September 12, 2021
19th Annual
Down The River Cleanup on the Amazing Clackamas River
In partnership with the Clackamas River Basin Council
Do you happen to love this river as much as we do?
The 19th Annual Down the River Cleanup returns Sunday, September 12th, 2021 after being cancelled last year because of the wildfires. Put it on your calendar, and please consider being a sponsor or volunteer for the event!
This annual trash sweep at the end of summer covers a 20+ mile stretch of the Clackamas River from Estacada to the confluence with the Willamette River in Oregon City. The Down the River Cleanup is the largest and longest-running on-water cleanup event of its kind in Oregon.
Each year about 300 volunteers rally together in rafts, kayaks, and SCUBA gear to scour the stream bed and banks for trash, collecting an average of 2 tons – over half of which is recycled. Since 2003, over 40 tons of garbage — well over the approximate weight of one gray whale — has been removed from the Clackamas River by more than 4,500 volunteers. We wrap up the day with a free BBQ for all volunteers, complete with music, a raffle, and a silent auction.
We’re hoping your organization will consider supporting this fun, educational, and community-driven effort to restore and clean our Clackamas River. There are several opportunities to support the event this year, including contributing an item to our silent auction or raffle, becoming an event sponsor , or providing an in-kind or cash donation.
All support directly contributes to the work We Love Clean Rivers does to protect our rivers and the ongoing success of the Down the River Cleanup.
Because of our strong partnerships with local and global businesses, we have been able to broaden engagement with river restoration activities, increase our diverse community’s understanding of threats to watershed health, and provide unique opportunities for the community to give back to the incredible resources we use year-round. Support us as we celebrate our 19th year of turning restoration into recreation! Thank you for considering these opportunities!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please send us an email (info@welovecleanrivers.org) if you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring. We will get back to you quickly and hopefully can find a fit for you and/or your company at the 2021 Down the River Cleanup!
Join us in turning restoration into recreation!
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For more information about volunteer roles and event details, see information below.
Event Details & Schedule
**Please read the event schedule, safety precautions, and volunteer descriptions carefully as we’ve made several event changes in response to COVID-19.
Event Sites
- Milo McIver State Park (lower boat ramp) – 24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada, OR
- Barton County Park – 19009 S Barton Park Rd, Boring, OR
- Carver Park – 14888 S Springwater Rd, Oregon City, OR
- Riverside Park – 17298 SE Water Ave, Clackamas, OR
- Clackamette Park- 1955 Clackamette Dr, Oregon City, OR
Transportation & Parking
Please note that when you register, you have the option to choose one of four parks for your volunteer role (listed below). The morning of the cleanup, you will go directly to the park you registered at for check-in.
Please make sure to arrange YOUR OWN TAKE-OUT SHUTTLE VEHICLE. Parking is free at each of the parks for volunteers. Parking passes will be distributed via email the week prior to the event.
The Day's Schedule
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Volunteers check in for on land and boat launches at Milo McIver, Barton, Carver and Riverside parks.
- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Free BBQ at Barton Park for all registered volunteers. Local food, beverages from local breweries, live music and a silent auction to support future Down the River Cleanup efforts.
Safety
Safety is of our utmost concern. We work hard to provide you with helpful info during the day of the event – however, this information is advisory only. There is an inherent risk in boating on a river and cleaning up debris, and you assume all risks.
On-river volunteers must absolutely be a confident class II+ boater and be equipped with your own boat, paddle(s), life vest, whistle, helmet, and cellphone. There may not be a garbage scow/driftboat while your group is on the water, plan to bring the best watercraft for hauling your collected trash out (bags will be provided for collection).
- All volunteers MUST wear a life vest on river!
- In the event of an emergency, dial 911.
- We also recommend bringing GLOVES, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light rain jacket, a warm layer, hat, fast-drying/wicking clothes, adequate river shoes, a dry bag and a first aid kit.
Food/Drink
Please eat a hearty breakfast, bring lots of snacks, and a water bottle!
This year will provide a return of our BBQ at Barton Park! Music and food will begin at 3PM.
Lavatories
Restrooms are available at all 5 parks. We recommend that you use one before you head down the river!
