The 17th annual Allegheny River Cleanup is coming up in a couple of weeks.

Last year, nearly 200 volunteers removed more than 12 cubic yards of trash and 32 tires, along with 5,700 pounds of recyclable metal contributed by the community and collected on the river. That’s a lot of trash taken out of the river – and there’s more work to be done this year.

There are three clean-up areas this year:

– Thursday, Sept. 11 – Buckaloons to Wildwood Inn;

– Friday, Sept. 12 – Wildwood Inn to Tidioute; and

– Saturday, Sept. 13 – Allegheny Outfitters to Buckaloons.

And, from September 6-15, organizers will collect recyclable metal at the AutoZone parking lot on Market Street in North Warren. Look for the dumpster and sign. No garbage, tires, mattresses, batteries or electronics are accepted. Organizers are looking for about 40 volunteers each day, and advance registration is required at www.alleghenyrivercleanup.com/volunteer.html.

We hope those who have an ability to help out volunteer to do so. The Allegheny River has given much to Warren County. We’ve noted in recent weeks the economic impacts of tourism in Warren County, and the Allegheny River is one of our drawing cards. It’s also home to a truly beautiful riverscape – but it takes some effort to keep that riverscape beautiful for visitors and, just as importantly, those of us who live here year-round and enjoy the river’s natural beauty.

We have a true gem in our collective back yard. The Allegheny River Cleanup is a chance for us to preserve that gem.