BY STEPHANIE LYNN AND HOLLY HILL

The Gallatin River Task Force and Gallatin Watershed Council have teamed up to host the first collaborative Gallatin River Cleanup. Join us on August 29th to pick up trash from the headwaters to the valley.

What: Gallatin River Cleanup

VOLUNTEER in advance to be a cleanup leader and recruit a team of four to six people. Cleanup leaders will have the opportunity to request a cleanup assignment.

When: Thursday, August 29th, 2 PM

Where:

• BIG SKY – Meet at the Big Sky Community Park river pavilion.
• BOZEMAN – Meet at Simms Fishing Headquarters in Four Corners.
• AFTER PARTIES in Big Sky and Four Corners!

Why: Give back to the river you love! Join your community to remove trash from the mainstem Gallatin River and streams in the Big Sky area. This year, we hope to engage 150 volunteers to remove one ton of trash from the Gallatin River! Prizes include Gallatin River Task Force swag for participation and unique item.

RSVP:

• BIG SKY – stephanie@gallatinrivertaskforce.org
• BOZEMAN – greatergallatininfo@gmail.com

The Nitty Gritty:

BIG SKY RESIDENTS MEET at the Big Sky Community Park River Pavilion and BOZEMAN RESIDENTS MEET at Simms Fishing Headquarters in Four Corners to receive cleanup assignments, trash bags, and gloves. Then, we’ll disperse to river access points along the Gallatin River. ARRIVE prepared to handle garbage, walk along stream banks, and wade in the river. RETURN TO COMMUNITY PARK OR FOUR CORNERS around 5 PM for an after-party.

WE RECOMMEND that you wear high visibility clothing or a reflective vest, closed-toed shoes, and long pants that you don’t mind getting wet and/or dirty for the cleanup. We will provide rubber gloves; however, if you have a pair of work gloves that you would prefer to wear feel free to bring them! You should also bring a water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, empty laundry detergent containers for sharps, and a small first aid kit (just in case). We will have a first aid kit at the park, but will not be able to be everywhere during the cleanup.

SAFETY FIRST. We have never had an issue in the past, but we would like to remind volunteers not to handle hazardous materials, including drums or containers that may contain toxic waste; needles and other biohazard waste; and live ammunition or explosives. Please handle broken glass as well as aerosol cans, gas cans, and other containers with chemical residues or traces of volatile materials with care.

See you on the river!

Thank you to 2019 sponsors American Rivers, Big Sky Area Resort Tax District, Map Brewing, L & L Site Services, and Roxy’s Market.