River Rangers AZ

Wednesday!

Microtrash is a BIG problem.

Often the interest in our cleanup events are the big ticket items like lost phones, found personal belongings, v**es, and the final weights. However, the bulk of what we find is microtrash. Bottle caps, fishing line, cigarette butts, wrappers, single use plastics, flossers, straws, bread bag ties, foil.... the list goes on. If you asked us how many pieces of microtrash we come across at the rec sites, our answer would be..."like the stars ✨". That's certainly a sad thought for us and the critters that call these areas home.

We know items can be inadvertently left behind due to a gust of wind, that hair tie that came out unnoticed, or misplaced items that fell off the vehicle as you left the parking area. If we all do our part to look around our areas before leaving and pick up a few extra pieces of trash that may not be our own, we could have a positive impact by keeping our outdoor recreation areas safe & scenic for wildlife and for future opportunities to .


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With this US National Weather Service Phoenix Arizona Extreme Heat Warning ⚠️ 🌡️in effect through Monday, please keep these SUP safety tips 🛟 from Oregon State Marine Board in mind while hitting the water.
🫶 Stay hydrated, splash a little cold water on yourself from time-to-time to avoid cold shock if you fall in, and watch out for each other.

Stand up paddleboarding is becoming more and more popular in Oregon! Not only is it fantastic exercise, but it's a great way to connect with water.

Speaking of "connection," we'd also like to highlight the importance of using the appropriate leash for the type of waterway SUP'ers are exploring. The Marine Board advocates wearing a quick-release leash on any moving water (primarily rivers) with obstructions. This type of leash attaches to either a belt pack, harness or life jacket. If the SUP'er is unable to navigate away from a strainer (tree root wad) or other obstruction, they can release themselves from the board and not get pinned.

Learn more about SUP safety equipment and leashes (written in English and Spanish):https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/Archive/BoatingSafety/StandupPaddleboardRack_20Card_2023_Eng-Spanish.pdf

Wednesday!

Did You Know we find 3-4 v**es during every cleanup event? Many of these lithium-ion battery containing electronic devices are sold as "hassle-free" due to zero maintenance and being disposable, though they are considered e-waste at disposal.

What does that mean? We've all seen the news stories of garbage truck fires 🔥 related to lithium ion batteries and most municipalities have educational materials for residents regarding what should go in the bins. These types of batteries can ignite fires. DO NOT throw into trash or recycle containers.

What should you do then?!? First, , as v**es shouldn't be discarded in the river or at the rec sites. Second, most independent v**e retailers have a take-back recycling program for proper disposal, or check out ResQ for locations of collection bins near you. Lastly, you can reach out to your local municipality, like the City of Mesa, Arizona Household Hazardous Waste facility for disposal options for residents.

We can all and have fun this summer while treating our outdoor recreation areas with respect by leaving them better than we found them.



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Learn how to start, manage, and put out a campfire safely.

How to Put Out a Campfire | Smokey Bear https://share.google/0Sa8Hwgi7mlrHcIWS

Yup, that can is going to have to stay there for the time being 😅 Though we'd like to remove all the trash & debris we come across during cleanup events, our volunteer's safety is a priority.

In case you were heading to Apache Lake instead of the lower Salt River given the drop in CFS below Stewart Mtn Dam.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed a section of Apache Trail (State Route 88) between mile markers 222 and 240, from Fish Creek Hill to Roosevelt Dam, for public health and safety due to damage from this week’s monsoon rainstorms.

Visitors will be unable to access recreation sites reached by this section of road, including Crabtree Campground, Apache Lake Marina & Resort, Upper Burnt Corral Shoreline, Lower Burnt Corral Shoreline and Three Mile Wash Campground.

More information, including closure order of recreation sites listed with accompanying map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/alerts/apache-lake-flash-flood-public-safety-closure.