I am frequently asked how the Rogue River Project got started, here is a brief background that was written by Grand Valley State University student Megan O. The Rogue River Project is not made possible by myself...but by many great people that contribute their time to help clean up the Rogue and if it where not for all the wonderful people I met on this amazing journey the Rogue River Project woul
d not be what it is today! In an effort to clean up the Rogue River and return it to its natural state, Andrew Kersting founded The Rogue River Project in Rockford, Mich. He has since recruited over 100 volunteers to help him remove approximately six tons of trash from the river. The Rogue River, a major tributary of the Grand River and a popular Steelhead and Salmon fishery, is central to the Rockford community. Its highly accessible location and shallow depth make it a well suited spot for a wide range of outdoor activities including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and hiking. When Andrew Kersting moved to Rockford in 2000, he took up the sport of fishing and often spent time at the Rogue River. However, he noticed that the river and the surrounding lands were being carelessly polluted with trash and debris. He decided that something needed to be done to fix this problem. The event was a success, with 24 volunteers cleaning three miles of the river. In the years following, Kersting has held four more clean-ups through The Rogue River Project. His efforts have garnered considerable news coverage, with stories broadcast on FOX 17 and WZZM 13 and printed in The Rockford Squire. Kersting has also been a guest on the nationally syndicated radio program, eTown. The program, which seeks to create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable world, boasts guests such as President Jimmy Carter, Vice President Al Gore, and filmmaker Michael Moore. Kersting was awarded the show’s E-Chievement Award, which rewards individuals working hard to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond. Today many cite The Rogue River Project as the reason for the reduction in trash and debris being found in and around the river. The clean-up has truly made an impact on the community’s awareness of pollution and the need to protect this beautiful natural resource.
