The article in the July 22, 2009 Arlington Times on the subject is very thorough and well written. I especially appreciate the many personal on-site interviews which clearly show the “why” of this important but unpleasant annual activity.

It continues to baffle me why people recreating in and along our beautiful river willfully foul it with their waste. Hopefully this cleanup event and others sponsored by groups like the Evergreen Flyfishers will begin to educate and change behavior. Kirk Boxleitner’s informative article will certainly help.

As noted in the article, I may have provided the spark of an idea several years ago in a conversation with Ann Boyce, executive director of the Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement Task Force. However, it was Ann’s passion for her group’s mission and the capabilities of her small, highly motivated team, that brought this important volunteer project to fruition. Our community owes them thanks, along with the many volunteers who feel strongly about the health of our Stillaguamish River.

Bill Best

Arlington