September 16, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Hannah Sanger, Environmental Educator, 234-6518

PORTNEUF RIVER CLEANUP A SUCCESS
Trash and Log Jams Removed

The City of Pocatello extends a huge “thank you” to the hundred or so individuals who helped “Clean the Portneuf” last Saturday. Due to everyone’s efforts, the Portneuf is definitely cleaner.

Dozens of trash bags were filled and loaded into dumpsters, along with a few larger items such as couches and road barriers. This year’s effort was spearheaded by Valley Pride with help from the City of Pocatello, Idaho Fish & Game, the Portneuf Watershed Partnership, the Portneuf Greenway Foundation, and the LDS Institute at Idaho State University.

While some volunteers floated the river loading trash into canoes, others removed the trash by wading into the stream or using rakes and shovels to dig out the imbedded trash from the river’s banks. Existing log jams preventing navigation of the river via canoe were also removed in the following sections of the river: Edson Fichter to Centennial Park and Sacajawea Park to Pacific Recycling Trailhead.

Thanks to the generosity of landowners who have granted recreational easements, the public can walk large sections of the Portneuf riverbank within the Pocatello city limits. Free greenway maps are available at the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce.

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