rsimms
Well-known member
After this thread (https://www.facebook.com/groups/161821043854723/permalink/1010993075604178/) was posted on the CFF Facebook page, I was inspired to e-mail the Hamilton County Dept. of Park and Recreation on May 31. Here is what I wrote: "I am writing to request that more attention be paid to litter clean-up, and enforcement of litter laws at the Tennessee Riverpark. Specifically in the area of the fishing pier beneath Chickamauga Dam, and along the shoreline near the launching ramp just below the railroad bridge.
As a professional fishing guide, I frequent these area with clients, most from out-of-town. It is a great embarrassment to me for visitors to our city to see such blatant littering, mostly by other shoreline fishermen.
Some members of the Chattanooga Fishing Forum (a popular local Internet discussion forum) regularly take it upon themselves to clean up the area. (See post)
When we organized a large-scale clean-up a year or so ago, Ron Priddy, Director of Hamilton County Parks told us, “Having taken your suggestions under advisement, I have spoken to the Riverpark staff with regard to focusing some additional attention on this area..."
Based upon recent experience, we have not noticed any "additional attention."
I have a feeling that if park enforcement officers spent just a little quality time observing shoreline anglers (perhaps undercover), and writing a few littering citations, word would spread and the problem would improve, at least temporarily.
Thank you for your time attention. I would appreciate an acknowledgement of receipt and any feedback regarding potential actions."
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Lo and behold, on 6/6 I got the following response from Tom Lamb, current Director of Hamilton County Parks & Recreation: "Mr. Simms,
I received your email from the Hamilton County website on Tuesday 31 May. Just over 1 year ago, I was appointed to the Director position when Ron Priddy retired. I have been working in the Parks & Recreation department for almost 17 years. Your concern is not new to me; I spent 3 years in park maintenance at the Riverpark.
I discussed this issue with the Park Superintendent at Riverpark and asked him to identify the areas most impacted by litter along the shoreline. In the past, our staff was never given the regular assignment of cleaning the shoreline – except at ‘park specific’ access areas. That approach does not cover the areas that are being used, where trash is most noticeable. We need to develop a new, comprehensive procedure to address this area as an entire unit.
I would like to discuss this area with you, at your convenience. Your input would be valuable to this and other issues that we are seeking to address as we work to improve our parks. Feel free to contact me..."
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I called Mr. Lamb and we had a long, fruitful discussion about potential placement of additional garbage cans, potential law enforcement involvement. We all know there is not one "magic bullet" to fix the problem... but I will say that Tom Lamb is aware of the issue, and genuinely concerned. I for one appreciate that a great deal.
He invited anyone with ideas and solutions to e-mail him at [email protected].
I ask that you be thoughtful, rational and productive in your communications. I think we can catch more flies with honey.
As a professional fishing guide, I frequent these area with clients, most from out-of-town. It is a great embarrassment to me for visitors to our city to see such blatant littering, mostly by other shoreline fishermen.
Some members of the Chattanooga Fishing Forum (a popular local Internet discussion forum) regularly take it upon themselves to clean up the area. (See post)
When we organized a large-scale clean-up a year or so ago, Ron Priddy, Director of Hamilton County Parks told us, “Having taken your suggestions under advisement, I have spoken to the Riverpark staff with regard to focusing some additional attention on this area..."
Based upon recent experience, we have not noticed any "additional attention."
I have a feeling that if park enforcement officers spent just a little quality time observing shoreline anglers (perhaps undercover), and writing a few littering citations, word would spread and the problem would improve, at least temporarily.
Thank you for your time attention. I would appreciate an acknowledgement of receipt and any feedback regarding potential actions."
-----------
Lo and behold, on 6/6 I got the following response from Tom Lamb, current Director of Hamilton County Parks & Recreation: "Mr. Simms,
I received your email from the Hamilton County website on Tuesday 31 May. Just over 1 year ago, I was appointed to the Director position when Ron Priddy retired. I have been working in the Parks & Recreation department for almost 17 years. Your concern is not new to me; I spent 3 years in park maintenance at the Riverpark.
I discussed this issue with the Park Superintendent at Riverpark and asked him to identify the areas most impacted by litter along the shoreline. In the past, our staff was never given the regular assignment of cleaning the shoreline – except at ‘park specific’ access areas. That approach does not cover the areas that are being used, where trash is most noticeable. We need to develop a new, comprehensive procedure to address this area as an entire unit.
I would like to discuss this area with you, at your convenience. Your input would be valuable to this and other issues that we are seeking to address as we work to improve our parks. Feel free to contact me..."
----------
I called Mr. Lamb and we had a long, fruitful discussion about potential placement of additional garbage cans, potential law enforcement involvement. We all know there is not one "magic bullet" to fix the problem... but I will say that Tom Lamb is aware of the issue, and genuinely concerned. I for one appreciate that a great deal.
He invited anyone with ideas and solutions to e-mail him at [email protected].
I ask that you be thoughtful, rational and productive in your communications. I think we can catch more flies with honey.
