TU river cleanup scheduled for Sept. 3

As floating season draws to a close, the Platte Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) has announced a “River Clean Up Float” scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. September 3.

TU board member Steve Heinitz is the event’s organizer, and he said the float will concentrate on the North Platte between Treasure Island and town. He hopes to get permission to access private property near the halfway point so the float can be split into two and be more meticulous.

Following the clean up effort, Heinitz said there will be smoked brisket and pulled pork served at the Yard from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Following that, there will be a concert at the venue from 6 to 10 p.m.

It is Heinitz’s first time organizing the clean-up, and he has high hopes for the joint effort. “Summer tourists, city council members, town employees–boy, we could use everybody,” Heinitz said of his ambitions. His goal is to have about 30 participants, up from 12 last year.

“For me, (12 participants) is not acceptable,” Heinitz said. He said the group will work to move snags out of boating lanes in addition to picking up refuse. “It would be great to make this an annual event so people can count on it,” Heinitz said.