The Stump Warning Sign Program: We get new visitors to the site all the time, so let me explain what that it is all about. Every year, for about the past 5 years, I go out and mark the stumps, logs, trees, etc. that are in the boating path of our local waterways. I put the sign you see above on a metal stake with a blue reflector.
For the first few years, I did it by myself. Now, that I am almost semi-famous, I have a few friends that help. At one point, I had a lot of people volunteering. I would give them some of my signs and reflectors (not cheap), and they would end up in their trunk, closet, storage shed, or get thrown away and never get put up. I simply can't afford to give out dozens and dozens of signs and they not be used. Another reason, I just do it myslef.
You'd think I'd have lots of people helping, not so! It would be great if we had lots of media coverage: radio, TV, and newspaper. Maybe a standing ovation from on-lookers and fellow boaters, every time we did this good deed. Maybe pretty girls wanting me to autograph a stump warning sign for them. It's not that way. Just me and a couple of good friends and an ice chest of beer, out there on a slow week day, having a good time and feeling good about doing something good. If we saved one boat from hitting a stump, one kid knee boarding or being pulled on a tube, it's worth it. To safe a life is really some pretty awesome stuff and quite a motivator.
O'Reiley Auto Parts in Denham Springs sells me the metal driveway reflectors at a reduced cost, so thank them, if you happen to go by that way. The Livingston Parish Tourism Office has been a big help coming up with additional funds to keep it going. (I think maybe Livingston Parish President, Mike Grimmer, might have put in a good word or two, with the tourism office. Their website is: www.visitlivingstonparish.com. I'd appreciate it if you'd visit their website and shoot them an e-mail telling them you appreciate their support, if you like the program. (People always assume someone else is going to do this and thank them and no one ever does. That's a shame, because they don't know how many they have helped and it prevents me from getting future help when no one tells them they appreciate what they do.
We try to mark every stump that is out in the boating path (at least 10 or 15 yards from the bank).
Here is one way you can help: E-mail me if you'd like to volunteer on the day we are going out. Also, have a GPS. If you see a potential hazard, e-mail the GPS coordinates and we will get out there and mark it. (I don't remove trees, stumps, or logs). The next best thing is marking them. (Yes, we do mark those on Lake Maurepas, as well).
I get asked to come do this in other places. One nice lady really wanted me to mark a river she lives on in Texas. (I actually think she was wanting more than stump warning signs). I can't save the world. I do my best to do this for the local area where I live. Somebody else needs to "step up" and do it there, if they think it's a good idea.
March: stump warning sign month.
