CJST will be back in Warren County at Columbia Lake as we again partner with The Nature Conservancy and local groups on a watershed wide cleanup of the Paulinskill River.  Columbia Dam has no been completely removed and more tires have been exposed as old sediment has been washed away.  The former lakebed is also much drier now so we can extend our cleanup area.  Some volunteers will be wading in to the river to pull out trash from the channel.  If you would like to go in the water, please bring tall boots or waders, or wear some old sneakers that can get wet and dirty! (But remember it will be November!)  Of course there will be opportunity to clean along the banks and on the lakebed for those who don't want to go in the water.  We will also need help moving the junk from the river and lakebed to the disposal area.  Among the items we need to collec are several dumped televisions and a boat that appeared from the eroded sediment!  We hope that many of our regular volunteers will make the trip and we expect to welcome many new volunteers!

The event begins at 10:00 AM and will end around 2:00 PM.  We will meet at the former boat launch within the Columbia Wildlife Management Area.  Use 11 Warrington Road, Columbia, NJ as the closest address (if coming from Route 80, it is the first right about 300 ft beyond the truss bridge).  Look for the Columbia WMA sign and follow the gravel drive to the end.  You will be directed to park along the side of the gravel road so that other vehicles can pass.  Join us for sign up, instructions, our safety talk, and snacks!

Please note that registration/RSVP is important so that we know what kind and how many supplies to bring and get a headcount.  This is especially true if you are bringing a larger group. 

Volunteer Instructions:

1.  Bring along your family and friends! It's going to be a really fun and great day! The more junk we find the more rewarding the experience!

2. Wear sturdy footwear and clothing you don't mind getting dirty!  Bring waders if you have them and want to get in the water.  And dress for the weather!

We will provide garbage bags, work gloves, tools, and water for volunteers.

So please come on out and help the river! We look forward to restoring this small piece of the Paulinskill River watershed with you!

Please contact Jens Riedel at jens.riedel@cjstreamteam.org or 908 240-1346 if you have questions or if you plan on bringing a larger group.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has."...Margaret Mead