Hughie McDowell, my recently past guide friend from New Zealand, used to call them Aquatic Vermin
[dropcap]”L[/dropcap]ike the poor,” he always added, “they are always with us and unfortunately appear to be on the increase.”
With the seemingly increased number of people showing no interest in clean air and water or public opinion, we enter a world heretofore unknown to America.
You can find followers of this new regime ideologically tethered to its backwardness which they will exhibit while fishing on the river, at the beach, a state park, a national monument and on public lands. You will know them not by name, but by crumbs of their recent presence – you don’t need native tracking skills to trace their footsteps.
Discarded fast food wrappers, cigarette packs, floating butts, empty beer and soda cans, tangled monofilament and lure packages are this clan’s markers.
No need to bless their ignorance; they are selfish, inconsiderate and thoughtless pests
Unfortunately, South Florida’s south of the border cultural diversity has not yet shed its predilection for throwing or discarding trash in rivers, on streets and highways, and as shown here, on once pristine beaches. Image courtesy of Surfrider.org.
Add to the issue the effects on wildlife – birds hopelessly snared by monofilament, dead fauna with stomachs full of plastic, severed legs of birds via nylon fishing line, and adultered sceneries where we go to find peace and serenity.
Please pick up after yourself. If you hauled it to the beach or river discard it in a provided waste vessels or take it out with you. Help keep your country clean and great
NOTE: Featured Image Winooski River clean up yields stacks of tires, metal for junk art, and a call for action. Image courtesy of Vermont Business Magazine.
