What began as a way to honor the memory of a beloved outdoorsman has grown into one of Mineral County's largest community volunteer events. 

Sponsored by the Mineral County Rec Club and the Mineral County Conservation District, the 3rd Annual Buddy Spangler River Cleanup returns on Saturday, Aug. 8, bringing together volunteers from across western Montana to help remove trash from local rivers and streams while celebrating the waterways that define the region.

Participants will meet at 8 a.m. at the vacant lot between the Masonic Temple and Mineral Pharmacy, 203-205 River Street in Superior, where they will receive gloves, garbage bags, lunches, and assignments before heading out to clean stretches of the Clark Fork River and other frequently used creeks and recreational areas throughout Mineral County. 

Organizers are seeking volunteers of all ages and experience levels. Participants can choose to float a section of river by boat or clean popular access areas along local waterways.

The annual cleanup honors Buddy Spangler, whose passion for Montana's rivers and outdoor recreation continues to inspire family, friends and community members to give back to the places he loved. 

"Every bag of trash collected helps preserve these rivers for future generations," Mineral County Rec Club president Bessie Spangler said. "It's amazing to see so many people come together each year to make a difference. In 2025, we had 62 volunteers clean up the Clark Fork River from Cyr to St. Regis as well as multiple drainages along that stretch. Additional access areas along the St. Regis River were cleaned up along I-90 from Henderson Exit to the Two Rivers Fishing Access Site in St. Regis. We collected 3,420 pounds of metal, which was recycled, and 6.66 cubic yards of trash!"

To encourage participation, volunteers who register early will receive a complimentary sack lunch from Riverside Soups & Sandz. Everyone who volunteers will also be entered into a raffle featuring dozens of prizes donated by businesses from throughout western Montana. 

"My cousin Matt Spangler is a fishing guide out of Missoula and has done the majority of the planning and gathering of prizes and sponsors. I couldn't do this without him," she said.

The grand prize is a custom-built 'Buddy Spangler Memoria' fly rod, donated by Clark Fork Trout of St. Regis and handcrafted by Superior rod builder Don Davis. Additional raffle prizes include an Echo Lift fly fishing combo from Missoulian Angler, a two-person Alberton Gorge half-day whitewater trip from Pangea River Rafting, a 'Blackfoot' rod holder from Montana Rod Racks through Blackfoot River Outfitters, river meals from The Sandwich Hatch, shuttle vouchers from Montana River Shuttles, apparel from Grizzly Hackle, Knife Company, and prize packages from several other regional businesses. Organizers say additional prizes continue to be added. 

Volunteer river shuttles will be provided by Clark Fork Trout of St. Regis, Joe Cantrell Outfitting of St. Regis and River City Shuttle of Missoula. Because shuttle space is limited, early registration is encouraged.

At the end of the cleanup, volunteers will return collected refuse to a flatbed garbage trailer at the check-in site, where recyclable metal will be separated from other debris. The day concludes with a community celebration at the Mineral County Recreation Club which is within walking distance of the sign-in area. Volunteers can enjoy complimentary burgers and hot dogs provided by Hawk Fencing, beverages courtesy of Big Sky Brewing, and the highly anticipated raffle drawing.

The cleanup has become more than a conservation effort. It has evolved into an annual gathering that brings together anglers, rafters, local businesses, conservation-minded residents and families who share a commitment to keeping western Montana's rivers clean and accessible. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to register in advance to help organizers plan lunches, transportation and cleanup assignments. Registration is available online, and additional information can be found through the Mineral County Recreation Club website mcrecclub.org.

Over 60 volunteers helped in 2025 during the Buddy Spangler River Clean Up. (Bessie Spangler photo)

Last year, the Buddy Spangler River Cleanup netted 3,420 pounds of metal, which was recycled, and 6.66 cubic yards of trash. (Bessie Spangler photo)

Last year, the Buddy Spangler River Cleanup netted 3,420 pounds of metal, which was recycled, and 6.66 cubic yards of trash. (Bessie Spangler photo)

Over 60 volunteers helped in 2025 during the Buddy Spangler River Clean Up. (Bessie Spangler photo)