MMSD says city's river skimmer a success in 2013

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) says its river skimmer cleaned 1,225 cubic yards of debris from area rivers and Lake Michigan in 2013. Officials say that's a 23 percent increase over 2012 levels.

That much debris would be enough to fill 61 dumpsters eight feet wide, four feet tall and 22 feet long.

The river skimmer MMSD relies upon is known as Lynyrd Skymmr. It cleans up garbage, tree branches and logs from the waterways. Officials say its mission helps create a positive image and experience for tourists and residents in downtown Milwaukee.