Civic Leaders Trade Business Suits for Life Jackets

HARRISONBURG - Valley civic leaders donned life jackets for a day in an effort to better understand water quality issues facing the Shenandoah Valley. Prominent government and business leaders joined others on a river rafting trip sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley Pure Water Forum at James Madison University. 

The June 6 trip on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River started at at the Island Ford boat ramp near Elkton and ended about 7:30 p.m. at the Riverside (Merck) Park. Along the way, the invited participants collected items in a "scavenger" competition to help them learn about water quality issues. 

"We want them to experience the river in an educational way," said Bruce Lundeen, executive director of the Shenandoah Valley Pure Water Forum based at James Madison University. "They will learn first-hand by being on the river to see the many challenges we face in water quality."

Participants included aides to Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, and Del. Matt Lohr, R-Broadway, Rockingham County supervisor Mike Breeden, Pilgrim's Pride Plant Manager Bob Bahr, Coors Shenandoah Plant Manager Tim Williams and Virginia Dairyman's Association Executive Secretary Dale Gardner.