Fifteen years ago, the river was a mess. But then fishermen and community members took matters into their own hands.

Fast forward to Saturday and the public access at the Belfry Bridge, in Cody, is pristine. Shelters for picnics and family gatherings built by community groups dot the shoreline and the banks of the Shoshone River are clear of litter — an inviting oasis for all.

The East Yellowstone Chapter of Trout Unlimited (EYTU) and Adiposse, a smaller and younger fishing club, sponsored the cleanup. Despite the cold wind, dozens from the groups and community members came together for another round of cleaning, their only payoff a continued sense of pride.

“When we first did this, we filled three big horse trailers,” said Dave Sweet, board member of EYTU. “We pulled cars, canoes, bicycles, mattresses and toilets out of [the river]. You wouldn’t believe the stuff we’ve found.”

While a couple dozen walkers traversed the banks at three locations along the river, boats cast off in the cold to scour the river down to the Corbett Bridge. Their goal was to fill a dump truck provided by Big Horn Redi Mix — lofty considering their years of labor. But there’s always garbage, whether carried in by the wind or dumped by those too lazy or cheap to make the drive to the landfill.

“This is nothing; this is easy after 15 years,” said Blake Clark, president of Adiposse. “We’re just taking care of the stuff we’re blessed enough to have.”

Park County allows the group to dump the garbage in the landfill free of charge, Clark said.

From the boats, a few tires, an old water heater, a child-sized sled and hundreds of pounds of plastic and metal bits were collected. Styrofoam, plastic, bottles and cans filled large black bags, donated by Ace Hardware, by those on foot. While the cleanup didn’t start until 9 a.m., folks started arriving early; they’re a family of sorts. The spirit of family exists not only between parents and children, but by total strangers as well.

“It brings the community together,” Sweet said. “We’ll see families here, many that don’t even fish.”

Many headed out with friends and family. Parents brought their children to teach the importance of community service. But Sammi Kerrisun struck out alone on the chilly morning, identifying a hillside as her target. She’s a transplant to northwest Wyoming from Nebraska and not a member of the fishing community. Kerrisun enjoys the trails along the river and pristine views. She quickly started filling her bag with used food containers and plastic — most hidden in bushes and in the grass near the trail.

“I just wanted to do my part,” she said.

Volunteers warmed themselves with hot coffee donated by Cody Coffee. The effort is done in the winter because water flows are lower, allowing them to find more trash. The group had planned to head to a clean up of the Bighorn River near Thermopolis on Sunday, but weather tentatively postponed it to next Sunday. They’re in the second year of the effort there and have a lot of work to do.

“When I travel to places and you see it full of garbage, that sends a message before you even hit the water,” said Tom Reed, president of EYTU. “I think a clean environment makes it more enjoyable for everyone.”