Over one hundred volunteers removed 1,060 pounds of trash from rivers and streams in the Big Sky area during the 2017 Upper Gallatin River Cleanup on Thursday, August 31st. New partners and a dedicated group of cleanup leaders tripled attendance from 35 volunteers the previous year to 111 volunteers in 2017.

The Gallatin River Task Force has organized and hosted a river cleanup for the past six years. Volunteers receive cleanup assignments and disperse from the Yellowstone National Park boundary to the northern end of Gallatin Canyon as well, as several sites in the Big Sky area.

Cleanup leader Margo Claire Magnant was proud to note that the popular Green Bridge Recreation Site was remarkably free of trash. She and her partner removed one small bag of cigarette butts and pull-tabs.

Other teams returned with truck loads full of trash. Anna Hynson and her team collected the most trash between the popular Moose Creek Campground and Deer Creek Trailhead. The group hauled bags of beer cans and tires from the highly used area.

Volunteers submitted unique items including an antique powder toothpaste tin, a “just married” sign with a pair of blue underwear, and a cushion with a full beer. Mickey Jackson took home first prize and an RCTIC cooler donated by the RMR Group for his retro multi tool.

Thanks to all who made the 2017 Upper Gallatin River Cleanup the biggest and best yet, especially our INAUGURAL group of cleanup leaders: Jeff Dunn & RESPEC Consulting, Beth Sirr, Mike & Jodi Richter, Anna Hynson, Margo Claire Magnant, Brian Van Eps & the Big Sky Christian Fellowship, Ron Bowlin, Rick Donaldson, Diana Hogan & the Big Sky Discovery Academy, JeNelle Johnson, Lindsie Hurlbut, and Tony Coppola, Kate Eisele, & Lone Peak High School.

The 2017 Upper Gallatin River Cleanup was supported by the RMR Group, the Big Sky Area Resort Tax District, L & L Site Services, Rick Donaldson, and Lone Peak Brewery. Thanks to the Big Sky Community Organization and the Big Sky Arts Council for sharing their spaces with us.