River Clean Up brings in lots of junk, but more and more volunteers, too

Several hundred people came out to help to take part in the 32^nd annual River Clean Up on Saturday.  

WIZM spoke to one of the original organizers of the clean-up, Russ Wilson. He said the community has really responded to the efforts to remove trash from area waterways.  

“In the early years, we’d have 100 to 150 people, but the community has really gotten behind the River Clean Up. And when I drive up and down the river, either on my boat or I’m on the highway looking, there isn’t the kind of garbage that was out there before,” Wilson said. 

There were 430 people who signed up for the event on Saturday according to Wilson. There were another 235-240 who took part in a clean-up event for area businesses on Friday near Trempealeau.  

The volunteers on Saturday found quite a bit to pick up. At the Clinton Street Boat Landing, Wilson said there were roughly 125 barrels, more than two dozen tires, and two large 20-yard dumpsters full of junk such as carpet, mattresses, and metal. 

Clinton Street was one of four sites in the county where volunteers brought in what they collected. 

Wilson said they’re getting close to pulling out one million pounds of trash from the river environment over the 32 years of the event.  

Following the morning clean-up activities, the volunteers met over at Copeland Park for a hot dog lunch as a thank you for their efforts.