The Clark County Public Works volunteer program is calling for adult volunteers to help with a beach cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, March 16 at Blurock Landing. Blurock Landing, located at 8001 NW Lower River Road in Vancouver, is a park at the confluence of the Vancouver Lake flushing channel and the Columbia River. Snacks and supplies will be provided. 

In addition to being a popular spot for summer gatherings, this park has also been the site of illegal dumping and unauthorized camping. Public Works worked with local law enforcement to address these activities, though after several cleanups by staff some litter and debris remains. To prevent the litter from polluting the river, the area must be cleaned up before the beginning of the annual rise in river levels later this spring. When the water rises, the litter could be washed into the river and to beaches and habitats further downstream. After assessing weather conditions and river levels, staff have determined that this weekend is the ideal time for this cleanup to occur. 

This event is an adults-only activity (age 18 and older) because of the higher-than-normal potential for hazardous items to be found among the litter. While this restriction is meant to protect the youngest of our community’s volunteers, no volunteer, including adults, are ever asked to handle anything hazardous without the proper personal protective equipment (including gloves, trash picker tools, etc.) or supervision. Staff will handle any items that volunteers feel uncomfortable handling. For additional protection, volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.

Registration is required. Information, including registration, is at clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

CONTACT
Kaley McLachlan-Burton, communications manager
360.946.7584
kaley.mclachlan-burton@clark.wa.gov