20th Anniversary of the Clackamas Down the River cleanup

Thank you Down the River Cleanup Volunteers!

Thanks again to the volunteers, Clackamas River Basin Council staff, and generous sponsors for a fantastic day on the water. Notable finds were both targeted large trash items identified by River Ambassadors (truck tires and burnt out stove), and lots of hidden/hard to find cans, bottles, caps, butts, flipflops, and wrapper trash.

No one found a Unicorn floating mattress ($100 challenge posted by a participant before the Barton to Carver section), and very few floaties were found in general. While not the worst of the possible litter trash, these floaties have been the biggest eyesore in recent years. Thanks again to the 2023 River Ambassadors for their persistent sweeps and pickups – the abandoned floaty epidemic will not be going away soon, but at least there are none left behind as the Fall fish runs and rains come in.

We will be sharing the tally (lbs of trash and recyclables found on each section) soon!

Thanks again volunteers, sponsors, and Clackamas River Basin Council staff!

ORIGINAL POST DOWN THE RIVER CLEANUP IS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2023

CELEBRATE ONE OF THE CLEANEST URBAN RIVERS IN THE WORLD

We have turned restoration into recreation for 20 years.
Come join the fun!

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

20th Anniversary

Join We Love Clean Rivers and the Clackamas River Basin Council for the 20th Anniversary of the Down the River Cleanup.

The Down the River Cleanup is the longest-running on-the-water cleanup event of its kind in Oregon. 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.

Starting the morning of Sunday, September 10th, volunteers in canoes, kayaks, rafts, drift boats, or with SCUBA or snorkel gear, will set out from a public launch to clean one of the four sections of the Clackamas Water Trail. Cleanups end between 1 and 2pm (sectios vary in lengths), and once boats have been loaded and shuttles completed, volunteers enjoy a cookout celebration at Barton County Park. Event ends at 4pm.

The Clackamas Water Trail covers the 22 mile undammed lower portion of the Clackamas River in Oregon,with dozens of class I riffles and a few class II rapids. The river is home to endangered salmon, drinking water for over 300,000 Oregonians, and a recreational outlet for thousands. The Clackamas River is named for the Clackamas (Tlakamas) people, who from time immemorial have called this area home and are still strongly connected to the river today.

Highlights

This annual trash sweep at the end of summer covers a 22 mile stretch of the Clackamas River from Estacada to the confluence with the Willamette River in Oregon City.
This lower 22 mile stretch is now officially called the ‘Clackamas Water Trail‘ (see below).
The Clackamas Down the River Cleanup is the largest and longest-running on-water cleanup event of its kind in Oregon.
Each year an average of 200 volunteers rally together in rafts, kayaks, SCUBA gear, drift boats and any other safe vessel to scour the stream bed and banks for trash, collecting an average of 2 tons with over half 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.

Key event information

Register online until Friday, September 8th, 2023
The event is free and open to all ages (youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).
On-Water volunteers: Boaters must be familiar and comfortable with the Class I – II waters of the lower Clackamas River, and always wear a PFD and whistle.
Only SCUBA certified divers or experienced snorkelers, and all must be familiar and comfortable diving in river conditions.
Volunteers are responsible for their own boats, river gear, and vehicle shuttle.
Riparian Lovers (on-land cleanup volunteers): We need help off the water, like staffing the morning check in stations and cleaning up riparian zones (area next to the river) around the launches. No river experience required!
All registered volunteers will receive parking passes, cleanup bags, litter picking equipment (gloves and mechanical grabbers), and a free cookout at Barton Park immediately following the cleanup.

Event Schedule

Sunday, September 10, 2023

7:00-7:30 am – Core volunteers arrive at put-in parks
8:00-9:30 am: On-Water Volunteers run their shuttles
8:30-9:30 am: Check in for On-Water and On-Land volunteers at put-ins for sections
9:45 am Safety Talk at each put-in (led by Safety Leads)
10:00 am-2:00 pm: Down the River Cleanup – paddlers on the water!
1:00-2:00 pm: Finish shuttles or come right to Barton (finish shuttle afterwards)
1:30-4:00 pm: Cookout celebration for all volunteers

Registered paddlers receive:

Free park entry and parking
Cleanup supplies
Snacks
On the water support and safety
After-cleanup meal at Barton Park (Pavillion #7)

2023 Down the River Cleanup
registration CLOSED!

VOLUNTEER UPDATES

VOLUNTEER UPDATE #1: August 28, 2023

August 28, 2023

Greetings 2023 Down the River Cleanup volunteers!

Thanks again for registering. From garbage scows to riparian lovers, we welcome you all and look forward to seeing you in just under two weeks for the 20th Anniversary Down the RIver Cleanup!

Some reminders:

Key information is on the website: https://welovecleanrivers.org/events/down-the-river-cleanup-2023/ We will email you directly (like here) if there are significant updates.
Everyone in boats (kayak, canoe, raft, SUP, drift boat) must wear a life vest (with a safety whistle) while on the river.
We will email you PDF parking passes the week of the event. They must be printed and placed in the dashboard during the event.
You must arrange a shuttle (likely with someone in your group). If you are having trouble setting up a shuttle, please email Matt Taylor (matt@welovecleanrivers.org) directly.
You can now download the We Love Clean Rivers and SOLVE waivers from the event website. Both must be signed; email back signed digital copies or bring signed paper copies to the event.
All cleaning supplies (bags for trash and recycling, gloves, and trash grabbers) are provided.
Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a snack.
Don’t forget to join us at Barton Pavilion #7 for a free cookout from 1:30 – 4pm.

