City plans volunteer group to clean creek

At the suggestion of a concerned resident, the City of Sundance is looking into the possibility of putting together a group of volunteers to clear out the creek as it flows towards Sundance Pond. The creek is in need of attention because the water is running slow due to the trash and debris caught in the channel, Joann Safford told the council last week.

Safford suggested that three or four work groups could be put together, consisting of volunteers from the community. These groups could then go out and recon the creek to see what needs to be done to clear the channel and what equipment might be needed.

Mayor Paul Brooks responded to Safford’s comments by explaining that city residents appear divided in their opinion of whether the creek should be cleaned. Some don’t want it to be touched at all, he said, but others fear that, “If the creek runs slow, they’re going to get bit by a mosquito and end up with West Nile Virus.”

Brooks said that he personally “errs on the side of West Nile Virus.” However, he cautioned, there are limits as to what can be done.

“You can’t go where there are willows…in the channel,” said Brooks. “I know we can’t disturb that but the rest of it, I have no problem with what you’re saying.”

Council Member Randy Stevenson also expressed concern that there could be a “possible risk” to the fish in the pond, suggesting that the city check with Game Warden Chris Teter before cutting brush or pulling weeds. Safford confirmed that she is referring mostly to cleaning up garbage and obstructions to the flow of the stream.

With the council’s blessing, the city will now look into the possibilities to create a volunteer group to clean up the creek this summer.