The 29th Annual River Cleanup Day is coming September 17th, 18th, 24th, & 25th. It's fun, it's easy, and the rivers need your help! After enjoying recreation along the Umpqua River this summer, let's come together to help keep it clean. Help your community take care of the rivers and streams we all enjoy and join the 29th Annual Umpqua Basin Cleanup, September 17-18 and 24-25, 2011. The Umpqua Basin cleanup is self-directed with numerous locations along the river; grab a few friends and join in the effort to keep the Umpqua River clean. Garbage bags, gloves, and site location assistance are provided; participants travel to and clean up their selected areas on their own. Bags and gloves are available from the BLM by contacting Ariel Hiller at the number listed below. To participate contact: For the Roseburg area and Highway 138 East locations - Ariel Hiller at (541) 440-4930 For Canyonville and South County locations - Richard Chasm at (541) 430-2161 For main Umpqua locations - Alan Bunce at (541) 459-7823 Or:
Arrive in person at the Fowler Street Parking lot on September 17 and 24, 2011, from 9:00am to Noon. It's east of the Douglas County Library on the corner of NE Diamond Lake Blvd. and NE Fowler St. in Roseburg. A map and information about cleanup locations will be available. Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do with the garbage once I collect it?
- Estimate the weight, post it on our Facebook page (Umpqua Basin Cleanup) or email it to
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, and then throw it away at the landfill for free.
- Roseburg, Glide and Myrtle Creek Transfer Station open Wed.-Sat. 9-7
- Contact Ariel @ BLM if you are unable to dispose of the trash yourself.
I found an arrowhead/neat old glass bottle/cultural artifact. Can I keep it?
- No, please leave cultural and historic items in place on both public and private lands. Email us through our Facebook page when you find these items.
There are chemicals or hazardous waste in the site we’re cleaning, what should I do?
- Make sure volunteers identify each item before they touch them. If uncertain, leave it alone and contact a coordinator. A new hazard is propane tanks – don’t touch! Report any hazardous waste to Oregon State Police.
I saw a needle, what should I do?
- Be sure that volunteers do not touch medical waste, hazardous materials or “sharps.” Contact your coordinator or reach us through the Facebook page (Umpqua Basin Cleanup).
Before Heading Out
- Make sure everyone reads and signs the SOLV waiver.
- Have gloves, proper clothing and shoes and try to work with a partner.
- Have a cell phone and a set of directions to the site.
- Know what to do in case of emergency.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, even if you plan to be out for a short time.
In the Field
- Be careful of unstable banks, steep slopes and water; watch for fishing line and hooks and collect them safely if possible.
- Watch for poison oak, plants with thorns or other natural hazards.
- Watch for traffic and wear a safety vest and/or brightly colored clothing.
- Take breaks, rest and don’t work continually. Drink water, eat a snack... this is strenuous activity!
- Follow common sense practices when lifting heavy items.
- Be a good model of safe behavior.
I need bags, gloves or safety vests, what should I do?
- Call or email
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or 541-440-4930
Invasive Species Removal
- False brome = pull and bag
- Scotch broom = completely pull, pile in one area out of sight if possible
- Blackberry = cut as close to the ground as possible, pile out of sight in one concentrated area
- English ivy = pull and bag Important Health and Safety Information
Q: What is an algae bloom?
A: Algae are microscopic plants that grow naturally in oceans and fresh waters. Under certain conditions, some algae can grow into a large visible mass called a bloom.
Q: Why are algae blooms a health concern?
A: Not all blooms are harmful, but some species of algae, such as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, can produce toxins or poisons that can cause serious illness or death in pets, livestock, wildlife and humans.
Q: How will I know if a toxic algae bloom is present?
A: Algae blooms appear as thick foam or scum on the water’s surface. They can be bright green, blue-green, white or brown in color. Unfortunately, you cannot tell if an algae bloom is toxic just by looking at it. If you come across areas of thick algae, take precaution by avoiding water contact and keeping pets out of the water.
Q: What are the health risks posed by exposure to toxic algae?
A: Skin irritation or rash is the most commonly reported health effect. Other symptoms range from diarrhea, cramps and vomiting to fainting, numbness, dizziness, tingling and paralysis. The most severe reactions occur when large amounts of water are swallowed.
Q: When should I seek medical attention for exposure to toxic algae?
A: Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.
Q: What can I do to protect my pets from algae?
A: Dogs can be exposed to toxins by licking cyanobacteria from their fur after swimming. Don’t let pets or livestock swim or drink in areas where there is a scum or mat of algae on the water. If they do swim in such areas, rinse them off as soon as you can. Symptoms of exposure to cyanobacterial toxins include loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, seizures difficulty breathing and convulsions. Neurological symptoms, including salivation, can appear within 15 to 20 minutes of exposure. If your animals show any of these symptoms, seek veterinary advice. Be sure to tell your veterinarian that your animal may have come into contact with cyanobacterial toxins. |
Education/Outreach
