Volunteers Clean Up Yellowstone River

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By Kenneth Wong

Story Published: Sep 17, 2011 at 6:13 PM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 19, 2011 at 1:05 PM MDT

NEAR BILLINGS - With the record floods in the spring, along with the ExxonMobil Oil Spill, the Yellowstone River has taken quite a beating for most of 2011. While most of the damages from the Oil Spill were taken cared of, volunteers pitched in on Saturday to give the river some tender loving care.

"I'd rather spend my time out here, picking up trash along the river," said Mike Schilz, a student at Rocky Mountain College, as 50 or so volunteers hit the river to make a difference on the river's ecology and cleanliness.

"The Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing river in the United States, and where it passes through Billings is probably the most industrial section," said Ostovar.

The 2011 event is the 5th year for the cleanup program, which is headed by RMC professor Kayhan Ostovar. The group assembled at Duck Creek Bridge early Saturday morning, undeterred by the shower, and ready to clean up debris.

Boats were deployed on the river to get the volunteers to banks and islands inaccessible on foot. The trip was filled with difficulties, due to river course changes by the spring floods.

"There's an island out there that's gone now," said Ostovar, as he rowed his boat across the river.

In addition, with a river depth of only 4 feet as measured by the National Weather Service in Billings, risk of running aground was also high.

"Shallow gravel bars, you know, you run aground sometimes," said Ostovar.

Slowly but steadily, the group made it to the various shores and islands, and began the cleanup. Everything from small scraps of paper, to parts of a car's bumper were collected. The team paid much attention to broken fishing lines, which, they say, threatens wildlife.

The trip took the group 12 miles downriver to Coulson Park. The volunteers say they want everyone to enjoy the river.

"The Yellowstone River is a great place. I've floated on it. I've fished on it. It's close to my heart," said Schilz.

The group said they realize the river might never be completely clean, but they would like to do whatever they can.

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