The second annual Kenai River Cleanup was held May 7-16, 2015 and it was a huge success.
Over 500 students from the Kenai Borough School District and Cook Inlet Academy cleaned up trash along the Kenai River at Izaak Walton, Morgan’s Landing, Bing’s Landing, Rotary Park, Centennial Park, Swiftwater Park, Soldotna Creek Park, and Moose Meadows Access. The event collected over 4,000 pounds of garbage and debris from the Kenai River and included community members and volunteers.
This event would not have been possible without the partners, volunteers, and support of the community. Event co-chairs Mark Glassmaker and Keith Baxter volunteered a significant amount of time to make this happen. Redoubt Elementary won the award for the school that collected the most trash (1,860 pounds). The Upper River Debris Drifters collected 210 pounds of trash, including a car transmission. Carol Walsh and family also deserve credit for the family that collected the most trash (29 pounds).
Event partners included Kenai River Professional Guide Association, City of Soldotna, Alaska State Parks, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai River Sportfishing Association, Stream Watch, and Soldotna Chamber of Commerce. Major sponsors included Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Batir Construction, Soldotna VFW, Kenai River Sportfishing Association, Stanley Chrysler, Soldotna Elks, and XTO Energy.
Other businesses that contributed to the river cleanup include Coca-Cola, Keguta Dental, Kenai River Foundation, Safe Kids Program, Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker, Alaska Sea Life Center, Alaska West Air, Aspen Hotel, Big Daddy’s Pizza, Blockbuster Video, Charlotte’s Cafe, Dairy Queen, Febra Hensley/Jack White Realty, Froso’s Restaurant, GF Sherman Signs, Homer Electric Association, Hutchings Auto Group, Jersey Subs, Jumpin’ Junction, Ken’s Alaskan Tackle, Kenai Riverbend Resort, Key-O’s Guide Service, Magpye’s Pizzeria, Moose River Dental, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Pizza Boys, River & Sea Marine, Safeway – Kenai, Soldotna Professional Pharmacy, Soldotna Trustworthy Hardware & Fishing, Stanley Ford & Chrysler, Sweeney’s Clothing, Wilderness Way, and McDonalds.
I’d like to thank all the participants, volunteers, partners and businesses that participated in this event! The event was great success and helps to improve fish and wildlife habitat along the Kenai River.
