The annual event brings together federal, state, county, and private groups, and individuals who want to make a difference.

They have been succeeding.

According to a release from the U.S. Forest Service Allegheny National Forest, 116,789 pounds of metal and debris, 436 cubic yards of trash, and 1,457 tires have been removed by the efforts of 3,270 volunteers over the years.

Those who would like to participate in this year’s event — to be held Saturday, Sept. 7, through Saturday, Sept. 14 — may register at www.alleghenyrivercleanup.com.

http://alleghenyrivercleanup.com/ Allegheny River Cleanup Google map of launch points.

The clean-up starts at 8:30 a.m. each day. The schedule is:

¯ Saturday, Sept. 7, Conewango Creek;

¯ Monday, Sept. 9, Allegheny River from Buckaloons to Wildwood;

¯ Tuesday, Sept. 10, Allegheny River from Wildwood to Tidioute;

¯ Friday, Sept. 13, Allegheny River from Tidioute to West Hickory; and

¯ Saturday, Sept. 14, Allegheny River from Allegheny Outfitters to Buckaloons.

Volunteers are asked to sign up as soon as possible and not later than Thursday, Aug. 29.

They will help make the 2017 Pennsylvania River of the Year “even more spectacular,” according to the website.

“Shared stewardship events like this allow many organizations to pool their resources to help preserve our waterways for healthy drinking water, protect and improve ecosystems for all wildlife, and make recreation areas safe for the public to enjoy,” ANF Public Affairs Officer Chris Warner said.

A group of individuals will conduct the annual pre-clean-up event next week. That project will focus on an old farm dump at the edge of State Game Lands in Akeley.

More information about the clean-up is available by visiting alleghenyrivercleanup.com.