Exeter River Clean-Up a Huge Success

BRENTWOOD: On Saturday, October 1st, 25 volunteers from Brentwood, Exeter, Fremont and Kingston fanned out at four different locations and picked up trash along the river, in the woods, along the trails and along the roadside. The volunteers picked up 20 bags of trash including bottles and cans, two tires still on rims, and a rusted bicycle. Two volunteers kayaked on the river and towed a canoe, which they filled to capacity with trash picked out of the river.

The event was sponsored by the Brentwood Conservation Commission, Exeter Conservation Commission, Exeter Squamscott River Local Advisory Committee, Great Bay Trout Unlimited and Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire.

"This was our first organized river clean-up and it was a huge success", said Rob Wofchuck, chair of the Brentwood Conservation Commission. "I want to thank all the volunteers that participated including the five families that brought their kids to show them how important it is to preserve our natural resources. Just as important, it shows that the communities and organizations in the region can work together to protect common resources and solve regional problems."

As the Exeter River is the drinking water supply for many people, it is critical to remove this litter before it is washed into the river where it contributes to the pollution and water quality degradation that is occurring in the Exeter River and the entire Great Bay Watershed.

Following the clean-up, the volunteers were treated to a barbeque at the Brentwood Recreation Center and given reusable grocery bags, graciously donated by Bear Naked Granola. Given the success of this year's event, Brentwood plans to expand the event next year to include more communities and organizations in the watershed.