Over 100 volunteers showed up last month for the sixth consecutive Owens River Annual Clean Up. The weather was gloriously sunny which no doubt helped inspire people to show up and help. Jessica Strickland of Trout Unlimited and Eric Huber of Caltrout were both present with literature for interested volunteers on what their respective non-profit organizations do for our treasured fisheries. Volunteers split up to divide and conquer different parts of the river. Attendees returned at noon with enough trash to fill a six-foot-tall dumpster about two-thirds full.

“It’s too bad this needs to be done,” said Chris Leonard, one of the event organizers, “but it’s great to see the community rally together every February to get 'er done!” Volunteers came from all over the state. There were several local residents as well. A few went home with some free raffle swag, including a fly-fishing rod and reel, tenkara rod, fly-fishing tools, literature, gift certificates and clothing. All in all, it was a great success!

California Waterfowl is proud to sponsor this grassroots, clean up effort year after year. We hope this event continues to grow and inspires others!

The event organizers would like to personally thank the following supporters of this year’s event: Back Alley Bar and Grill, California Deer Association, Caltrout, Ducks Unlimited, Eastern Sierra Fish Reports, Erick Schat’s Bakery, Great Basin Bakery, Golden Trout Lanyards, Inyo Recycling and Waste Management, KIBS Radio, Kittredge Sports, KMMT-KRHV Radio, Orvis, Preferred Septic and Disposal, Rhino Nets, Rio, Redington, and Sage, Scientific Anglers, Sierra Brite Dot, Sierra Mountain Trout, Snowbee, Silver Lake Resort, Southwest Council, Fly Fishers International, Tenkara Tanuki, Trout Scout, Trout Unlimited and Virginia Lakes Resort.

Next year’s event will be Saturday, February 13, 2021 – always the Saturday following the Super Bowl. People interested in making monetary donations for lunch or donations for the raffle – or any inquiries in general - can call Chris at 818.288.3271.