Medina River cleanup planned for Aug. 22

Seven years ago, COVID hit and was followed by a severe drought. Now the Medina River is flowing again, and the annual Medina River Cleanup is back.

August 22 will see paddlers from throughout the state gather with local residents near the dam in an effort to cover forty of the fifty miles within Bandera County.

The recent mid-July flooding of the river is responsible for most of the man-made debris that washed into the river and its road crossings.

This will be the 20th cleanup since becoming an annual event in 2001.

Registration for paddlers is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the 11th Street entrance to Bandera City Park.

Those planning to paddle should contact one of seven section heads below to ensure a safe trip.

Paddlers are asked to bring their own canoes and coordinate with the section head before cleanup day to arrange for the shuttle.

Kayaks are also available at the Medina River Company on Main in Bandera by calling owner Colby Miller at 830-796-3600.

The sections covered begin at Moffet Park in the town of Medina and continue about 40 miles to English Crossing of SH 1283.

Those picking up trash at river crossings and by land will register from 1012 a.m. at the 11th Street entrance to the park.

All participants will receive a signature t-shirt and a taco at time of registration until supplies run out.

At the end of the cleanup, participants and sponsors will gather at 5-7 p.m. for a barbecue near the dam with music by Lee and Karen Haile.

Sponsors of the cleanup include Lake Medina Conservation Society, Texas Rivers Protection Association, Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, Bandera County Commissioners Court, City of Bandera, Bandera Economic Development Corp., Lowe’s Market Bandera, Johnny Boyle, Jr, Bandera Wine & Spirits and Bandera True Value, Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort, HEB Grocery Stores, The Medina River Company and Don’t Make Waste Bandera.

Medina River Protection Fund was established in 2005 as a public charity to continue cleanups into the future. Bobby Harris is president and Don Sloan is treasurer.

Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Medina River Protection Fund, PO Box 417, Lakehills, TX 78063.

Bob Brischetto is a cleanup coordinator and can be reached by email at rrbrischetto@ gmail.com or by phone at 210-413-7264.