From Jams to Mink

Hello Captains! A few updates and interesting news bits for you:

LOG JAMS: tomorrow I'll be meeting with Mike Wilkinson of NYSDEC, along with Ellicott Creek captains, at a big old log jam on Ellicott Creek to discuss the ecological issues of dam removal. Removal helps water flow, boat access and trash removal, but can be destructive to the shoreline habitat if done with a heavy hand (or heavy equipment). If you'd like to add your two cents, or just listen in, join us at 4pm at the car pulloff on North Forest Road in Amherst, just north of the Weinberg campus, where the bike path begins.

STORM DRAIN STENCILING: if you missed the first one, we will be holding a repeat performance for the benefit of our staff. This time we all get to wear snappy highway vests! Join us NEXT THURSDAY, August 3 at 4pm on the north end of Tonawanda St. near Vulcan in Riverside.

WARNING: NYSDEC has found dead birds contaminated with Type E botulism on Lake Ontario shorelines. Remember not to handle dead or sick wildlife or fish!! For details see the notice on the front page of http://www.bnriverkeeper.org

WILDLIFE SIGHTING: Mike Schlicht and I saw a mink on the shore of Ellicott Creek while checking out the log jam! Also present were several sunning painted turtles. What's your interesting wildlife sighting this week?

Please respond if you plan to join us on one of these events - and let us know if you have questions about the blog. Have a great weekend!

PS: I thought you'd get a kick out of this painting, from London street artist Banksy. Reminds me of some of our creeks around cleanup time!