First Clean Waters Campaign comes to a close

Beer cans, plastic and any kind of litter in the waterways of northwestern Montana is what the Clean Waters Campaign is trying to eliminate.

And Valley Wide Seakayaking Adventures LLC is giving away a kayak to help the cause. The campaign began in late June. Founder of the campaign and co-owner of Valley Wide, Sam Stone, said that so far it’s a success.

“I’m out on the water a lot, so I see it working,” Stone said. “The awareness that is raised is huge I think.”

The way the campaign works is simple. Anyone who wants to participate can by picking up any litter they see and disposing of it in the proper manner.

Litter-cleaners who want to claim a prize need to document their deed by taking a photo and writing up a description of what, when and where, and then bring that “proof” to the awards ceremony at The Raven in Woods Bay on Sat., Aug. 25 at 1 p.m.

A panel of judges that include Stone, Fish, Wildlife and Parks Park Manager Jerry Sawyer and Woods Bay business proprietors will award prizes based on amount collected, effort, grossness, etc.

First place includes a Perception Prodigy 10-foot kayak, gift certificates, a hotel stay, a rental package and t-shirts. Second place and third place prizes will also be awarded.

Stone said people have been posting pictures of the litter they’ve cleaned up to Valley Wide Seakayaking’s Facebook page. Just from looking at how many pictures have been posted and how many people have spoken to the shop about participating in the campaign, Stone thinks the project has been successful enough to continue next year and potentially expand.

“I’d like for the clean waters campaign to be everywhere,” Stone said. “There’s not a lot of litter out there right now and we have a unique opportunity to stay on top of it.”