Waterchestnut Madness

Undaunted by a late morning downpour, Riverkeeper volunteers joined forces with US Fish & Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers and NYS Parks to stage a search and destroy mission on Tonawanda Creek. Massive flotillas of aggressively invasive, aquatic waterchestnut plants are colonizing the calm channel around Ellicott Island. The crew sought to eradicate the plants before they go to seed. Despite a full morning's labor, half of the channel yet remains to be cleared.


Riverwatch Captain Tom shows off a canoeload of waterchestnut pulled from Tonawanda Creek. The plant must be carefully removed by reaching underwater and pulling the roots out of the muck to avoid breaking off just the floating portion.


Plant material was weighed in order to track and document the group's efforts.

Paul takes a breather while overlooking a great big bin o' waterchestnut.

The plants were barged to shore by a variety of paddle craft and motor boats.

Riverwatch Captain Mike masterminded the operation.

We'll need more help in two weeks to completely clear the channel!! Volunteers on shore and on the water (with paddle craft or small power boats) are welcomed. Stay tuned for a date and time, or contact the Riverkeeeper office for more info.

Riverkeeper Shipwrights Build 2008 Fleet

The second annual Riverwatch Boatbuilding Workshop produced four sturdy vessels, in various stages of completion. Workshop leader and Riverkeeper President Richard Butz worked us mercilessly throughout the weekend at Buffalo State College's Maritime Center on the Outer Harbor. Thanks to all the captains and friends who helped out!

Our merry band of Riverwatch folk are inspired by Richard's craftsmanship on the completed Black Rock Skimmer.

Fran shows off his skill at speedy hull attachment on Mac's Weekend Skiff.

Yuri and Bob put their heads together to position the transom on Yuri's skiff.


Our fearless leader planes Tom's transom.



Nella puts some muscle into sanding the bottom while Steven checks the level on his Black Rock Skimmer.

Tom checks the frame of his Weekend Skiff.

Mac paints the sides of his skiff with epoxy prior to attaching the gunwales.

Steven doesn't skimp on the clamps while attaching the gunwales to his skimmer!