Given the flood history that plagues both the Cedar River and Turtle Creek, it’s commendable that efforts are being made to clean the Cedar River and assure a smooth flow.

The Cedar River cleanup, through efforts by the Cedar River Watershed District and other local organizations, is proving that the river itself is a hidden gem, capable of supporting recreational activities such as canoeing and kayaking. As the river winds itself through Austin, it is often times sheltered from the city, making it seem like the recreationists are in a forested area rather than in Austin. Groups like Vision 2020’s Waterways Committee and the CRWD are working to improve recreational opportunities on the river.

It’s a surprising and welcome face to a river that is often viewed as dirty and a flooding problem.

The efforts by the Minnesota Conservation Corps. last week didn’t clear away everything, however. Rather, they trimmed away log jams and obstructions, allowing easier access for anybody wishing to take part in what the river has to offer.

While many may think to simply take everything away, the debris left serves as habitat for the wildlife in and around the river, serving to further enhance the unexpected beauty of the river.

And yet there is a third beneficial aspect to improving access: conservation. Trimming away obstructions keeps water from pooling and swirling around those obstructions, thus causing less damage to the shorelines and keeping sediment from washing downstream.

There will always be the threat of flooding with the Cedar River. It’s an aspect of the river that will always shadow it, but the continued work by these groups to keep it cleaner will only serve to enhance the potential of what the Cedar River has to offer.