MENDOCINO Co., 5/30/19 — The Eel River Recovery Project (ERRP) will be assisting the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with cleaning up a trespass grow found on BLM land near the South Fork Eel River, and is seeking “fit and motivated” individual volunteers to help out.
The ERRP has helped coordinate volunteers for more than ten similar trespass clean-ups in 2015 and 2016, in coordination with federal land agencies and local law enforcement, supported by grants to help restore public lands.
The upcoming clean-up is scheduled for June 4, and volunteers will meet at the intersection of U.S. Route 101 and Bell Spring Road north of Laytonville. Anyone interested in participating should be prepared for a hike and bring a lunch. Anyone interested in getting involve can contact the ERRP Wilderness Coordinator Phill Hosking at (707) 354-0631 or Jeff Hedin at (707) 943-3816.
More details in the full press release below:
Eel River Recovery Project Helping BLM Clean Up Trespass Grow on June 4
The Eel River Recovery Project (ERRP) has been working with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management Arcata Office since 2013 on improving access to Wilderness Areas in the South Fork Eel River watershed and cleaning up areas despoiled by trespass marijuana grows. On Tuesday, June 4 ERRP will conduct another volunteer-assisted clean-up of a trespass grow in northern Mendocino County and fit and motivated individuals are invited to participate.
In 2015 and 2016, ERRP marshalled volunteer energy to clean up ten trespass grows on BLM land with cooperation from the California Conservation Corps, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Mendocino Sherriff’s Association. Volunteer coordination and planning was funded by Rose Foundation California Wildlands grants and a new Wildlands grant is similarly underwriting this year’s clean up. In general, trespass marijuana grows have been decreasing, but some problem areas remain. The ERRP Wilderness Committee was formed to cope with trespass grows, but also shares a vision with BLM of improving access to Wilderness Areas and fostering more use by recreational enthusiasts.
Later this summer ERRP will be helping improve access at the Little Dann Creek trailhead on BLM holdings near Leggett. Another trail improvement project is slated for the Middle Fork Eel River watershed on the Mendocino National Forest near the Eel River Guard Station. ERRP will also sponsor a hike in to see summer steelhead in the MF gorge in late summer. Dives to census pikeminnow on the lower South Fork Eel River will be in July.Press release from the ERRP.
Participants on June 4 should have good hiking boots and be ready for a steep walk in and out of the site. The meeting place will be near the junction of Highway 101 and Bell Springs Road and those participating should be at that location at 8 AM on Tuesday morning June 6. Volunteers should also bring sunscreen, water, and a lunch. To volunteer or to find out more, call ERRP Wilderness Coordinator Phill Hosking at (707) 354-0631 or Jeff Hedin at 707 943-3816. Also see www.eelriverrecovery.org or follow ERRP on Facebook.