Allegan Conservation District

Annual Gun River Cleanup with the Kalamazoo Downstreamers

The Annual Gun River Cleanup Day was held on September 17th, 2006 in partnership with the Kalamazoo Downstreamers and the Gun River Watershed Project. Over two miles of the Gun River were cleared for canoe access and cleaned of debris on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. Once again this year there were no swimmers at this event, although many were wet from clearing small log jams in the river and getting that one Coca Cola bottle that was just out of reach from the canoe. The river cleanup was from 2nd Street and 114th all the way down to 106th Street near Gun River Drive. Not enough can be said of this hardy group of canoeist that call themselves the “Kalamazoo Downstreamers”.
Some of the largest items found on this years cleanup included a 12 speed mountain bike, 50 gallon drum and even two matching car seats from an old Chevelle. While it is always a great feeling to remove debris from the river, we hope that as more residents begin to understand the beauty and joy this river can bring to their daily lives, less and less garbage will be found on this hidden paddling gem in Allegan County.

The Kalamazoo Downstreamers Canoe Club is the oldest family canoe club in the State of Michigan. They meet quarterly for business meetings and paddle extensively throughout Lower Michigan during the summer months. If you would like to join the group as a member or just for a paddle pleas call:

Dave Wegner 269-327-6987
Cary or Sam Mannaberg 269-685-1028