FAYETTEVILLE – Almost every weekend, there’s someone, somewhere standing in water up to their ankles or hips pulling things out of the Conococheague that do not belong there.
It’s not always a lot of fun, but it’s the mission of the Creek Cleanup Project, a local group dedicated to removing the trash and debris from creeks in Franklin County.
“CCP was created to be a standing group/organization to not only clean up the local waterways but maintain them on a regular basis,” explained founder Eric Grace. “Along with keeping the trash out of our waters, we want to remove fallen trees and other debris that pose an immediate threat to people that paddle or float the waterways.”
Volunteers with the group are currently working on the East Branch of the Conococheague.
“We have removed 30,500 pounds of trash from 27.2 miles of creek from Scotland to Rabbit Road near Greencastle,” Grace said. “We hope to be to the State Line by the end of the year, then move to the West Branch of the Conococheague.”
But the group, which uses heavy equipment and dedicated volunteers, needs to raise funds to ensure their work continues.
The group has an Argo amphibious all-terrain vehicle, as well as a truck and expenses go along with the upkeep.
“We have a lot of expenses to cover lately and we need to get some more work done on the rollback, mainly exhaust, tires and lights, then inspection registered and insured,” Grace said. “We also have the operating costs, fuel, storage, maintenance of our vehicles, and other costs that arise.”
Grace said his goal is to raise $4,000.
Donations can be made via PayPal at ccpfcpa@gmail.com or from the group’s website www.creekcleanupproject.org or via mail to: Creek Cleanup Project, 4499 Valley Circle, Fayetteville, 17222.
So far, the group has raised $291.
“We are 501c3, 100% of donations go to the cause. No one in this organization is paid. We work near weekly year-round, regardless of weather, unless there is flooding,” Grace said.