Sponsors
The Down The River Clean-Up is funded in part by Clackamas River Water Providers, Danner Boots, a grant from L.L. Bean and the American Canoe Association, City of Oregon City, and Clackamas County. Our many partners who make this event possible include SOLVE, WES, Oregon State Parks, Clackamas County Parks, Home Builders Association of Metro Portland, eNRG Kayaking and more.
Please consider supporting this fun, educational, and community-driven effort to restore and clean our Clackamas River by becoming a sponsor of this year’s Down the River Cleanup! We have sponsor levels listed below, and are seeking item donations for our silent auction to be held at the volunteer BBQ. Thank you for your consideration!
For all inquiries, please contact Nicole Fredericks by email: nicole@welovecleanrivers.org. Thank you!
2020 Sponsor Levels
Clackamas Champion – $1,000+
– Logo on day of event signage (5 different parks), WLCR website, and event poster
– Buzz through WLCR social media channels
Clackamas Partner – $500
– Logo on WLCR website and event poster
– Buzz through WLCR social media channels
* Please note: sponsorship levels are are determined by the total sum of cash and/or in-kind contributions.
We Love Clean Rivers, Inc. is an Oregon non-profit and has been approved for tax-exempt status under section 501(c)3 of the Federal Tax Code. Some of your sponsorship may be tax-deductible. Please consult with your tax professional concerning deductibility of your sponsorship.
Volunteer Roles
On-Land Volunteer Positions
As a REGISTRATION VOLUNTEER you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
REGISTRATION VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Volunteer during the morning of the event from 7:30am-12:00pm — THIS IS A MUST!
- Be 16+ yrs of age; if under 16, you may help assist if accompanied by an adult from your household
- Set up registration table area (right by boat ramp) of whichever park site you sign up for at 7:30am. You will be responsible for picking up the table, clipboards, pre-registration volunteer lists, liability waivers, pens, large A-frames with event schedule, details, maps, parking passes, safety info, etc from nearby storage. More information will come prior to the event.
- Make sure all volunteers check in, sign liability waivers, and bags to clean up with (detailed day-of instructions will be provided with all the gear)
- Greet all volunteers and answer any event questions they may have
And of course, feel free to stick around and clean up on land afterwards, be a Sorter Captain, or just have fun at the park!
As a ON-LAND VOLUNTEER you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
ON-LAND VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Check-in at whichever park you pre-registered for (check-in located at registration table by boat ramp; if at McIver, go to lower boat ramp) at 9:00am, sign your waiver, trash bags, etc. and begin cleaning up trash by river banks, parking lots, and park grounds.
- Bring collected bags of trash to the dumpster before leaving park site for the day; do this by 3:30pm at the latest. If at McIver, note the dumpster is NOT located by the lower boat ramp, it’s up by maintenance area (see map).
- If you are under 18, you must have a pre-signed liability wavier (you will get link to download/print in an email prior to the event)
- Be OK with walking on uneven terrain, lifting, bending, carrying 30+ lbs.
- Please make sure to wear a face covering and keep a 6ft distance throughout the park.
- Bring what you need to be comfortable for the day. We recommend work gloves (there will be some provided, but personal rubber/garden gloves are the best!), sunscreen, good shoes, layers, lots of snacks, water, cell phone, and anything else you may need!
** Some On-Land Volunteers like to do riverside cleanup in the morning and transition over to a Sorter Captain in the afternoon. If you would like to do this, please register for both roles.
*** We are proud to be a part of multiple September Clackamas clean-up efforts this year! Instead of having on-land volunteers at Clackamette, we are redirecting volunteers to WES and SOLVE’s events, posted here.
As a SORTER CAPTAIN you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
SORTER CAPTAINS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Volunteer during the event from 11:00-4:30pm — THIS IS A MUST!
- Set up trash sorting stations (right by large dumpster, which will be right by boat ramp) of whichever park site you sign up for. The registration volunteer will meet you there with the supplies.
