Pick it up, pack it up, leave no trace

Each year when the snow melts, the sides of local roadways look like the area around a landfill after a windstorm. Is it acceptable to trash the area we call home because our annual spring thaw is followed by an annual spring cleanup?

We clean up what we see. But what about those areas farther out that are used for recreation? Places like Jim Creek, the Little Susitna River and Willow Creek?

These close-to-town areas are unique because they are more easily accessible, but are also far enough out to make people feel they are in the wilderness. At least that’s the feel until you come across someone’s discarded trash — an old truck tire buried halfway into the river, half of a broken canoe, a burned-up camping chair and an old mattress.

Kathy Thompson, who lives along the banks of the Little Susitna River, sent us a letter. Her complaint? “We are sick of finding human feces, soiled toilet paper, tampons, beer cans (and) … unbelievable human filth. Anything not nailed down has been stolen.”

This filth is not just confined to her property. She goes on to explain that places where floaters and boaters have camped along the river are littered with garbage and other waste.

Enter a group of adventurous volunteers and the Susitna Rotary. Saturday afternoon, a group of more than 60 people gathered along the banks of the Little Su in rafts, kayaks and canoes. They donned bright, pink shirts and carried yellow trash bags. They shoved off and began the process of cleaning an 18-mile stretch of river from Schrock Road Bridge to the Parks Highway.

And, they each paid $20 for the privilege.

The event, known as the Little Su Classic, started five years ago. The goal is to clean the river and clear downed trees so it is accessible for everyone’s enjoyment. The first year there were close to 30 downed trees and logs obstructing the river. Now that stretch is free of major obstructions and can be navigated without risk of being decapitated. But it seems like such a catch-22. Because of the efforts of the Rotary and its large network of volunteers, the river is also more accessible to those who would trash it.

Is it worth it? It is if you ask residents on the river. They say that over the past several years they have noticed a cleaner, healthier river thanks to the efforts of Susitna Rotary and its army of volunteers.

A lot of people who use the river may never know what that stretch of water might look like if not for these people. But those who live along its banks and who participate in the cleanup know. And for those efforts, we say “thank you.”

Ms. Thompson said it best in her letter: “We hope those who use the river enjoy its pristine beauty and that those leaving their filth behind read this. You know who you are. You spoil it for everyone.

“Pick it up, pack it up and leave no trace.”