Times Observer photo by Heather-Cathcart-Norris Volunteers for the Allegheny River Cleanup set-out from the Buckaloons to Wildwood for day one of the three-day event, removing garbage from the 2024 River of the Year.

As the fog lifted off the Allegheny River on Thursday morning, nearly 40 volunteers joined Alleghany Outfitters, the U.S. Forest Service, and other community contributors for the 16th anniversary cleanup.

The “Sweet Sixteen” celebration commemorates a significant achievement in the community’s environmental initiatives, marking the successful cleanup of the Allegheny River, recognized as the Pennsylvania 2024 River of the Year.

Since 2005, nearly 5,500 volunteers have donated more than 48,000 hours and removed about 1,000 cubic yards of trash from the watershed.

They’ve pulled out various items, including more than 17,500 tires, and recycled almost 160,000 pounds of metal.

“We aren’t pulling out the large household items we used to. Ten years ago, we would find televisions and any appliance from homes, like refrigerators and washers,” said Nathan Welker, the Aquatics Program Manager of the U.S. Forest Service.

“The regional community has done a good job of growing the cleanup into a mindset instead of an event and keeping trash out of the watershed,” said Welker.

Just two days ago, the organizers learned there was a new group in charge of the land crew. These individuals collect the trash found by volunteers in canoes, kayaks and other watercraft as they make their way along the river.

The community stepped up, filling all the volunteer positions for the three-day event.

Jim Swanson, a longtime volunteer and river enthusiast, said, “As a fisherman, I have enjoyed improving the river and the watershed.”

Other longtime volunteers include Ford Dean, Denny McClellen. who hauls the trailer, and Dave Snyder, who are all part of the land crew.

Snyder has been involved for over 10 years and is the only volunteer member of the planning committee, providing tremendous support for organizers.

The cleanup’s goals are to promote stewardship, remove garbage, and create a spirit of giving back to the community. By leading, the event and its contributors set an example for others.

Community members can drop off scrap metal in the receptacle at the AutoZone in North Warren anytime now until Sunday.