Well this year's clean-up was a huge success. Lots of whitewater rafters and kayakers turned out for a descent run down the Green River Gorge. The river was running higher this year and it made the run much more exciting than in previous years.

Friends of the Green and Washington Whitewater Recreational River Runners did an outstanding job of organizing this event. From the put-in to the BBQ at the end of the event.

There was garbage to pick up as always. I think the biggest garbage culprits are those who head down to the gorge for a day of fishing, partying, or lounging and then are too lazy to pack out their stuff. I think someone even found a shopping cart this year.

The only aspect of the trip down the gorge that was disappointing is that there are two new houses along the northern side of the gorge and will continue to be the trend until King County steps up and makes preservation of the Green River Gorge a priority. We are at a crossroads where we stand to loose our funding to purchase the uplands above Icy Creek, one of the more scenic areas along the gorge. King County wants to divert the money to other projects and close the book on the Icy Creek property. MGRC has worked hard the past few years to try and get 190 acre Icy Creek parcel into public ownership and generate interest in preserving the Green river gorge and uplands. This area is of the southeast King County is the hottest area for the realestate market. If we don't act now the Green River gorge will look like the Green River Valley downstream where houses line the bluffs at the top of the steep cliffs above the valley.

Please e-mail King County Executive Ron Sims and let him know that preservation of the Green River Gorge should be a county land conservation priority.

If you haven't had the opportunity to participate in this event there is always next year.

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