FORC utilizes new retrieval vessel for river clean up

The Friends of the River Coalition (FORC) recently took to the water in a new piece of equipment that will allow them to remove copious amounts of litter from our local waterways.

FORC founder Dawn Wiksten told the News-Press that the new FORC Retrieval Vessel (AKA the U.S.S. Tired) went on its maiden voyage on Oct. 9 and yielded nearly 1,500-lbs of tires/debris for the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River.

The recent acquisition of the retrieval vessel came about after last year’s cleanup operation.

“Last year the cleanup within the river was difficult due to intense manpower being required to hook, hoist, and land the many hundreds of pounds of tires and other items within the waters and on the banks,” Wiksten said,

She explained that FORC board member Sid Clark then spent untold hours thinking about a better way to conduct the cleanup.

“His years of mechanical engineering, manufacturing road equipment, and forestry engineering made for an incredible creation.”

With the help of FORC vice president Rob Archer, member Bill Harris, Castaway fishing guide Ken Beck, and Will Bening of ROW Adventures, the 14-ft. Cataraft was equipped with a tower, winch, and slide off decks to aid in the debris retrieval process in deep and swift water.

As for materials and funding for the craft, National Rafting Supply in Moscow, Idaho, worked with Clark’s designs and provided the needed parts at rates well below market value. Dave Smith Motors also donated $5,000 to see the vessel come to life.

Not only did the new vessel help in pulling out more waste than in years past, but it also allowed FORC to do it in less time and with less watercraft. The vessel has the capability of assisting throughout the state for many types of retrieval situations- including drownings.

Wiksten noted the efforts of Castaway Fly Fishing guides Elijah Gunn and Justin Winkleman, as well as help from ROW Adventure guides Will, Candy and Brooke Bening. With fishermen Trent Brown, Ralph Shay, and Bill Harris coming to help from as far away as Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

“From its start two years ago, to its work today to remove any and all material within the river hurting our fish habitat and public health, the Coalition never stops fighting for the best interests of the residents and visitors to the Silver Valley recreational districts,” she said.

She added that FORC is doing its part to also provide dumpsters along the North Fork during the summer season and hopes to offer much more in years to come.

For more information on the Friends of the River Coalition, join their group Facebook page.