[AJ Richardson]

There have been a few photos published in the Reflector over time of steamboats "dredging" areas of narrow rivers, particularly the canals on the Muskingum. I've often wondered how effective the paddlewheel dredging was? I'd also assume that this was not done at the request of the Government but more to keep the rivers open for navigation. A couple years ago I was on the Valley Gem on a trip to Stockport and the Gem was used much like a bulldozer to dig a hole in one of the canals enroute to Stockport that had silted in.Are such things done today with propeller boats operating on narrower rivers like the Gnaw,Tennesee, Cumberland, Green, etc? And if so is the technique similar to the old days where they would tie a line to trees on opposite banks and use the capstan to hold the boat in the center of the channel.

Thanks for any insight!

Aaron