ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — Crews were out on and near the Clinch River on Saturday afternoon wading, boating, and picking up litter along the road.
Thousands of pounds of trash were cleaned from the area, which is not unusual for this annual cleanup. Along with regular litter like cans and bottles, multiple tires were pulled from the water.
Those who love the Clinch River area for all it offers are upset with how much litter people leave on a regular basis.
Clinch River Cleanup Chair Rusty Hallett says a lot of times people don’t think about the bigger ripple they are making by leaving trash.
“It's really frustrating to me that people don't realize the impact that they're [making] because it all gets washed into the watershed and it all winds up on the banks,” Hallett explains.
The volunteers feel so passionately about the Clinch River area because of all it offers. Many talked about the beauty of the area and how people can fish, swim, and kayak peacefully; however, Steve Croslin, who comes to the river frequently, says he sees trash more than he would like.
“I come to the river frequently, and I probably see trash maybe one out of three trips-- but the river's not the place for that stuff obviously,” Croslin says.
Volunteer Julie Oaks says it’s simple to remember to leave an area the way you found it, and to use a trash can when necessary.
“Leave only footprints, anywhere you go. Just leave only footprints,” Oaks urges.
This event has been going on for 6 years, and in that time over 8,000 tires have been pulled from the river.
Close to 100 volunteers are needed every year for the cleanup effort.