Lower Madison Clean Up

Lower Madison River Clean Up

Contributed by Todd Greene

The Lower Madison River is one of Montana’s special places. It draws anglers, boaters, families, and outdoor enthusiasts who come to enjoy its beautiful scenery, wildlife, and cold, clear water. But with all that use comes a responsibility to take care of the river.

Over the years, Madison-Gallatin Trout Unlimited and other conservation groups have organized annual cleanups where volunteers work by boat and on foot to remove litter. Volunteers have collected dozens of bags of trash from the Lower Madison.

This year in August, Bozeman Sunrise Rotary members joined in the clean up by picking up trash along the Lower Madison River and its banks. What might seem like a small effort can make a big difference. Every piece of garbage removed is one less piece of litter that can end up in the water, harm wildlife, or spoil the experience for the next person who visits.

We found the usual reminders of a busy summer on the river—bottles, cans, food and other discarded items. Picking up trash isn't glamorous work, but there is something rewarding about seeing an area go from cluttered to clean. It also gives you a different perspective on how much impact people can have, both good and bad, on the places they enjoy.

Our cleanup was a simple way to give something back to a river that gives so much to the community. It doesn't take much—a pair of gloves, a trash bag, and a willingness to spend a little time helping out.

The river belongs to all of us, and keeping it clean is everyone's responsibility. If each person who enjoys the Lower Madison picked up just a little trash and made sure they packed out what they brought in, the difference would be tremendous.

A clean river is a healthier river, a better place for wildlife, and a better place for everyone who comes to enjoy Montana's outdoors.

Pack it in. Pack it out. And if you see some trash along the way, pick it up.

September 2026