Big Clean up of Abandoned Camps along Sandy River

As mentioned in a previous post, we’re embarking on our goal of reclaiming the area between 1000 Acres Road and the Sandy River.  As most users of the Delta know this area can be a risky place to hike through due to the ever present  transient camps, and the associated accumulation of a tremendous amount of trash.

Last week, we started clearing some of the abandoned sites through the area and near the intended trail.  We went in with a small group of 7 volunteers on Saturday, November 16th, and even knowing what we were in for, we quickly became overwhelmed with the amount of trash.  However, we did manage to haul out a small dumpsters worth, and began to make plans for more visits to the area.

On Thursday, November 21st, spearheaded by our equestrian partners and with a donated 20 yard dumpster from Crown Point Refuse, we went in with a contingent of 12+ volunteers, and a tractor for hauling.  Starting at 10AM On a beautiful, sunny, windy and cool day, we had the dumpster filled by 2pm, and called it a day.

We truly surprised ourselves on how much we were able to haul out, and we made huge progress on the amount of debris left in the area.  Though there still numerous sites to clean up, this was a big dent by any measure.

We will continue to work on clearing this area with periodic clean-up days, and by working with local law enforcement to identify and target illegal camps for sweeps.  With this increased visibility, we should be able to claim the area as a good safe place to visit for all Delta users.

If you’re interested in helping during future clean-up events, watch this website, contact us, or sign up on our yahoo! group page to receive future notification.

Scroll down for photos.

Thanks,

Jeff

-Photos from Saturday’s Clean-up

The first days work

Even children were apparently at these camps

Just about anything was hauled in

Camp Debris

Photos from Thursdays Clean-up

A larger crew, and a beautiful day

Finishing up one site

A cleaned up site (see above)

Picking up scattered trash on way out

Tractor emptied, and dumpster closed

A second dumpster for metal recycling

A 20 yard dumpster filled to capacity

end of a days work

Cleaned up, Closed up, Ready for Pick-up