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WHEREAS, David Rohm and Melissa Rohm have been kayaking for about 10 years picking up trash almost every time they are on the river so they founded Paddle Without Pollution; and,
WHEREAS, Paddle Without Pollution organizes kayakers and canoeists to conduct trash pick-ups, assist with habitat restoration, and monitor the conditions of rivers, lakes, and streams using volunteers of nearly any paddling skill level to get into shallow and ecologically sensitive areas that many boats cannot, and areas that land-based clean-up crews cannot reach; and,
WHEREAS, the Rohm's organized the first Paddle Without Pollution event on Saturday, September 24, 2011 where approximately 35 volunteers joined David and Melissa from launches on the Allegheny River, Ohio River, and Monongahela River and met at the point; and,
WHEREAS, the kayakers and canoeists collected 73 bags of trash, plus larger items such as tires, chairs, a patio umbrella and lumber; and,
WHEREAS, Allegheny CleanWays provided support and consultation and Kayak Pittsburgh loaned some boats to volunteers who did not have their own; other sponsors included City of Pittsburgh, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Three Rivers Waterkeeper, Three Rivers Rowing, Red Bull, REI, Brenner Law Offices, Whole Foods Market, Weblandings and Joey Mancuso; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend David and Melissa Rohm for establishing an organization to help keep our rivers clean; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, October 18, 2011, to be "Paddle without Pollution Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.