Boaters' 20th river cleanup this weekend

  Saturday's Reverse River Run marks the 20th year dedicated boaters will be going up the Colorado River from Fisher's Landing to Blythe, Calif., picking up trash along the way.

  "Last year, we filled up two Dumpsters with plastic bags crammed with trash," Smokey Knowlton, one of the organizers, said. "My wife, Judy, and I have been working with many couples and families each year.

  "In the past we've had between 110 and 130 volunteers. Couples like Scott and Linda Hunt with daughter, Kim,  have been on nearly every run.

   "For this 2008 run, we'll meet at Fisher's at 8 Saturday morning, when the Bureau of Land Management's Adopt-a-Shoreline program, America-Clean and Beautiful will provide trash bags for participants.

  "Boaters are to bring drinking water and wear hats and gloves. Along the way, picking up trash is a competition of sorts. Some categories are for the stinkiest stuff, most unusual and more.

  "The cleanup is a symbol to remind everyone to not litter the river and to show courtesy to others," Knowlton said.

  At the end of the run, camping is available at the KOA River Resort for $6 per person. There's a fuel dock, clean restrooms, showers, a swimming pool, whirlpool and small store.

  "A barbecue dinner will be served at $4 per person — paid at the time," Knowlton said.

  Boaters will return Sunday morning "on their own,"  Knowlton said.

  For more information, call Lori Cook at the BLM, 317-3243, or Knowlton at Yuma River Tours, 783-4400.

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Pam M. Smith can be reached at psmith@yumasun.com or 539-6856.