either of you two interested in helping organize some volunteer pickup days? I'd be happy to pitch in. I know a few greenway volunteers...

I was considering how this issue might be handled. The first thought was kayaks and long poles to snag the bags. This would only be effective with several kayaks, 2 or more poling bags and 1 taking bags off poles. Not sure if kayaking is even legal on Crabtree creek.

I've seen people boat there before, its even been written up in the N&O (long time ago).
I feel like boats might not be difficult- there are snags and strainers ever few hundred feet the whole length of the creek. But you might need a boat if you're going to get some of the stuff out in the middle.
I think the only way to do it is with poles and folks walking along the banks.

Thanks for the suggestions and willingness to help! My husband and I are definitely down to clean up the mess, but I don't think that we have the right equipment. I guess that one could cross the creek at an especially shallow point to get to the other side - unless anyone has waders? We may be able to borrow a kayak or canoe from someone, we just would need the poles or some kind of extendable claw to reach the higher-up pieces of trash.

YES! Would the city have any type of long pole to pull the trash out?

Suzanne, I don't know about the poles, but I know who to ask. I've contacted a couple of people from the city that can help us find a way to organize and get support from Parks and Rec. I'll post back here in a day or two.

a