Community invited to Flathead Waters Cleanup

Community members are invited to gather their family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, classmates, or outdoor clubs and spend a day giving back during the Flathead Waters Cleanup on Saturday, Aug. 8. 

The annual basinwide event brings volunteers together to remove trash and debris from rivers, lakes, streams, creeks, shorelines and public access areas throughout the Flathead Basin. 

The 2026 Flathead Waters Cleanup is co-hosted by the Western Montana Conservation Commission, Flathead Rivers Alliance, Flathead Conservation District, Flathead Lakers, and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. 

Volunteers can participate from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and are welcome to give as much or as little time as they would like. Following the cleanup, volunteers and community members are invited to an After-Party and Prize Giveaway from 4–8 p.m. Join us at Sacred Waters Brewery in Kalispell or the Flathead Lakers' office in Polson for food, drinks, and chances to win amazing prizes. 

“This event is a great example of what basinwide stewardship looks like,” said Sheena Pate, executive director of Flathead Rivers Alliance. “Our rivers, lakes, streams, and creeks are connected, and caring for them takes all of us. Whether you spend an hour cleaning up a favorite shoreline or access site or gather a crew to spend the day on the river, every person who participates is helping care for the larger Flathead watershed.” 

With cleanup locations throughout the Flathead Basin, volunteers can choose an opportunity based on where they live, recreate, or feel most connected to the watershed. Community members are encouraged to create teams with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, classmates, clubs and other community groups. 

The event continues a collaborative model established through previous Flathead Waters Cleanups, bringing agencies, organizations and community members together to care for waterways throughout the basin. 

As a co-host, Flathead Rivers Alliance is coordinating volunteer crews on the North, Middle and South Forks of the Flathead River, with both walking and floating cleanup opportunities available. 

Individuals and teams can select from designated river access sites and floating sections along the Three Forks of the Flathead River. To volunteer on the Three Forks of the Flathead River: email [email protected] with your preferred site or river section and team name. 

For cleanup opportunities on other lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks throughout the Flathead Basin, volunteers can register through the Flathead Waters Cleanup main event registration site at tinyurl.com/flatheadcleanup. 

This year's cleanup also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River designation, adding special significance to stewardship efforts on the Three Forks. 

The North, Middle, and South Forks encompass approximately 219 miles of designated Wild and Scenic River. Flathead Rivers Alliance works alongside agency partners, communities, businesses and volunteers to help steward the outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values of the river system. 

“Celebrating 50 years of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River isn't only about looking back,” Pate said. “It's also about thinking about what we want these rivers and the larger watershed to look like 50 years from now. The Flathead Waters Cleanup gives all of us a hands-on way to be part of that future.” 

The Aug. 8 cleanup reflects the collaborative approach needed to care for a watershed that crosses communities and jurisdictions. From picking up litter along a neighborhood stream to walking a river access site or floating a section of the Flathead River, every effort contributes to keeping the Flathead's waterways clean, healthy, and beautiful for today and future generations. 

To learn more visit flatheadrivers.org. Three Forks volunteer registration is at [email protected]. Basinwide cleanup registration is at tinyurl.com/flatheadcleanup.  

    The Flathead Waters Cleanup brings volunteers together to remove trash and debris from rivers, lakes, streams, creeks, shorelines and public access areas throughout the Flathead Basin. (Photo provided)