Missouri River Clean-up Set for May 7

Originally published in Sioux City Journal on April 27, 2011
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SOUTH SIOUX CITY – Missouri River Relief will host its annual Siouxland River Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon on May 7, coinciding with South Sioux City’s annual PACE Day cleanup of city parks for the first time.

Keep Northeast Nebraska Beautiful, the cities of Sioux City and South Sioux City and LP Gill Hauling and Landfill, are partnering in the local cleanup effort, as well.

Sally Rienert, who is co-organizing the river cleanup on the South Sioux City side, said that organizers are contacting the larger companies and large groups in the area to get involved in the river cleanup and be recognized as a group doing good things for the community.



She said organizers didn’t want to take volunteers from South Sioux City Parks Director Gene Moffit’s detailed plan for the spring spruce-up of city parks.

Reinert also pitched the river cleanup as a worthwhile family outing, which would be fun, productive and teach the next generation the value of taking care of the natural resources.

Boats at the boat ramp will ferry volunteers to the riverbanks and islands to pick up trash washed up on shore. Other volunteers, including youth groups, will pick up trash along the banks, trails and roads.

Gloves, trash bags, life jackets and lunch will be provided.

The Missouri River Cleanup has a limited number of youth life jackets, and volunteers with children are urged to bring a properly fitting child’s life jacket.

The cleanup on the South Sioux City side of the river will be based at the city boat ramp east of the Marina Inn.

Sign up online at riverrelief.org is encouraged, especially for those bringing a group of volunteers, but it is not necessary.