Volunteers are planning to pull tons of garbage from the Des Moines River in central Iowa this Saturday. Lois Powers is coordinator of the Dragoon River Romp in Boone County. She also helped organize the inaugural effort last year and was surprised with what people throw in the river.
Powers says tires, a portable toilet, a television, and a microwave were among the items pulled from the water. "We had over three tons (of trash) that we picked up," Powers says, "and 62-and-a-half percent of that was recyclable." This year’s event could involve nearly 200 volunteers.
Powers says more local businesses are sponsoring the event, and there are almost twice as many volunteers compared to last year. Powers says volunteers only need to show up ready to work. "It’s no cost to them," Powers says, "we have canoes, life jackets, and all the meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – are all provided at no cost to them."
More information about the river cleanup and registration materials are available at www.BooneLandfill.org .