2/13/97: On-river cleanup for the lower South Fork is scheduled for this Saturday, February 15. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Hwy 49 bridge (which still remains as the only public river access for the lower open at this time).
A dumpster will be placed at Salmon Falls for the debris found along the way. Plenty of large garbage bags will be available at the River Store (see map). There will be maps and information available at the River Store as well as at the bridge. Jeff Novak from El Dorado County Parks & Recreation is heading this project. More details will be available closer to the event.
This clean-up will hopefully continue for the next couple months, on an informal basis, by boaters who are willing to take a few minutes to pick up trash along the river as they boat down. We will try to set up long term drop-off points (on public property), that can be accessed by vehicles periodically to pick up bags.
We are still reaching out to the local residents - who are in turn still trying to assess the damage and decide on the most effective course of action. Right now there are no actual "work parties" lined up for specific homes, but if you're in the area and want to help, contact the Mother Lode Church at (916) 622-0686 or The River Store at (916) 626-3435.
Many of the local campgrounds and outfitters need help in order to open for their season in March. In particular, Camp Lotus, Coloma Resort, and Mother Lode need help. The third Camp Lotus work party will be this weekend, Feb. 15-16. The campground isn't yet open for the season, but workers can stay there free of charge; showers will be available.
For all work parties, please come prepared with rugged clothing, heavy work gloves, and sturdy boots or shoes. If possible bring tools such as chain saws, rakes, shovels, pitch forks & wheel barrows. If you don't have tools, not to worry - there is plenty of hand work to be done!
As always, if you are up boating, please stop and collect debris along the way. If you are unable to carry it out yourself, please stack it in an appropriate place & manner for others to pick up. Please do not stack debris on private property, unless the local landowner is present and gives consent!
Thanks from all of us!
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