Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, the Friends of Whiskeytown, Shasta Roots and Shoots, and Forever Resorts will combine their efforts and collaborate with local businesses and supporters to help clean up litter in the park on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. This event is part of National Coastal Cleanup and National Public Lands Day held annually in September and is a national effort to mobilize volunteers to contribute to a healthy water cycle as they improve one of America’s many favorite outdoor places. National Public Lands Day falls on Sept. 26, which has been designated as a free-fee day for the public. “We could not think of a better way to end this year’s summer of recreation in the park and decided to partner with various organizations in order to maximize the combined efforts from as many supporters as possible," stated park superintendent Jim Milestone.
Over the last seventeen years, hundreds of volunteers have helped to clear thousands of pounds of litter from around Whiskeytown Lake. “We are very pleased to have the Shasta Roots and Shoots and the Friends of Whiskeytown helping us with the lake clean-up," continued Milestone. “We are also very grateful to Forever Resorts for providing several patio boats to help with the pick up of litter along the shoreline of Whiskeytown Lake," added Milestone. “Everyone in the community is invited to join us in making a difference at Whiskeytown Lake and we look forward to seeing some of our dedicated, long-time volunteers again. We hope to also make new friends during this significant community event," concluded Milestone.
After picking up litter from various locations in the park including the beaches and the shoreline, volunteers will be treated to a BBQ lunch at the Brandy Creek Marina. In addition, volunteers will receive a free raffle ticket for special prize drawings and have a chance to participate in a treasure hunt while picking up litter, all thanks to several local businesses and individual sponsors throughout Redding.
Participants can register Saturday morning from 8:30-10:00 am in front of the Whiskeytown Visitor Center, which is located 8 miles west of Redding at the intersection of Highway 299 and Kennedy Memorial Drive. Volunteers should bring gloves, wear appropriate clothing and bring their own personal water container for this particular activity. The park will have water available at various locations to fill up your container if the need arises. For more information please contact Billy Watkins at (530) 242-3450, or Karen Scheuermann at (530) 347-1687.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
