News Release

Volunteers Wanted for River Otters Volunteer Program

Paddlers showing off their haul of abandoned tires

NPS

News Release Date: March 3, 2023

Contact: Effie Houston, 423-569-9778

Obed Wild and Scenic River is looking for volunteers to join the River Otters river cleanup program. “The Obed Wild and Scenic River Otter program is a volunteer partnership for people who love the park’s streams and want to help take care of them,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas. The goal of the program is to provide an extended presence in the park while providing Obed staff with assistance in keeping the waterways clean of debris.

The River Otters are expected to paddle their adopted section of stream at least two times during the calendar year. They also report overall conditions, pick up any trash, and submit a report after each visit. River Otters will collect trash and deposit it at designated locations for pick up by staff. No motorized equipment is allowed.

River/stream sections available to adopt:

1. Lilly Bridge to Clear Creek Confluence (2 miles)
2. Bice (HWY 127) Creek to Barnett Bridge (20 miles)
3. Devil’s Breakfast Table to Obed Junction (2 miles)
4. Obed Junction to Clear Creek Confluence (4 miles)
5. Adams Bridge to Potters Ford (4 miles)
6. Potters Ford to Obed Junction (12 miles)

To learn more about the Obed River Otter program, email the park’s volunteer coordinator or call [phone].

For information regarding the river and technical questions, please contact Matt Hudson at [e-mail], or call [phone].