Community Effort Targets River Banks and Channel
Pocatello and Chubbuck residents will gather Saturday morning for the annual Portneuf River Cleanup, a volunteer-driven effort to remove trash and debris from one of Southeast Idaho’s most significant waterways. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning at the Pacific recycling trailhead on North Main Street near Kraft Road.
The cleanup spans the river corridor from Raymond Park to the Simplot plant, drawing approximately 100 volunteers each year, according to Jennifer Flynn, assistant planner with the city’s Planning and Zoning Department. Flynn noted that the Portneuf has been underutilized for recreation and economic development, making community stewardship efforts especially valuable.
Volunteers should bring work gloves and wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. Optional equipment includes hand saws, nets, boots, waders, or water shoes. Extra gloves will be available for those who need them. Those with boats interested in participating should contact Brenna Olson, education and outreach coordinator, at (208) 234-6519 in advance to coordinate access and positioning.
A Decade of Progress Along the Concrete Channel
Marjanna Hulet has participated in the cleanup for roughly a decade, offering perspective on the evolution of the effort. When Hulet joined the initiative, the team consisted of just 10 volunteers equipped with two canoes. That first outing yielded discarded bicycles, tires, shopping carts, and other debris that filled both canoes—yet covered only about one-third of the concrete channel where the river runs through town.
The progress over the years has been measurable. “Every year we’re seeing less and less, and are able to really feel like we’re scouring (for) stuff and really cleaning things out,” Hulet told East Idaho News, reflecting the cumulative impact of sustained volunteer effort.
Flynn credited the consistency of cleanup operations, noting that over the past four years, volunteers have been able to clear the channel effectively, reducing the accumulation of debris compared to earlier years. The city has also expanded river access to support these efforts. At least five different access points for volunteers have been added over the years, making it easier for residents to participate across multiple sections of the waterway.
What Comes Next
Saturday’s cleanup represents the latest chapter in an ongoing community commitment to maintaining the Portneuf River. As the waterway becomes increasingly recognized for its recreational and economic potential, volunteer cleanups serve as both practical stewardship and a foundation for broader community engagement with the river system. Pocatello residents interested in participating should arrive at the Pacific recycling trailhead by 10 a.m. Saturday, prepared for outdoor work. Those with additional questions or boat access needs can reach Brenna Olson at the number provided above.
The annual cleanup also complements other community events celebrating local natural areas and civic involvement. The Legendary Women’s Cup Soccer Tournament brings significant community participation to Pocatello, while 4-H youth throughout Eastern Idaho invest their summers in hands-on learning tied to the region.