More than 50 volunteers came together to do Project Clean Up "U Protect" on the French River Delta.  Lone Scout, Joey Barefoot worked with President, Jim Rook of the French River Delta Association and other key leaders to arrange and complete the massive removal of 6 half tons of debris and garbage from the area.
Bear's Den Lodge staff and young cottagers remove an old washer and boat from the French River bush.	French River Delta Association President and members load barge.	Bear's Den Lodge Owner and Scout leader (Dad) plus Delta members load snowmobile hood and track found in the bush.

Hartley Bay Marina barge with load of garbage removed from the shorelines - Project paid $500.00 for use of barge. The garbage was loaded into a trailer donated by the Gilbert Family so it could be hauled to landfill.	FRDA President and his family load an old stove from back of bay while the pooches look on. Members donated 12 boats and gas to gather garbage around the French River - Bear's Den Lodge provided 3 boats and 7 staff.  Over 50 miles of shoreline was scoured and left pristine.	Project Clean Up "U Protect" French River Delta members and Joey Barefoot's Eagle Scout project. Joey is seen standing proud with some of the 54 volunteers involved in the massive project on July 25, 2007.
Joey Barefoot cleaning a campsite that was not properly cared for by campers. Despite the mess found at this site, all other campsites were properly respected by campers to the French River. Picnic lunch served by volunteers to the other volunteers. Volunteers ranged from age 7 to 87 years of age working together.	Unusual find of toilet seat and much Styrofoam. Some fishing lures and tackle boxes were found washed ashore.  One Massassauga rattler was found during the clean up and was left undisturbed! Final pickup before unloading and transporting to the landfill site. After a hot day, the barge slowly moves to the Marina, leaving the French River pristine once again.	Lone Scout, Joey and one of his leaders, Mom assisting on removing rotting painted wood from the remains of a boat. Purple Loosestrife was removed during the project to protect the waterways and fishery. Black bears sift through the garbage at the landfill while volunteers deliver their loads safely to the proper disposal areas.

 Prizes were awarded to volunteers by local businesses for their hard work and effort. A delicious picnic lunch was provided by members of the Association at the beach in Ox Bay. Joey shared a slide show of the project at the annual French River Delta Association Meeting held at Bear's Den Lodge. Thank you to all those who participated and helped in any way with the Eagle Scout and French River Delta Association Project.  Remember, you protect - "U Protect". The French River Delta Association voted to do the project again - July 16, 2008.  Mark your calendar to join in the fun and future of the French River.

Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association recognized Joey Barefoot for his dedication and commitment to the protection and conservation of the French River Delta and was the recipient of the 2007 NOTO Conservation Award. NOTO recognizes one outstanding tourist outfitter annually for their commitment to Conservation endeavors; this was the first time a youth was recognized for his Conservation efforts in the industry.

“What a fantastic project and an enormous amount of work and dedication. Joey is certainly a bright light for many of us to follow. I don’t want Joey’s work to go unnoticed!” Laurie Marcil, Member Services Manager of Northern Ontario Outfitters Association commented. A panel of judges selected Joey for his commitment to improve the shorelines and waterways of the French River Delta through project Clean up – “U Protect,” by removing metal, debris, Styrofoam, and the invasive species – Purple Loosestrife, from the water ways, while also educating the community on the need to protect and conserve.

“Youth of today need to stand up and take charge of our future. As a Boy Scout, I have learned that I wear the scarf of a Lone Scout, but I am never truly alone, but stand in a community that cares and works together. I was born and raised here and my future is here. We must continue to strive to protect, thus, “U Protect", commented Life Scout, Joey Barefoot, NOTO Conservation Award recipient.

         
Bear's Den Lodge is a World Class fishing - hunting lodge conveniently located in the French River Delta with access to the remote, scenic unspoiled French River, Pickerel River, Wahnapitae River, and Northeast Georgian Bay. Fishing for trophy walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappies, salmon, and muskies. Muskie fishing is our specialty.  Bear's Den Lodge offers modern accommodations with American Plan meals and Housekeeping cottages, boat motor rentals and experienced guides. French River area offers excellent canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, black bear hunting, adventures and eco tours. Our area provides one of the highest quality wilderness experiences in all of Ontario.

Family vacations, corporate retreats, holidays can be enjoyed with excellent prepared family style meals served in the main lodge with a cozy family inviting atmosphere. Superb accommodations, excellent service, international reputation for angling experiences, hosts for TV fishing shows and outdoor writers – Fishing Facts, Muskie Hunter Magazine, Ontario Out of Doors, Chicago Tribune, Outdoor Life, Field and Stream, Outdoors Canada, In-Fisherman, Muskie Inc., and many more.

Bear’s Den Lodge is located 4 hours north of Toronto, an hour north of Parry Sound and south of Sudbury and Killarney. Access is limited by boat or float plane , fly in, only with a quick 5 minute boat ride from Hartley Bay Marina. Easy access to Alban and surrounding golf courses, Science North, gifts and shopping. Bear's Den Lodge is an expert outdoor adventure wilderness outfitter with over 23 years of experience.