Fishing Line Clean-Ups 2023
Volunteers from Pack Up + Go celebrate a job well done during a recent fishing line clean-up at Wapiti Meadows below Olympus Dam.
The Big Thompson river is one of the most popular fishing destinations along the Front Range, visited by tens of thousands of anglers each year. The section of river just below Olympus Dam here in Estes is among the most heavily-trafficked areas, hosting anglers 365 days per year (since the water never freezes there). Even though the majority of visitors are careful to minimize their impact, the effects of their near-constant presence are still painfully evident: trash and broken glass are scattered along the banks, and bits of fishing line with attached hooks and lead weights dangle from tree branches. Needless to say, this debris poses a threat to both our water quality and the health of our local wildlife–particularly birds–who frequent this area as well.
This Canada goose was nearly choked to death by discarded fishing line that became wrapped around its neck.
In order to address this growing problem, EVWC coordinates a series of fishing tackle clean-ups during the fall as the season is winding down. Our first event was last Friday, and we were very fortunate to be joined by a dedicated group of volunteers from the Pittsburgh-based travel company Pack Up + Go, who worked tirelessly through bouts of wind and driving rain to scour the riverbanks of all unnatural items. In one afternoon, they filled 4 large buckets with cigarette butts, chunks of styrofoam, glass shards, plastic bottles, and enough discarded fishing tackle to open a fly shop, including three discarded rods. We are extremely grateful for their selfless dedication to helping preserve and protect our water, forests, and wildlife, and we’ve already made plans to work together again in the future.
If you’d like to get involved with these volunteer fishing line clean-up efforts, the next one is scheduled for Saturday, October 14th at 9:30am at Fisherman’s Nook, located on the NW shore of Lake Estes at the end of Lakefront Street. We’ll provide buckets, tools, and water, and we recommend that you bring gloves, shoes or boots that can get wet, a bottle for water, and sun protection. Together we can help to keep our community resources clean and healthy so that they can continue to be enjoyed in a sustainable manner for years to come.