Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Paddle Green Spotlight: Oregon Whitewater Association Sandy River Cleanup

By ACA Instructor Sam Drevo

The Oregon Whitewater Association (OWA) is one of the largest whitewater clubs in Oregon, and its members are dedicated to river safety and stewardship. Working with local outfitter eNRG Kayaking and some of the top swiftwater rescue instructors in the Northwest, OWA organizes a two day river safety workshop each year that allows members to learn, practice, and hone river safety skills. 


This year we were able to merge this effort with an ACA Paddle Green cleanup to help make Dodge Park a little cleaner. 


OWA conducted the cleanup on April 23 & 24 at the confluence of Bull Run (where Portland gets its drinking water) and the Sandy River. Volunteers filled all of their Paddle Green Bags and even pulled a muffler exhaust pipe off the river bank. 


The cleanup offered a great opportunity to demonstrate to club members and park-goers our whitewater community's commitment to protecting and preserving the river. Thanks to the ACA for providing the bags and the format to pay it forward.


Want to organize a Paddle Green cleanup in your area? Visit www.americancanoe.org/streamtosea for more information on how you can join the fight against marine debris!


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