Forest Service, county, nonprofit work to clean up illegal trash dumps

Illegal trash dumping is a pervasive problem on public lands in western Montana, including in the woods right around Missoula.

Hazardous materials, tires, trashed camper trailers, refrigerators and wrecked cars are often piled in discreet or not-so-discreet spots and spoil the natural beauty while polluting the environment.

That’s why the Lolo National Forest, Missoula County, Republic Services waste disposal and a nonprofit called Woods Not Waste have teamed up to clean up a few problem locations in the Deep Creek area west of Missoula.

Luke Jovin, co-founder of Woods Not Waste, a nonprofit that collects illegally dumped materials from natural areas, stands next to an abandoned camper and other illegally dumped materials found along sections of the Deep Creek area west of Missoula. Woods Not Waste, along with the help of the City of Missoula and the Missoula and Ninemile Ranger Districts, seek volunteers to help with clearing and properly disposing of years’ worth of trash found in the area.

ANTONIO IBARRA OLIVARES, Missoulian

The Deep Creek area on Southside Road next to the Clark Fork River is a popular area for recreationists,

View Source