Jeff,

I've just returned to the "farm" since working since May at the State Dept.

I'll try to get to the hearing tomorrow eve.  Friends and I did kayak run from Timberville to my place on Saturday and found areas below the Timberville bridge almost covered over in algae and the water nearly green with a very slimy bottom.  It stank.  I might also add that there has been a lot of foam/bubble buildup on our rocks.  Off-hand, I'd say it seems like chicken fat combined with cows urine.  We did not have either of these two conditions -- heavy algae and the bubbly fat -- when we came up here in '89 nearly to the extent we see them now.  The river is not in good condition, and chicken litter would seem to be part of the problem.

Stop by when you have a chance.  I'll be here more-or-less full time (though in DC most of next week).  Brenda and I have been thinking about getting the local elementary school involved in the river -- in the spring, perhaps helping to monitor a sampling station or at least an outing here on the river with some exciting instruction.  Any ideas on programming at that level?

All the best,  David Kaeuper

14198 Kay DR.
Timberville, 22853