From the Loveland Reporter-Herald (Sarah Bultema):
[Alan] Leger was one of as many as 200 volunteers who got their hands dirty for the waterway Saturday during the annual Big Thompson River Revival. Hosted by the city of Loveland and the Big Thompson Watershed Forum, the event called on community members to spruce up the river from Wilson Avenue to U.S. 287, while also teaching them the importance of keeping it clean. “It’s about cleaning up and revival and having fun,” said Zack Shelley, program director of the Big Thompson Watershed Forum.
As one of two cleanup events held each year, the revival is important in keeping the water safe, as well as the creatures that live in it, Shelley said. Metals and other materials left in the river can leach into the water, making it toxic to fish and other aquatic species…
Pesticides and fertilizers from lawns, oil drippings on driveways and even pets’ poop can wash into storm drains, which often run unfiltered into the Big Thompson River. “Whatever you’re doing in the community can affect our waterways,” said Joe Chaplin, the storm-water quality specialist with the city.
More Big Thompson watershed coverage here.