The annual Missouri River–Lake Sharpe cleanup effort this year resulted in 2,710 pounds– or 1.36 tons– of trash and debris being removed from areas along and adjacent to the river in Pierre and Fort Pierre.
The over 100 volunteers, in land and water based crews, found 1800 pounds of rubble (lumber and concrete), 840 pounds of litter and trash, 50 pounds of tires and 20 pounds of scrap metal.
Wednesday’s effort was the 9th cleanup in the last 10 years on upper Lake Sharpe. The cleanups have taken over 19 tons of debris out of the bodies of water since 2009.
The cleanup is organized by the Izaak Walton League and the Central South Dakota Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited. This year’s effort involved nine boats and numerous vehicles and trailers. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as four individuals provided their boat or pontoon for the cleanup. Many local groups and organizations also volunteered their time.
Following the cleanup the volunteers enjoyed a picnic supper in Griffin Park prepared by the Pierre Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. The event was made possible through contributions from the City of Fort Pierre, Thrivent Financial, Eagle Sales, Leisure Palace Pools and Spas, Arctic Glacier Ice and the Pierre Fire Department.
