Volunteers sought for Salt River Clean-Up Project

River bank clean-up volunteers sought by Tonto National Forest

Lower Salt River, Mesa Ranger District, Sat., Feb. 18

 

Mesa, Ariz. (Jan. 30, 2012) – As one of the busiest recreation spots on the Tonto National Forest, the Lower Salt River Recreation Area hosts thousands of visitors year round.   Unfortunately, many of these visitors leave their trash behind, and some of it accumulates in the river.

 

To help restore the river to its natural beauty, and clean up debris that is floating in the river, the Mesa Ranger District is hosting a River Bank Cleanup, Saturday, February 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

“Now, while the river is at a low level, is a good opportunity to clean up the banks and to help enhance and preserve the beauty and outstanding recreational opportunities on the Salt River,” said District Ranger Rocky Gilbert. “We really need the public’s help to clean up these heavily-used recreation sites.”

 

Register online for the event at the Blue Point Recreation Site from 9 to 10 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 rocky terrain, as well as sunscreen and gloves.  A majority of the clean-up will occur in the river bed near the water.

 

“Having support from the public for this event goes a long way toward restoring the Lower Salt,” said Gilbert. “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, visit the Mesa Ranger District Volunteer website at www.mrdvolunteers.org or send an e-mail to greenteam@mrdvolunteers.org.