Missoula volunteers set for Clark Fork River cleanup this weekend

Missoula, Mont. — Volunteers in Missoula were set to head to the Clark Fork River this upcoming weekend for the annual river cleanup.

Participants were expected to gather along the river, including near Caras Park, to pick up debris and help protect local water systems. The Clark Fork Coalition said volunteers removed thousands of pounds of trash from the Clark Fork River each year. Organizers explained the cleanup also helped people think about long-term care for the environment in a fast-growing community.

“This event is going to continue to be an important community gathering point and event throughout the year. It always coincides just around Earth Day. And so it's a great time to celebrate the natural beauty and processes of our of our environment and specifically our river system. And it just brings a lot of people out. It also coincides with the international wildlife film festivals, riverwalk event that happens later in the day,” said Brian Chaffin, executive director of the Clark Fork Coalition.

As Missoula saw more use of outdoor spaces, organizers said events like this showed the connection between recreation and responsibility.

“I have been the executive director of the Clarkfork coalition for 2 years now and even before I was the executive director, I participated in this event because it's just a single day that you can dedicate some time with community members that feel the same way that you do about our precious river system to give back and it's, it's not a lot of time. It's only a couple hours, but it means a lot to everyone in our community,” said Chaffin.

People who wanted to take part could register on the organization's website or sign up in person before the cleanup began.