Air Force cadets clean Fountain Creek

Hundreds of Air Force Academy cadets are volunteering in communities across Southern Colorado Friday.

More than 50 cadets helped clean debris out of Fountain Creek in Manitou Springs.

“Because of the forest fires, there’s been a lot of flooding and a lot of the wood debris is getting into the riverbeds,” said CFC Gavin McCord, with Cadet Squadron 40. “We’re out here cleaning up some of that debris from the fire and hopefully it helps out in the long run.”

High creek levels can lead to severe flooding in Manitou. The city’s flood recovery manager, Shelley Cobau, said it’s important to clear out as much debris as possible before another flood.

“This debris has been plaguing us and clogging our flood control facilities,” Cobau said. “We’re very, very happy that the cadets are here today to help us address that.”

The cadets spent several hours piling up debris and trash from the creek before moving it to a dump truck.

The cadets said they are happy to help out with flood mitigation.

“It’s always important to just help the overall group of people that you’re surrounded by,” McCord said. “We’re all neighbors.”