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The Willamette river, most of it anyway, is like complete wilderness on the stretches I like to paddle, from say Eugene to Salem.  On all but the hottest summer days, the river is nearly empty.  Even then only occassional users appear. If people only knew what a great resource this is.  Willamette Riverkeepers did a wonderful thing helping create the the Willamette River Water Trail.  And the maps they created provide critical information needed to safely navigate the river.

Many people think it is too polluted to use.  That's a shame.  Look at all the birds of prey on the river and you know most of it is healthy.  They are there in huge numbers, and they mostly eat fish.  Some, like the bald eagles, live for 50 years.  Plenty of time for toxins to accumulate in their bodies.  But they look healthy and their numbers are increasing.  Thanks to banning of DDT, dioxins, PCB's, etc, the river is full of life, and a wonderful place to visit. 

Jim Sackinger, Corvallis

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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