POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Pocatello is gearing up for an annual volunteer opportunity– the Portneuf River Cleanup. The river is one of the city’s biggest natural resources and assets for tourism. Representatives say the event will continue for years to come to maintain its natural beauty.
Pocatello’s assistant planner, Jennifer Flynn, said the river is completely underutilized and an excellent economic tool for the city. “We’re encouraging folks to come and pull mainly trash out of the river. We’ll do a little bit of removing logjams or any big debris,” Flynn said. “For the most part, we’re focused on trash.”
Flynn said that in years past, volunteers have pulled items as big as wheelbarrows and shopping buggies out of the river. Because of that, volunteers are encouraged to bring power tools and winches attached to vehicles to haul out large items.
“I’d encourage folks to wear shoes that are good for the water and clothes that are okay to get dirty,” she said.
The city will provide gloves, trash bags, and garbage picker tools. Volunteers and city officials will meet at the Pacific Steel and Recycling Trailhead at 10 a.m. on Saturday and work until noon.
They will strategically place dumpsters across the Greenway for people to dispose of trash. Flynn says it’s an effort to get more people out on the river in all its beauty.
“We just want to keep it free of debris and litter to make it beautiful for both wildlife and for people that want to enjoy it,” she said.
Flynn also said people can bring a canoe or kayak to help remove trash from the water. There are several places along the river where you can launch them into the water.
“Volunteering in our community is such a great way to meet new people and also just to be engaged in things going on,” Flynn said. “If you’re an advocate for using the river or outdoor activities in general, it’s a really fun way to contribute.”
2026 River Cleanup
Dozens showed up on Saturday morning for the annual Portneuf River Cleanup, including members of the Pocatello City Council. Some volunteers even traversed over fallen logs and branches to reach trash in the middle of the river.
“The river just needs a lot of help,” said volutneer Julia Miller. “I think it needs a lot of grant money, a lot of labor, and I’m just happy all these volunteers are out here trying to make a difference and doing things that need to be done.”
Other volunteers found shelters and debris deep within the trees on the banks of the Portneuf. Councilmember Ann Swanson held up a sparkly disco ball found along the river and one of Miller’s friends found an entire Owala water bottle caught in the dam.
“We’re definitely seeing some improvement. It’s kind of crazy, the spot we’re cleaning is kind of a makeshift dam, so we’ve been thrown in a couple of times, but I feel like we’re making an impact,” said volunteer Andrew Baker.
The volunteers filled many garbage bags as well as dumpsters with larger items like bicycles. Volunteers ranged in age and ability, with several ISU students coming out to help the effort.
“It’s been a lot of work,” Miller added. “There’s a lot of bugs and trash out here. You can see that the river is really murky because a lot of the sediment and boats that are in the river. I’m proud of everyone who came out to try and help.”
