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NW Steelheaders Join Forces to Clean Up the Clackamas River
Members of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders from the Clackamas River, Sandy River and Tualatin Valley chapters were among 161 volunteers for this year’s Down the River Cleanup, helping remove nearly 3,000 pounds of garbage and recycling from a 22-mile stretch of the Clackamas River and Clackamette Cove.
The Clackamas Down the River Cleanup is the largest and longest-running on-water cleanup in Oregon. The event was organized by our friends We Love Clean Rivers and the Clackamas River Basin Council, with support from a broad group of community, government and business partners.
After the summer tubing season when thousands visit the river to cool off from the hotter temperatures, also known as the “sevylor hatch”, an extraordinary amount of garbage can accumulate on the banks and beds of the river. Together, volunteers collected an impressive 2,980 pounds of debris, including mattresses, shopping carts, tires, metal scraps, shoes, cans, fishing lures and plenty of other discarded materials. The cleanup covered the river from McIver to Clackamette, as well as Clackamette Cove.
This year’s cleanup was even more fun with the introduction of prizes for the some of the most unique items found around the river, with several different categories for entries including fashion, colors of the rainbow and most unusual.
A collection of items found in the river, submitted into the contest.
For NW Steelheaders, the event was about more than picking up trash. It was a reminder that protecting Oregon's rivers requires many different people and organizations working together. Anglers, watershed councils, local governments, conservation groups, businesses and community volunteers each bring different perspectives, expertise and resources to the table.
That kind of collaboration is especially important when it comes to protecting salmon and steelhead. Clean water, functioning habitat and healthy rivers benefit fish, wildlife and the communities that depend on them—including recreational anglers.
The day wrapped up with a BBQ provided by the generous event sponsors, a live band and time to connect with our fellow river recreationalists.
A volunteer putting their found trash to good use.
NW Steelheaders are proud to be part of the coalition working to keep Oregon's rivers clean, accessible and full of fish for generations to come.
Thank you to all the Steelheaders and volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and helped give the Clackamas River a little extra care!
This event was possible because of sponsorships from Metro, Clackamas County Water https://www.mthoodterritory.com/articles/fall-guideEnvironment Services, Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory, Clackamas Sunrise Community Coalition, Tigard Water District, Clackamas County Parks, eNRG Kayaking, Clackamas River Water Providers, Warn Employee Community Impact Program, Stone Circle Cider, Oregon City Brewing, and Solve.
