Approximately 50 volunteers collected more than 12,000 pounds of garbage and other debris as part of a clean up event held at the Helion Pit and four other locations in the Clackamas River Ranger District (CRRD) on Saturday, April 26.

The event, held in honor of Earth Day and in conjunction with Solve, a
nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring natural spaces, exceeded the
expectations of organizers.

“The impact we made was substantial and made a significant visual difference
that was appreciated by both all those who participated in the event, and
others who were simply driving through the area,” wrote Aaron Pedersen,
Assistant Recreation Manager, West Zone, for the CRRD, in an email following
the event. “Our hope is that this event will act as a catalyst to create new
advocates for the stewardship of our shared public lands. And give us a clean
slate to start out the upcoming summer season. We are extremely grateful to
all those who participated.”

The pit, among other sites in the national forest, is a popular location for
target shooters (an acceptable and legal activity in the forest). Unfortunately,
irresponsible shooters leave behind shell casings, objects brought into the
forest to shoot (including refrigerators and TVs) and other refuse.

“It’s a really bad deal,” Pedersen said, noting it is a problem throughout the
country. “It makes you angry and it makes you feel like you’re spinning your
wheels.”

In recent years, the US Forest Service has made a concerted effort to better
manage the shooting, which has also resulted in the loss of trees and put
other forest users in danger from stray bullets.

The USFS has added new signage to Memaloose Road, issued a new forest
order to clarify rules of what is and is not allowed and improved its website
and brochures.

Dump Stoppers, an organization that routinely cleans up sites in the national
forest, visits the pit regularly, while Pedersen hopes the larger cleanup day
will offer new baseline and help the USFS law enforcement officers possibly
determine who is not cleaning up after themselves.

Mike Chaveas, District Ranger for the CRRD, noted the illegal dumping is a
long term problem but sees progress being made, particularly considering the
response he’s seen from local organizations who want to maintain the rights
of shooters.

“One of the nice aspects of some of the outreach I’ve heard (is) they’re glad
we’re putting a focus on this, they’re kind of sick and tired of (others) doing
the wrong thing and trashing the reputation of their sport,” Chaveas said.