Shane McCormack, of Jackson, grabs a bottle from the shore of the Salt River. PHOTO BY JOHN MCCARTHY

Star Valley Raft and Paddle’s 2nd Annual Salt River Fall Clean-up drew nearly 20 volunteers to assist in cleaning up the banks and waterway of the Salt River last Saturday. Organizers hoped to celebrate National Public Lands Day by hosting the event.

“We had a perfect fall day with everyone so happy to be outside helping a good cause,” said Organizer Noah Christenson. “Volunteers combed all 18 of the Salt River’s public access points as well as 15 of the Salt’s 45 floatable miles. They removed bottles, cans, lost shoes, construction materials, plastic bags, fishing line, 10 tires, a chair, and more! The unofficial event weight was just over a quarter ton of solid waste! Our youngest volunteer was 3.5 years old and the oldest was in their late 60s. We had volunteers from as far south as Smoot all the way to Alpine, as well as a few Jackson folks!”

Mel Christenson, of Etna, wrestles a tire out of the riverbank and into a raft. PHOTO/NOAH CHRISTENSON

Though SVRP hoped to double the impact of this year’s event, compared to trash that was collected from the Salt last year, they were pleased to announce that the gathered trash weighed in at quadruple the amount gathered in 2024. They are extremely grateful to all businesses that allowed them to promote the event from their store fronts, and for the three Broulim’s locations in Star Valley that provided donuts, hot chocolate, and gift cards in donation for the raffle. John Corr, of Alpine, Wyoming, won the Grand Prize of a free PaddleSport experience from SVRP.

“For me personally, this was a bow on top of another incredible river season,” said Christenson. “It makes me so happy to see the river community and the greater Star Valley community come together and do something that benefits the ecosystem health of our river, reducing some of the human impact after a summer of use, and just making the river at the heart of our community more beautiful for all. I cannot wait for next year!”

Penelope Sesto, age three, of Alpine, has so much fun picking up trash that she wants a trash grabber for Christmas!
PHOTO/BETTINA SESTO