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Oct 24, 2009 7:59 pm US/Central
Volunteers Clean Up River In Belle Plaine
BELLE PLAINE, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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"We've got the big equipment, we've got access to skid loaders, we've got the big trucks. We can actually make a difference if we show up at a location and help clean up the area," said Bruce Gunderson.
CBS
For years, a large area along the Minnesota River in Belle Plaine has been a mess. An abandoned junkyard has been an eyesore and at times a danger to the environment. But some dedicated volunteers are trying to change that.
"We've got the big equipment, we've got access to skid loaders, we've got the big trucks. We can actually make a difference if we show up at a location and help clean up the area," said Bruce Gunderson, President of the Minnesota 4-Wheel Drive Association.
It's a job just right for the off-road enthusiasts. Close to 60 of their members volunteered with everything from jeeps to skid loaders and military trucks. They can reach some rough places in the area along the Minnesota River in Belle Plaine. It's dirty work.
"That's why it's so heavy. It's because they (the tires) are so full of mud," said volunteer Michelle McGowan.
It was one of the largest Adopt-a-River clean-ups ever at one of the places most in need.
"We've found all kinds of garbage, old steel parts, old car parts," explained Bill Macgregor, one of the volunteers hauling debris off the shore.
"There's old heating oil tanks, there's a couple of boats, there's a snowmobile," added Gunderson.
"I've seen tires, tires and more tires," added volunteer David Pugh.
The 60-acre site became a salvage yard back in the 1970s, which was a common practice back then. But the area is also a flood plain, so the business eventually went under both literally and financially, leaving thousands of tons of junk behind.
"The river was viewed an awful lot like people view the curb these days. Drag it to the curb, and it's gone," said Paul Nordell, DNR coordinator for the Adopt-a-River program.
Off-roaders are glad to help. They enjoy what nature has to offer and want others to have that opportunity too. MacGregor thinks it only makes sense to pitch in.
"It's a good thing to do," he said.
Eventually, the DNR plans to extend hiking trails through the former salvage site in Belle Plaine. But volunteers may never be able to get rid of all the debris.
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