I am incredibly humbled by the outpouring of support we received for the Bitterroot River Clean Up. The Water Forum has proudly hosted this event for six years, and each year we get a huge number of volunteers joining a Valley wide effort to honor the river we all rely on and scour the Bitterroot for trash. With over 80 people signed up this year we had more “on the ground and in the river” coverage than ever before. People were stationed up the East and West Forks all the way to Maclay Flat in Missoula!
This community effort consistently brings in a tremendous amount of trash, from love seats to lawnmowers, weighing in at over 1,200 pounds annually. The good news is that this year’s volunteers report seeing less trash than in years past. Our goal is to highlight the importance of the Bitterroot River and to significantly reduce the amount of trash in it, and it’s working – but and as long as this river needs a clean up, the Water Forum will happily round up the amazing volunteers for the job.
An event of this size and scope is made possible by great volunteers and sponsors. Thanks especially to all participants, including BBQ captain Al Hill, and our major sponsors. Each of these businesses and organizations has supported the Clean Up for years and are making a huge difference for our community.
In an effort to keep the Clean Up going all year, the Water Forum will be working with local shops to giveaway mesh bags that can be used to stash your trash anytime you’re recreating in or near the river. Keep an eye out for this new addition to the cause.
We’re also adding a special Clean Up project this year – removing an old mustang from the West Fork! If you’re interested in learning more about this effort or helping with the process this fall, please visit our website at brwaterforum.org for more info.
Thanks again to everyone who made this year such a success story. We couldn’t do it without the support of this incredible community!
Cheers to clean water for all!
Heather Mullee Barber
Bitterroot Water Forum