Buddy Spangler River Clean Up this weekend
Over 50 volunteers pulled over 1,500 pounds of gunk last year with hopes of more help and more garbage extracted this Saturday. (Photo provided)
Conservation, community and the spirit of local legacy come together this Saturday, Aug. 9 for the second annual Buddy Spangler Memorial Clark Fork River Clean-Up in Superior.
It was organized by cousins Matt and Bessie Spangler who are great grandchildren of Buddy Spangler. Matt is a Missoula-based fishing guide who developed the idea as part of his participation in the Guiding for the Future program.
They worked with the Mineral County Conservation District for initial funding last year and have their fingers crossed the MCCD will be able to assist again this year.
A private donation for 2025 has been the fuel along with Bessie’s position as president of the Mineral County Rec Club, which is a powerhouse of community volunteers, aims to preserve and protect the health of the Clark Fork River and its surrounding tributaries, while honoring one of Montana’s conservation pioneers.
The event is named in memory of R.W. “Buddy” Spangler, a Superior native and former Chairman of Montana’s Committee on Fish and Game. In 1933, Spangler was instrumental in drafting and passing House Bill 259, which helped define public access to navigable waterways. This legislation laid the foundation for Montana’s current Stream Access Law (MCA 87-2-305) — widely regarded as one of the most progressive and effective river access laws in the world.
Now in its second year, the event continues to grow in impact and participation. Last year, over 50 volunteers pulled more than 1,500 pounds of trash from the river corridor. This year, organizers are hoping to do even more.
Event Schedule for Saturday, Aug. 9: 8 a.m. Volunteer Meeting & Check-In
Location: Vacant lot between the Masonic Temple & Mineral Pharmacy (203–205 River Street, Superior, MT) Volunteers will receive garbage bags, gloves, sack lunches from River Side Soups & Sandz, and area assignments for walking or floating routes across Mineral County's public fishing accesses.
All Day – Trash Collection: Volunteers will float, walk, or hike along the Clark Fork River and its tributaries collecting garbage. Participants are encouraged to separate metal from other trash and bring all collected refuse back to the designated flatbed trailer at the check-in site. At 4 p.m., it’s the After Party Location: River Side Soups & Sandz (Back Room) Celebrate the day’s accomplishments with music, stories, and community spirit.
Raffle drawings begin at 5 p.m. BYOB. All ages are welcome, including kids with supervising adults and well-behaved dogs. Not all volunteers need to float the river as people can also clean up drainage areas or known dumping sites.
Raffle prizes include: Full Day and Half Day Fly Fishing Trips (Matt Spangler & Conor Wynne-Parry). Custom “Buddy Spangler Memorial Cleanup” fly rod (Don Davis & Clark Fork Trout). Echo Lift Fly Fishing Combo (Missoulian Angler). “Measure Net” landing net (Joe Cantrell Outfitters). 30lb anchor (Captain’s Green Anchors). Fly rod kit (Kingfisher Fly Shop). Hats, shirts, and outdoor gear (Grizzly Hackle & Trail Head Riverports).
“In 1933, R.W. (Buddy) Spangler laid the groundwork for what we now consider a model stream access law,” said Matt Spangler. “He believed in the importance of public access and the protection of our natural resources. This event is about carrying that legacy forward.”
Sign-up deadline for sack-lunches is Wednesday, Aug. 6. www.mcrecclub.org/events-offerings/cleanriver
Whether you’re a fly fisher, a conservationist, or simply someone who loves Montana’s rivers, the Buddy Spangler Memorial Clean-Up offers a hands-on way to give back and connect with your community.