The Annual Blackfoot River Clean Up in Potomac July 30 brought more than 90 volunteers together to keep the river pristine. Workers cleaned 16 miles from Whitaker Bridge to the weigh station near Bonner.
POTOMAC - More than 90 volunteers came together to "bring back the scenic beauty of the Blackfoot River," said Project Managers Janelle Schiller and Lynn Gontarek-Garberson. Both thought the clean up went very well again this year.
This was the 13th year of cleaning the river since the Blackfoot Home and Community Club (BHCC) began the river clean up in 2003. Eight divers along with 10 rafts and watercrafts and volunteers walking the shore of the Blackfoot spent the day July 30 picking up trash.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) supplied free trash bags that were available at more than 30 area sportsman retailers. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) and Missoula Fresh Market partnered to supply the food. Volunteers enjoyed a barbecue following the work party.
"We collected massive amounts of aluminum cans, plastic bottles and glass along with large car parts, sofa cushions, parking meter stands, fishing rods and soggy articles of clothing," said Garberson. There was almost 100 pounds of "unknown identity" trash found, which volunteers say was a change from previous years. Usually volunteers can tell what the trash is.
A rifle was found underwater and was turned in to the BLM law enforcement department where the serial number will be checked for ownership.
"We have been encouraged by all the help and support from FWP and BLM, the Missoula Fresh Market and by all the volunteers who gave of their time and effort in our ongoing efforts to bring back the Blackfoot River by cleaning up all the trash left by those who recreate on the river," said Garberson and Schiller.
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