Dedicated volunteers pull a tire from the Salt River in addition to cans and bottles, showcasing the effort to clean up debris and pro- tect the local environment. PHOTOS/NOAH CHRISTENSON

• Community unites for environmental stewardship, collecting a truckload of trash from the Salt River

On a picture-perfect fall day, Star Valley Raft and Paddle hosted its inaugural Fall River Clean-Up, rallying community members to remove debris from the Salt River and surrounding boat ramps. Volunteers gathered early in the day, armed with trash bags and enthusiasm, and set out to collect litter along the picturesque waterways.

By the end of the event, the team had filled an entire truck bed with trash, which was promptly delivered to the local dump Monday morning. Among the unusual finds were tires, construction materials, an array of bottles and cans, and over 100 yards of fishing line. The clean-up also unearthed a surprising number of flip flops, highlighting the importance of keeping the river pristine.

Noah Christenson, owner of Star Valley Raft and Paddle, expressed gratitude for the support from the community. “I am so incredibly grateful for this community’s support and am so proud of the visible impact we were able to make on the Salt River,” he stated.

The event not only emphasized environmental stewardship but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among volunteers. Looking ahead, Christenson hopes to recruit even more participants next year to tackle additional sections of the river, as this year’s efforts were primarily focused on boat launches and access points.

As a highlight, Joe Dvorak of Alpine, WY, won the raffle, capping off a successful day. The business is excited for the upcoming season, which will include new youth and adult paddle camps.