On or about August 25th, '07 I plan to start a kayak trip at the main dock at the Chautauqua Institution, on Chautauqua Lake, in far Western New York. I'll head south along the Allegany, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers, ending in New Orleans where my wife and I will spend a few weeks helping in the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort there.
The 2000 mile trip is, of course, a personal challenge and adventure but a primary purpose for taking up this particular challenge is my intention of using the trip as a way of gaining attention for both the ongoing needs of the people of the Gulf, and the continuing need to protect our watershed.
For generations, we have been sending our runoff down river. Today there is a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, the size of New Jersey, where over oxygenated sea water is unable to sustain normal life. That dead zone is partly due to our own practices along the shores of Chautauqua Lake. Our lawn chemicals, our garbage disposals, our agricultural practices all add to the problem but we can all be a part of the solution.
Although it is fading from the front pages, the need in New Orleans is still enormous. The government has failed, at all levels, to adequately address the problems created by Katrina and much of the basic work is still being done by poorly funded volunteers.
So, instead of sending our toxic runnoff down to New Orleans, let's send some material aid.
I hope to partner with, and gain donations for, two not-for-profit organizations: one concerned with protecting our watershed and one dedicated to helping to rebuild homes in New Orleans. I am also looking for help with logistics, supplies and equipment, and public relations. Please contact me by email (subaghk@gmail.com) if you would like to help in any way.
In the days ahead I will be firming up plans, seeking business and organizational partners, soliciting (tax deductible) donations for watershed conservation and home building, and spending time rebuilding my old kayak and getting my sorry body in shape. Please consider contributing and follow along by checking this blog and sharing it with your friends.
