Kickapoo Valley Reserve begins new project to save Kickapoo River

Red mesh bags used to prevent litter

LA FARGE, Wis. (WKBT) — The Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) is beginning a trial project to help reduce the amount of litter in the Kickapoo River this summer.

The KVR is working with Wildcat Mountain State Park and a number of organizations to help supply anyone canoeing or kayaking with washable red mesh bags for their trash while going down the river.

Amy Meier of the Missouri Conservation Department believes that they’ve had the program in place since 1988 on all Missouri Rivers and currently distribute 350,000 bags per year statewide. “Everyone has come to recognize the bags and takes pride in keeping the rivers clean. Shuttle services receive the bags for free and know that their customers come to enjoy the beauty. It’s in their business’ interest to keep it clean” said Meier in a statement.

The red mesh bags can also be picked up at the Kickapoo valley Reserve Visitor Center, S. 3661 State Highway 131, La Farge and river access sites 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 20 and Wildcat Landing.

The Kickapoo River Management Board will evaluate the project at the end of the season to determine how well it worked.