BoatSmith volunteers clean up Smith River

Over 250 people attended the 3rd BoatSmith Whitewater Festival between Feb. 18-20, 2022. Created in 2019, BoatSmith is an annual whitewater event featuring down-river kayak and raft races and a river cleanup. Hosted by Gasquet residents and the Smith River National Recreation Area, the event also served as a fundraiser for the Gasquet Mountain School. BoatSmith volunteers along with American Whitewater, Smith River Alliance, and Smith River NRA staff collected 980 pounds of illegally dumped trash from around the Smith River NRA. This stewardship work is an important part of BoatSmith festivities. And special thanks to the Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority for covering Transfer Station fees.