Smoky Mountain News

Volunteers with the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River removed old car parts, iron pipes and other trash from Savannah Creek at the confluence with the Tuckasegee River this month.

Upstream, two old bridge beams were pulled out of the river using heavy equipment provided by landscapers Tim and Tony Henson.

“The beams had sharp bolts and spikes that posed a real bodily threat to rafters and kayakers. Hazards like this are rare, and it is always good to get rid of them,” said Roger Clapp, WATR executive director.

Landowner Tom Blankenship provided access to the creek and river that allowed the cleaning to happen.

For information about WATR call 828.488.8414 or visit www.watrnc.org.