In October 2025, the KRAA took advantage of atypically clear water and the water level dropping closer to the historical average, and hired Steve Bray, his barge and rented a mini-excavator to remove a number of buoy anchors which had become obstacles in the river. Chris Silverthorne, Carl Speiss, and Cary Kokkinen provided their volunteer time as well.
These anchors were originally placed as part of a scheme to create a more permanent solution for the buoys, which can easily drift. Unfortunately, without the services of Paul Ruston and Edwin Aalto’s barge or tug, they became difficult or impossible to service – particularly in the recent record-high water levels.
Please remember that the Key River is an important spawning ground for the fish that many of us enjoy catching (and sometimes eating); avoid disturbing the river bottom at all times, but especially during peak spawning in spring.