Oregon State Marine Board News

Oregon's Recreational Boating Agency

P. O. Box 14145 Salem, Oregon 97309-5065
Phone: (503) 378-8587 Fax: (503) 378-4597

Media Contact: Randy Henry, ext. 247 Home Page: www.osmb.state.or.us

Date: Friday, May 14, 1999

For Immediate Release

Boaters Motor, Paddle to Help Clean Rivers

Boaters in the Portland Metro area will have a special opportunity to participate in the "Down By The Riverside - Enhancement, Cleanup and Appreciation Day" from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 22. "This is an excellent way for boaters to help beautify the lower Willamette River," says program coordinator Erin Peters. "This is a good opportunity for boaters. We need their help to get the river back in shape."

Though many land-based clean-up events are planned statewide, one Portland effort is designed for boaters and focuses on the Lower Willamette River. "We're bringing in a 40 cubic yard dumpster to the boat ramp at Willamette Park," says Peters. "We'll hand out trash bags to boaters to help pick up litter along the banks of the river." Peters invites boaters who launch at the site or at other ramps to stop by and get a trash bag to participate in the clean-up. "A lot of people will be boating this spring - this will be the start of spring water sports and shad fishing will draw hundreds of boats to the lower river. It's a good time to spruce up the river for the Rose Festival."

Boaters will want to bring work gloves, rakes and boat hooks to help pull trash from the river. Be prepared for cold or rainy weather. "Above everything else, we want people to be safe - don't take chances. Wear your life vest at all times. If you find large, awkward objects that are difficult to lift into the boat, note the location and let SOLV take care of it," says Peters.

Down By The Riverside is a statewide effort coordinated by SOLV, Oregon Adopt-A-River and the Oregon Marine Board. More than 60 organized clean-up events are planned on May 22. While many of these events are shoreline based, some are suitable for boaters. For details, contact SOLV at (800) 322-3326, or check the SOLV web site at www.solv.org.

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Updated 05/14/99