Kokatat Presents AW's July 2015 Volunteer of the Month!
Posted: 07/06/2015
By: Megan Hooker
American Whitewater recognizes Don Millard as our July 2015 Volunteer of the Month!
A vital aspect of river stewardship is maintaining good relationships with small towns that are
used for river access. This is especially true when a river becomes popular.
With a population of 500, Friendsville, Maryland is the takeout for the popular Upper Yough. The
town can see over 300 paddlers on a busy release weekend. American Whitewater has partnered with
the town for many years, helping to manage parking and other issues. Although the river access
parking lot is now complete, maintaining the area is potentially costly and a significant burden
on the town budget. Don Millard, a paddler from Fort Hill, PA, has taken over mowing and grooming
at Sang Run and the new takeout in Friendsville. Don is doing an amazing job, and because the
access is right in town this makes a strong impression on local residents. Town Councilman and
river advocate Jess Whittemore says, "Thanks to Don, the image of paddlers has never been
better!" Also, thanks to him, river access fees are unusually low: the town lot is free, and
American Whitewater's suggested Sang Run donation of $2 remains unchanged since we started
this work over a decade ago.
In recognition of
Don's contributions, he will receive a custom Kokatat X-Jacket. Thanks Don for all you
do!