- Wear safety vest and gloves (we provide vest) at all times during shift/sorting
- Wear a face covering and maintain a 6ft distance while in the parks
- Explain to and help on-land and on-water volunteers sort and load trash correctly into dumpster
- Follow Garbage Sorting Guidelines (listed below)
- Be comfortable picking-up & carrying 40 lbs and be OK lifting, bending, pushing, etc.
- Be over 18 years of age
- Tear down the registration/Sorter Captain table area (right by boat ramp). You will be responsible for returning the table, tent, clipboards, pre-registration volunteer lists, liability waivers, pens, large A-frames with event schedule, details, maps, parking passes, safety info, etc. to nearby storage. More information will come prior to the event.
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR (** = We’ll Supply):
- Work gloves!
- Closed-toed shoes, long sleeves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen & cell phone
- Snacks & water
- Safety vest**
- Clipboard, waivers, pens, wristbands & Trash/Recycle Sorting Guidelines and signs**
NOTE: IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY – CALL 911
SORTING GUIDELINES:
Filling the dumpster is an activity filled with uncertainty, as you won’t know until the last raft arrives at your assigned park how much material will be collected. As you sort and load the garbage and recyclables into the dumpster please think of how it will look and where everything will be when it gets back to Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on Monday to be processed, recycled and sorted again by employees at the MRF. Also remember that stuff will shift in transport and to try and keep piles/areas relatively the same height and touching.
And, at the very end, please make sure the dumpster doors are securely closed.
SAFETY NOTE: Do NOT attempt to open plastic bottles or coolers—especially if they are bloated, foaming and/or have a tube coming out them! These items may be highly toxic. Please leave by dumpster with yellow caution tape.
DO YOUR BEST TO STACK & PILE IN 3 MAIN AREAS IN DUMPSTER:
- FRONT – All white SOLVE trash bags & other smaller trash items
- RIGHT SIDE – Blue/Yellow recycling bags & other items for recycling
- LEFT SIDE – Non-bagged items (large scrap metal & wood)
- TOP (LOADED LAST) – Tires
BAGGED GARBAGE
GARBAGE goes in WHITE SOLVE Bags
GARBAGE =
All plastics (except plastic bottles)
All clothing & random items
All broken glass*
*Broken glass can be placed in 5-gallon buckets until at the take-out, then it will need to go in white bags & into the dumpster
RECYCLING goes in YELLOW/BLUE Bags
RECYCLING =
Metal (including small scrap)
Plastic Bottles ONLY
Cardboard & Paper
Glass bottles* (NOT broken)
*Glass Bottles MUST go in their own separate BLUE BAGS filled ONLY with GLASS
NON-BAGGED GARBAGE =
Metal (large pieces)
Wood & Tires
On-Water Volunteer Positions
As a BOATER/FLOATER VOLUNTEER you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
BOATER VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Bring your own non-motorized paddle craft (kayak, raft, tube, drift boat)
- Be able and okay with putting collected trash onto/in your boat, or to carry a garbage collection bag along with you on your tube/kayak. We encourage groups to work together — so feel free to invite your household!
- Have a PFD/life vest and all necessary gear to navigate river safely. Safety whistle highly recommended; kayakers should wear helmets
- Be competent and comfortable at running class II+ (shallow) whitewater
- Be able to set your own take-out/shuttle vehicle(s) in the A.M.
- Check-in at your registered launch time at whichever park you pre-registered for (located at registration table by the boat ramp. Note: McIver boaters go to lower boat ramp). Here you sign your waiver, get trash sorting guidelines, safety tips, etc.
- Must be putting-on river at your pre-registered launch time.
- If you plan to bring other household members in your craft, or to tag along, please indicate how many when pre-registering online
- If under 18, must be accompanied by an adult
- Bring what you need! This is a full day on the river. We recommend work/garden GLOVES, sunscreen, fast drying/wicking cloths, river shoes/sandals, warm layers, raincoat, lots of snacks, water, cell phone, dry bag with supplies, and anything else you may need!
- Lastly, have a blast, be safe, and feel free to enjoy the rest of your day in the park.
As a SCUBA DIVER you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
SCUBA DIVERS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Check-in at whichever park you pre-registered for (located at registration table by boat ramp) at your pre-registered launch time to sign your waiver, get mesh bags, etc.
