According to Tom Scott, aka “Captain Blackwater Bones,” original founder of the Blackwater Pyrates, this year’s river cleanup was by far the best ever attended. Scott said, “Each year, in concert with Earth Day, the Blackwater Pyrates do a special river cleanup that is part of their overall mission of river clean-up, boater safety, and maritime preservation.” Scott said the Pyrates had help from students at Whiting Field as well as other unassociated Santa Rosa County citizens. “The Pyrates were also joined by Walt Reese,” he said, “who wanted to be a Pyrate for the day. Walt and the Navy group began cleaning the Blackwater years before the Pyrates were organized and they still conduct cleanup activities.
It’s estimated this year’s haul was in excess of 3500 lbs, according to Scott, and the big tow this year were tires. “Over the years, the Pyrates have always pulled tires but never this many. One of the chief problems the county has always aired is tires that have found their way into the river. We know there are still a sizable number of them in the river, but the Pyrates have really put a dent in the problem,” Scott said.
The Pyrates eliminated two hazards to navigation, according to Scott. He said, “Many of the items removed would have been potential hazards to swimmers and with recent floods, sharp objects underwater are a serious threat.”
Scott said boats gathered at 9:30 a.m. at the canal-side home of fellow Pyrate Doug “Rumfront” Lasater, who also helped organize the event. “Excitement built as areas were assigned and stories of cleanups gone by circulated,” Scott said. “It was an impressive sight to see the upper river boats heading back down river with all of their distinctive flags flying proudly. For the first time, the Pyrates were able to expand into further regions of Pond Creek,” said Scott. A committee boat, he said, monitored the cleanup and passed out trash bags where needed. This year’s captain, Walt “Whitebeard” Schumann, said, “Thanks to all the Pyrates who showed up with a great attitude and the vision to make our river the cleanest in Santa Rosa County.”
According to Scott, the Pyrates will launch another cleanup this fall around late September to early October depending on water levels. To get involved in this year’s 30th Annual Rivers Cleanup, sponsored by the Santa Rosa Clean Community System, and maybe give the Blackwater Pyrates some competition, contact Walt Reese at 623-9808 or email him at waltr1@bellsouth.net.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Pyrates lead the charge in rivers cleanup