CDC to address river etiquette

During the past year or more the Pulaski County Community Development Commission has taken on a role of not only promoting economic development but also boosting local businesses with tourism. 
Because the focus is expanding, community development commission (CDC) executive director Nathan Origer and project manager Krysten Hinkle are looking at numerous ways of attracting tourists to the area without it disrupting the lives of the locals. 
“We are seeing a lot more river traffic this year. We don’t know why there are a lot more people but we have been promoting it with videos and online marketing,” Origer said. “We figured this is something that we can do for the community.”
Because of this, CDC has looked into implementing an adopt-a-river program. When the project was further researched it was discovered that the state is no longer funding an adopt-a-river program, according to Origer. When the project was funded it appears the state funds were used to purchase signs. 
The state is now implementing a different program — adopt a public access ramp. Origer said it appears the state will now offer funding for signs at the ramps.
Because of the change to what the state is proposing, Origer said they are working on signs that will address river etiquette including, “everything from use the trash receptacles instead of leaving it along the bank or in the water to remember there are people who live along the river.” 
Origer said the process of adopting a ramp will take a little longer than expected because of the various paperwork and getting approval from the state. 
There are about 10 sites where signs and trash bins could be placed. 
Origer hopes that the public will not only adopt the ramps and help keep them clean but also the river.