On Sunday August 21, 2011, Chelan County Natural Resources Department (CCNRD), Chelan Douglas Land Trust (CDLT), Cascadia Conservation District (CCD) and Picture the Wenatchee (PTW) hosted a river clean-up event at several locations.
If you were not able to participate in the event on the 21st, consider hosting your own clean-up as part of the Adopt-a-River program.
What is Adopt-a-River?
Adopt-a-River builds upon the Wenatchee River Clean-up that started in 2009. The Wenatchee River Clean-up started when a local citizen voiced concern about hazardous metal objects in the river. For two years, the Chelan County Natural Resources Department and Cascadia Conservation District hosted the Wenatchee River Clean-up and over 120 volunteers have floated or walked the river bank and removed 7,000 pounds of metal and trash.
How can I get involved?
Gather your friends, select a stretch of river, and pick a date to remove garbage. Adopt-a-River is a great program for families, individuals, businesses, or community groups. We recommend groups adopt a section of river for two consecutive years then determine if that stretch of river requires additional cleanup.
Why Adopt-a-River?
The Wenatchee River and its tributaries provide critical habitat for many life stages of Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed endangered spring Chinook, steelhead, threatened bull trout and other key species that depend on good water quality. Recreational use is very high on the Wenatchee River throughout much of the year with the river being one of the most popular whitewater destinations in Washington State. Large unnatural debris such as cars or car parts, miscellaneous metal, and everyday trash can be found in the river. This trash and debris decreases water quality, aesthetic appeal, and poses a safety hazard to recreational users. By adopting a section of river your group can improve water quality for endangered species and help protect a valuable resource to the local community.
Getting Started
- Form a group
- Register with Adopt-a-River, contact Matt Shales at matt.shales@co.chelan.wa.us
- Determine whether your group will float or walk the stream bank.
- Pick a date - we recommend dates from late July through October to avoid spring high water levels
- Make sure you have all the necessary equipment (gloves, garbage bags, first aid kit, etc…). Chelan County can provide garbage bags and gloves
- Have a disposal or recycling plan, Chelan County may be able to pick up your garbage. If we cannot provide this service we can help coordinate with local disposal and recycling services.
- Conduct the cleanup, have fun, be safe, and be sure to report your results on Chelan County's website.
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