- SCUBA at your park site where you check-in (please do not go to another park to SCUBA)
- Bring all your own SCUBA gear, wet suit, etc. and 1-2 friends (to assist with gathering collected trash from you and being safety on shore)
- Be competent and comfortable SCUBA diving in swift, cold river water
- Pre-register online; if you plan to bring other on-land buddies to help you, which we highly recommend, please indicate that when pre-registering online
- If under 18, must be accompanied by an adult at the event
- Bring what you need! This is a full day in the river. We recommend sunscreen, change of clothes, lots of snacks, water, cell phone, and anything else you may need!
- Lastly, have fun and feel free to enjoy the rest of your day in the park!
As a FREE DIVER you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering!
FREE DIVERS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Check-in at whichever park you pre-registered for (located at registration table by boat ramp) at your pre-registered time to sign your waiver, mesh bags, etc.
- Bring all your own gear you may need, such as wet suit, booties, goggles, gloves, etc.
- Consider bringing a boater buddy to follow along with you to throw trash into their boat.
- Be competent and comfortable free diver with experience diving in swift, shallow, cold river water
- Pre-register online. If planning to bring other divers with you and/or boaters, which we highly recommend, please make to pre-register them as well
- If under 18, must be accompanied by an adult at the event
- Bring what you need! This is a full day in the river. We recommend sunscreen, change of clothes, lots of snacks, water, cell phone, and anything else you may need!
- Lastly, have a blast, be safe, and enjoy the rest of your day in the parks!
As a GARBAGE SCOW you have an important role, and we truly thank you for volunteering! Please read over the complete description below to know what your duties entail!
GARBAGE SCOWS ARE REQUIRED TO:
- Check-in at whichever park you pre-registered for (located at registration table by boat ramp) at your pre-registered launch time to sign your waiver, mesh bags, etc.
- Provide and row an oar raft or drift boat that can be used to haul garbage to the take-out (we will provide a tarp for your boat and a 5-gallon bucket to collect broken glass)
- Coordinate transportation to and from put-in and take-out
- Bring what you need! This is a full day in the river. We recommend sunscreen, change of clothes, lots of snacks, water, cell phone, and anything else you may need!
- Study and know your section of the river; we will send/show you maps prior to the day of the event
PLEASE NOTE: IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY – CALL 911
GARBAGE SORTING GUIDELINES
- Everyone is to work together to safely remove & clean up the river.
- Please wear gloves at all times.
- Please use extreme caution when picking up sharp materials.
- If you don’t feel safe – don’t pick it up!
- ONLY pick-up garbage to the high water lever mark—this line marks private property.
- As Garbage Scows take on bagged items & non‐bagged items think about how the offloading will look like once you all have arrived back at shore.
- Once on-land garbage sorters are to place all garbage in an organized manner in the dumpsters for the waste hauler facilities to count, weigh & sort recyclables.
- SAFTEY NOTE: Do NOT touch or move plastic bottles if they are bloated, foaming and/or have a tube coming out them! These items may be highly toxic/combustible! Please leave near the dumpster & mark with yellow caution tape. Notify your Safety Kayak Captain.
BAGGED GARBAGE
Is to be carefully placed in the correct color bags, placed in Garbage Scow’s drift-boat & brought to take-out to go in the dumpster.
GARBAGE goes in WHITE SOLVE Bags
GARBAGE =
All plastics (except plastic bottles)
All clothing & random items
All broken glass*
*Broken glass can be placed in 5-gallon buckets until at the take-out, then it will need to go in white bags & into the dumpster.
RECYCLING goes in YELLOW or BLUE Bags
RECYCLING =
Metal (including small scrap)
Plastic Bottles ONLY
Cardboard & Paper
Glass bottles* (NOT broken)
*Glass Bottles MUST go in their own separate BLUE BAGS filled ONLY with GLASS
NON-BAGGED GARBAGE
Is to be placed in GARBAGE SCOW’s drift-boat, on the tarp, brought to the take-out, and then put into DUMPSTER with on-land garbage sorter’s help.
NON-BAGGED GARBAGE =
Metal (large pieces)
Wood & Tires