Syracuse.com - First-time Salmon River visitor turned off by all the garage on the river's banks

[HuntingNY-News]

"While the river provides great fishing and a boost for the Pulaski economy, I must comment on the disappointment I felt when I walked the banks of the river while my boyfriend fished," she said.

By WendyWendy Kurlowitz said she went up the Salmon River for the first time recently to check out the scene while her boyfriend fished.

The fishing and the big salmon were impressive, she said, but the trash on the river’s bank’s was an eye-opener.

“While the river provides great fishing and a boost for the Pulaski economy, I must comment on the disappointment I felt when I walked the banks of the river while my boyfriend fished. Trash was strewn about, including cups of Dunkin’ Donuts and Byrne Dairy coffee, to full bottles of Gatorade. Being a nature lover and conservationist I was appalled at the balls of line everywhere.

“From my 1/4 mile walk I picked off the banks loads of sinkers and line. It was in the trees, growing around roots and just thrown about. Could you please put a little “bug” (in the ears of anglers) about maintaining the natural environment?”

She wrote a few days later:

“My boyfriend’s explanation was that, like him, most men out there love the great outdoors and when the dam opens the river rises and garbage flows down and/or collects from windy conditions. Could be....he is so good hearted!”

Bottom line, all those coffee cups, Gatorade bottles and fishing line didn’t get on the river’s banks by themselves. I’ve been up there numerous times myself during this of the year and the trashy behavior of some anglers I’ve observed is truly disgusting.

If you fish the Salmon River this fall, please bring out what you take in — and then some. Bring a trash bag in your fishing vest or creel. It’s a shame to have to pick up after others, but you have to start somewhere.

Wendy xxxx

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog