Help clean up the Lower Salt River Recreation Area

Tonto National Forest seeks volunteers for 32nd annual Salt River clean-up

Mesa, Ariz. (September 12, 2011) – The Lower Salt River Recreation Area is one of the busiest recreation spots on Tonto National Forest hosting thousands of visitors every summer weekend.  Unfortunately, many of these visitors leave their trash behind, creating an unsightly and dangerous mess.

To help restore this stretch of water back to its natural beauty and in celebration of National Public Lands Day, the Mesa Ranger District of Tonto National Forest, will host the 32nd Annual Salt River Clean-up on Saturday, September 24 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Enhancing and preserving the outstanding recreation opportunities on the Salt River is one of the missions of the Mesa Ranger District,” said District Ranger Art Wirtz. “We really need the public’s help to clean up these heavily-used recreation sites.”

Register online for the event at www.mrdvolunteers.org/lsrcleanup.html, or in person at the Pebble Beach Recreation Site from 8 to 9 a.m..  The clean-up begins immediately after registration and will continue until about noon when lunch and beverages will be provided free to volunteers.

Trash bags and parking for volunteers are free for the day’s events.  Participants are urged to wear closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes that can be worn in and around water, as well as sunscreen, and gloves.  A majority of the clean-up will occur on shore near the water; however, some efforts are needed on water. Those equipped with kayaks or rafts are encouraged to join in the clean-up.

“All the support we receive from the public during this event goes a long way toward restoring the Lower Salt,” said Wirtz. “This is a great opportunity for those who truly love our forest to give back, helping us preserve this great recreation area for the future.”

For more information, contact Rocco Minetti at the Mesa Ranger District at 480-610-3332 or contact him by e-mail at lsrcleanup@yahoo.com.