This is Volunteer Update #1 – we will send at least two more. Feel free to email either Amy Barton (amy@clackamasriver.org) or Matt Taylor (matt@welovecleanrivers.org) with any questions and we will get back to you ASAP with answers.

Sincerely,

Amy & Matt

Down the River Cleanup Coordinators

VOLUNTEER UPDATE #1: August 28, 2023 PDF

VOLUNTEER UPDATE #2: Sept. 6, 2023

September 6th, 2023

2023 Down the River Cleanup volunteers,

We are a mere four days out and excited to see all of you this Sunday, September 10th. Who is ready for some fun on the river?!

Please see the following reminders for a smooth trip:

What you are bringing:

Life vest: everyone in boats (kayak, canoe, raft, SUP, drift boat) must wear a life vest (with a safety whistle) while on the river.
Parking pass: please see the attached PDF parking pass for McIver, Barton, and Carver (Riverside and Clackamette are free). They must be printed and placed in the dashboard during the event.
Shuttle: you must arrange a shuttle (likely with someone in your group). If you are having trouble setting up a shuttle, please email Matt Taylor (matt@welovecleanrivers.org) directly.
Waiver: please see the attached We Love Clean Rivers and SOLVE waivers. Both must be signed; email back signed digital copies or bring signed paper copies to the event. We will have copies at the event.
Other: please bring a water bottle, snack, sunscreen, hat, and appropriate river wear (no flip flops!).

What we are bringing:

All cleaning supplies: (bags for trash and recycling, gloves, and trash grabbers)
Safety: we have safety captains, numerous safety kayakers, and an AMR swiftwater rescue technician with each section.
Free cookout: Don’t forget to join us at Barton Pavilion #7 for a free cookout from 1:30 – 4pm!

Schedule Update (on website, too)

Sunday, September 10, 2023

7:00-7:30 am – Core volunteers arrive at put-in parks
8:00-9:30 am: On-Water Volunteers run their shuttles
8:30-9:30 am: Check in for On-Water and On-Land volunteers at put-ins for sections
9:45 am Safety Talk at each put-in (led by Safety Leads)
10:00 am-2:00 pm: Down the River Cleanup – paddlers on the water!
1:00-2:00 pm: Finish shuttles or come right to Barton (finish shuttle afterwards)
1:30-4:00 pm: Cookout celebration for all volunteers

Lastly, please take a look at the updated 2023 Down the River Cleanup Map to see exactly where some notable trash spots have been marked. The map also shows Stash the Trash Bag stations, key event locations, and other river features (similar but less informational than the Clackamas Water Trail website, co-created by We Love Clean Rivers and Clackamas River Water Providers).

This is Volunteer Update #2 – we will send at least one more. Feel free to email either Amy Barton (amy@clackamasriver.org) or Matt Taylor (matt@welovecleanrivers.org) with any questions and we will get back to you ASAP with answers.

Sincerely,

Amy & Matt

Down the River Cleanup Coordinators

VOLUNTEER UPDATE #3 Sept. 9, 2023

September 9th, 2023

2023 Down the River Cleanup volunteers,

It’s the eve of the 20th Anniversary Down the River Cleanup! Registration is Closed with 194 people registered for tomorrow.

Number one reminder: Please be at your put-in park no later than 9am tomorrow to Check-in. You will find us at a table near the boat ramp, happy to see you. For many of you this means starting your shuttle no later than 8am, and preferably earlier.

And please review the event website for the schedule and other information.

Other ‘don’t forgets:’

Life vest: everyone in boats (kayak, canoe, raft, SUP, drift boat) must wear a life vest (with a safety whistle) while on the river.
Parking pass: please see the attached PDF parking pass for McIver, Barton, and Carver (Riverside and Clackamette are free). They must be printed and placed in the dashboard during the event, and are required to get into Barton. If you have any trouble email or text Amy or Matt and we will get you through!
Shuttle: please complete your shuttle with time to get to your put-in park no later than 9am.
Waivers: both WLCR and SOLVE’s waivers must be signed; email back to matt@welovecleanrivers.org with signed digital copies or bring signed paper copies to the event. We will also have extra copies at the event.
Other: please bring a water bottle, snack, sunscreen, hat, and appropriate river wear (no flip flops!).

We are ready for you:

All cleaning supplies: we will have bags for trash and recycling, gloves, and trash grabbers at each park.
Safety teams: we have safety support for each section, including numerous safety kayakers, and an AMR swiftwater rescue technician. And we know many of you are excellent and experienced boaters.
Free cookout: Don’t forget to join us at Barton Pavilion #7 for a free cookout from 1:30 – 4pm!

Schedule

Sunday, September 10, 2023

7:00-7:30 am: Core volunteers arrive at put-in parks
8:00-9:30 am: On-Water Volunteers run their shuttles
8:30-9:30 am: Check in for On-Water and On-Land volunteers at put-ins for sections
9:45 am: Safety Talk at each put-in (led by Safety Leads)
10:00 am-2:00 pm: Down the River Cleanup – paddlers on the water!
1:00-2:00 pm: Finish shuttles or come right to Barton (for McIver group: you can choose to finish shuttle afterwards and eat first if you like)
1:30-4:00 pm: Cookout celebration for all volunteers

This is Volunteer Update #3 – the last! Feel free to email either Amy Barton (amy@clackamasriver.org) or Matt Taylor (matt@welovecleanrivers.org) with any questions and we will get back to you ASAP with answers. And we will see you all on the river tomorrow!

Sincerely,

Amy & Matt

Amy Barton (amy@clackamasriver.org) (503) 528-6867

Matt Taylor (matt@welovecleanrivers.org) (541) 921-0316

Down the River Cleanup Coordinators