Mark Bruce/Clarendon Citizen
Waterbodies rally this weekend
There is perhaps no more precious natural resource in Clarendon County than Lake Marion.
It brings visitors (and their money) to our county for fishing, swimming, boating and other water recreation.
It has created some of the most prized real estate in the entire state for those relocating who want to be near its shores.
It is home for dozens of species that make up the lush flora and fauna that beautifies our area.
And if we are not careful, it could all go away.
This Saturday, members of the Santee Riverkeeper Alliance will hold a Waterbody Rally from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Santee State Park to generate enthusiasm and volunteers for the clean-up event the following Saturday.
The Santee Riverkeeper Alliance is part of the international Waterkeepers Alliance, founded in 1999 by environmental attorney and activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. It is a global movement of on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers, streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.
Waterkeepers, like the Santee Riverkeeper Alliance, combine firsthand knowledge of their waterways with an unwavering commitment to the rights of their communities and to the rule of law. Whether they’re on the water tracking down polluters, in a courtroom advocating for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, in a town meeting rallying community support, or in a classroom educating young people, Waterkeepers defend their communities against anyone who threatens their right to clean water—from law-breaking polluters to unresponsive government agencies.
According to executive director and founder of the local organization Mark Bruce, the mission of the Santee Riverkeeper’s Alliance is to promote respect, protect and improve the Santee River, Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie through education, advocacy and action.
In short, Bruce said, his organization’s goal is “to protect valuable rivers, lakes, puddles and ponds and to defend our right to clean water.”
Bruce is a native of the Scott’s Lake area of Lake Marion and said his best childhood memories revolve around being on the lake.
Saturday’s event will include live music, a swimsuit competition, kayaking, an art contest and more! Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and children six and under get in free. You can even bring your pet, as long as it is on a leash!
The May 22 event will be an effort by volunteers to clean up the lake and rejuvenate some of the beaches. Those wishing to help will depart from Goat Island around 10 a.m. and will return there when the work is done for a celebration cookout.
“Whether we realize it or not, we are all responsible for keeping our local waters clean and healthy,” Bruce said. “Please join us Saturday to show that Clarendon County is a leader in water and environmental protection.”
To get to Santee State Park, go across the lake on I-95 and exit at the first exit after the lake. Go right on Hwy. 6 and follow the signs to the State Park.
For more information about the event call Bruce at (803) 445-7701 or log on to www.santeeriverkeeper.org.
