

Paul Cicconetti