Imagine being on a canoe and being trapped by logs, and not being able to venture further. Or being a helpless animal that can’t get through because of the logjam in the water. 

A logjam was found in the Little Calumet River. People have been trying to rid the river of the giant logs, bringing ropes, chainsaws, and winches. The crew had spent practically all summer cutting at the logjam without any cell phone service. 

In order to accomplish this crucial task, people have donated money and volunteered their help. However, the water needs the logs, though it can be tricky to move a select amount of logs in order to help the water flow. 

They have been taking these logs from Chesterton to Porter for about eight years. Then the river will be 14 miles of clear water. It can be dangerous for people to paddle, due to its condition, if not helped.

If no one were to do anything about this, it would only worsen the situation because it blocks off water. It would affect people traveling in boats, or affect the environment that animals live in, meaning even altering the food chain. 

As more and more people gained knowledge about the Northwest Indiana Paddlers Association (NWIPA), people volunteered their time towards removing the logs and raising money. In total they received $81,500 for the project. 

Though many people go to the Dunes and walk the trails, or go to the beach, they may underestimate how important and beautiful that the Little Calumet River can be. That too impacts people’s views to help the river.

In October, the crew hopes that the four miles of log removal will be finished. If not they may run into other problems, such as the cold conditions, which may cause the river to freeze over. If at any time people needed to get in the water, it would prove difficult due to the extreme temperatures.