The idea of fishing in the Des Plaines River is ridiculous. Swim in it? Now that is simply revolting.

Why? Everyone who resides in Des Plaines knows the answer to that question. The river is filthy.

Yet, according to Mayor Herbert Behrel, Des Plaines has no pollution problem.

Recently, members of Citizens for a Better Environment, an organization which raises money to finance the cleaning up of inland waterways, approached the city of Des Flames for a permit to station volunteers on city corners to seek contributions from passing motorists.

Their request was denied because Mayor Behrel said that this would be admitting to a problem that Des Plaines does not have. Well, pollution is a problem in Des Plaines, and this kind of see‑no‑evil, hear‑no‑evil attitude does not help it any.

A group of Des Plaines Explorer Scouts frequently accompanies members of the Citizens for a Better Environment group when they fund raise. They are allowed to keep 25 per cent of the money that their members collect.

Future plans for this group include cleaning up a stretch of the Des Plaines River and possibly stocking it. According to local authorities, the river still has a gravel bottom.

Lots of determination and hard work alone will not get this done. The group will need some money for tools and other supplies necessary for the project.

Perhaps the condition of the Des Plaines River is not a problem in the eyes of Mayor Behrel, but for those of us who would like to enjoy this natural recreation center it is, and we would appreciate it if the efforts of those seeking to remedy the situation will not be thwarted in the future.