Cleanup Efforts Begin At Obey River Park

Cleanup of the Obey River Park began Monday after flood waters left behind large amounts of debris.

Park Ranger Sondra Carmen said crews have almost cleared the day use area, but about a mile of drift still remains.

“The biggest issue is the debris,” Carmen said. “When the lake elevation was at flood stage and the wind and the current pushed a lot of debris, it all landed into the park. We have been through this before, but this year there seems to be more than in the past.”

Carmen said completion of work all depends on weather, but crews are optimistic that the majority of debris will be removed by the end of next week. Then assessment of utility and site damages can begin.

“The debris is mixed in size and shape,” Carmen said. “Some of them are very fine. Small twigs or smaller. All the way up to entire large trees have all floated in. So, we had to wait until the water gets off of that so the machinery can get out and scope it up.”

Until then, Carmen said the day use and playground area is open when machinery is not in the area. Carmen said the campground is expected to reopen on April 30th.