Salt River Fall Clean Up

Here at Star Valley Raft & Paddle, we believe in giving back to the river that gives us so much – which is why we are sponsoring the first inaugural Salt River Fall Clean Up. There are lots of ways for trash to end up in the river, but there’s only one way for it to get out: by us pitching in.  Fall is the perfect time to remove trash and debris while the water is low, leaving the river fresh, clean, and ready for its winter coat.

Schedule of Events:

• 9-10 am: Meet at Diversion River Access
• 10 am: Sections and teams assigned
• 3:45 pm: Final trash collection at Diversion River Access
• 4 pm: Raffle Drawing
• 5 pm: Event end

We will all gather from 9-10 a.m. at Diversion River Access to meet and check-in. From US HWY 89, head west on Whitetail Lane (across from County Road 126/Strawberry Creek Road).

What to Bring

Participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves and old grocery or ziplock bags for trash collection, but don't worry, we will have extra rubber gloves and bags available. Additionally, it is recommended to bring everything you would want for a cool day on the river (water, snacks, dry clothes, etc.

There will be hot cocoa and donuts – we encourage you to bring a thermos so your drink stays warm in the fall air!

Check-In

During check-in, we will assign you to your clean-up areas based on whether you have a watercraft or a specific area in mind. Volunteers with watercraft (kayaks, rafts, drift boats, etc.) will float downriver, and volunteers on foot will focus on boat ramps and access points. If you would prefer to take care of a specific section of the river, great! Get to check in early and we will make sure it is yours.

‍You can only be entered for the raffle if you check in with us first.

Bags for collecting trash will be available at check-in. At the end of your float or once you have finished with your boat ramp please bring all trash back to Diversion River Access for us to haul away. 3:45 p.m. is the last call for trash, please make sure to get all trash to the check-in spot by then.

Raffle Prizes

As a thank-you, every participant will get a Salt River Clean Team sticker and everyone who checks in will be entered in our raffle. There will be some small prizes available, as well as grand prizes including a private paddlesports lesson or multi-day paddle camp on us!  The raffle drawing will be at 4 p.m. sharp.

Special Contest - Tire Derby

Get an extra raffle entry

Take a selfie with a tire in the river, and then bring it to Diversion. Anyone who brings a tire found in the river will get an extra entry into the raffle.

Grand Raffle Prize

• Voucher for Private Paddle-sports Lesson OR Multi-day Paddle Camp

Important Notes

Private Property

Much of the Salt River is bordered by private land – please be courteous and respect our neighbors while we are on this adventure. Pick up trash in the water or within an arm’s length from the shore but please avoid trespassing or accidentally removing private property.

Weather

The water will be cold, and depending on the weather, the air temp may not be much warmer. This means warm, non-cotton layers, and a change of clothes in case you need them. If you just want to clean along the shore, please bring shoes that can get wet and waders if you have them. If you plan on floating and potentially getting in the water, please wear waders, wetsuits, or dry suits.

Safety

As much as we would love to grab tires off the bottom of the river, we want to prioritize safety. If you see a piece of trash but feel unsafe retrieving it - DON'T! Mark where you found it so we can come back later. The use of PFDs on the water, and even along the shore for youth participants, is strongly encouraged.

Thank you for joining us to beautify the local river we all love!