OCT: Sunday 9/20: Clear Your Favorite Creek!
Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2026 4:10 pm
As we all know, water is scarce in VA. Ken Dubel bravely took a trip down Balcony Falls yesterday, Jenny Wiley plans to do the Lower James on Saturday the 19th, and someone could organize a trip that weekend to the North Branch of the Potomac (scheduled release).
Rather than offer another boat busting trip down Balcony, I'm making the call for folks who love the smaller streams to gather some paddling buddies to go clear strainers from your favorite creeks, or pickup trash at the put-in and take-out. Call it a "service day" since paddling options aren't great. And if/when we do have water in those creeks, we'll be glad to have that work done.
If you do go into the creek beds to clear obstacles be mindful of the fact that you may very well be on private property and the landowners are in the right if they take exception to the trespass. Smile, nod, apologize, explain why we do this: for safety. They often will let you keep going if you do those things. Asking permission in advance is great, but onerous.
If you're game for this reply with what stretch you plan to do and when you want to do it. Hopefully others will join in.
George
Rather than offer another boat busting trip down Balcony, I'm making the call for folks who love the smaller streams to gather some paddling buddies to go clear strainers from your favorite creeks, or pickup trash at the put-in and take-out. Call it a "service day" since paddling options aren't great. And if/when we do have water in those creeks, we'll be glad to have that work done.
If you do go into the creek beds to clear obstacles be mindful of the fact that you may very well be on private property and the landowners are in the right if they take exception to the trespass. Smile, nod, apologize, explain why we do this: for safety. They often will let you keep going if you do those things. Asking permission in advance is great, but onerous.
If you're game for this reply with what stretch you plan to do and when you want to do it. Hopefully others will join in.
George