RIVER AMBASSADORS PROMOTE STEWARDSHIP AND LOW-IMPACT RECREATION.
GOALS
- Improving visitor experiences
- Communicating river conditions and hazards
- Reducing river congestion
- Encouraging river stewardship and safety
- Connecting visitors to the abundance of recreation services in the Clackamas River region
THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO EFFECTIVE RIVER DIPLOMACY:
After two seasons of refining River Ambassador work around a land shift (information tent, similar to Trailhead Ambassadors) and getting direct feedback from volunteers and land managers, we are shifting to a three-pronged approach to increase our direct messaging and actions around stewardship. We have added two new options that allow experienced boaters to volunteer on the water.
- Land Shift – staff a pristine riverside information station at McIver, Barton, Carver, Riverside, or Clackamette Park. Conduct water quality monitoring, watch for wildlife, share info!
- Water Shift – set out on your own craft and fly the River Ambassador and We Love Clean Rivers flags. Post up on a beach, set up the canopy tent, watch for more wildlife, share info!
- DIY Cleanup mission – organise your own cleanup on a section of the Clackamas and report your findings. See example trip report and photo below.
OTHER DETAILS
- NEW Clackamas Water Trail map and information website – thanks to River Ambassador stakeholder and sponsor, Clackamas River Water Providers, a new online map and information website has been created. Much of the information that is conveyed by River Ambassadors will now be available 24-7, and with a beautiful interactive map.
- Sign up for yourself or a group! Select land or water shifts (note: water shifts require you to be a proficient paddler or with one and all of your own gear).
- Make the timing work for you with DIY cleanups (you organize on your own time and at your own risk). We are simply asking people to sign up through a google map (like true DIY, this is a scrappy way to organize), with simple upload instructions for a trip report and/or photos.
- Land and Water shifts will be scheduled for targeted peak-use Saturdays between the 4th of July and Labor Day (explore Eventbrite registration page for volunteer opportunities).
- A celebration for all River Ambassadors will be held at the Cookout following the Down The River Cleanup on September 11th, 2022.
- Feel free to email info@welovecleanrivers.org with questions, or sing up now and we will keep you posted on training sessions, sign-up schedule, etc.
ENJOY THE SPLENDOR OF THE CLACKAMAS RIVER!
| We saw a piece of vegetation or a ribbon/webbing of some sort, but could not ID or stop (in middle of swift channel rapid); teen raft identified a tire buried in mud near where they pulled out (putting on map) |
River Ambassador Qualifications
- Friendly, professional, outgoing individual
- Enjoys informing and helping others
- Enjoys learning about and sharing knowledge of the Clackamas River and surrounding region
- Transportation to and from the River Ambassador station (at a park on the Clackamas)
- Boating gear, including life jacket with whistle (for on-water volunteers)
River Ambassador Benefits
- Connect with other people who love the Clackamas River and surrounding region
- Spend a day in one of your favorite local parks for free, with designated parking and front row seats.
- Be an advocate for the Clackamas River by helping others be safe and thoughtful river stewards
- Great schwag: River Ambassador t-shirt, hat, and other treasures.
Keeping volunteers safe is our first priority - if you have questions about our COVID-19 safety precautions, feel free to contact us at info@welovecleanrivers.org.
We Love Clean Rivers is grateful for our strong partners in developing the River Ambassadors Program
The River Ambassadors are funded in part by Clackamas River Water Providers, Mt. Hood Territory, Travel Oregon, and We Love Clean Rivers.