Wander the West inaugural campground cleanup and refurb

[DirtyDog]

At last years rally's I had some discussions with a few people about hosting an event where food is provided and we all spend half a day or however long it takes to clean up and/or repair a campground that is in dire need of some work. The idea would be to perform the work at a semi-primitive campsite that gets little or no regular maintenance from the department that manages it. A couple specific examples would be the Succor Creek primitive camping area on the Oregon/Idaho border or the spot we camped at in the western Sierras for last Fall's pork rally. We would likely make it official with the managing government office (Forest Service, BLM etc) and hopefully could even get some modest donations together to do something like haul some new tables or fire rings to a spot that needs them (The Succor Creek camp is in dire need of these kinds of improvements).

Comments and/or ideas welcome

 

[MarkBC]

Sounds right to me. I'm willing and interested in participating in this kind of thing...especially if it's within relatively easy distance of me -- such as Succor Creek. I've never been there (though I've been in the area), and "doing good" while seeing someplace new works for me.
When/how do we sign up?

(as long as it doesn't happen in the first 3/4 of May when I plan to be in UT)

 

[DirtyDog]

It would likely be in the Fall Mark so we have a lot of time to talk about it

 

[craig333]

I think its a great idea. Though whether I can come depends on work and distance. Hope so.

 

[camelracer]

Count me in

 

[mtn-high]

This is a fantastic idea....and one that makes me proud to be a part of this group. Much respect, DD.

However...as spread out as we are...the possibility of multiple clean up events in multiple locations...possibly on the same weekend... came to mind immediately. (an ID/OR clean up rally... a CA clean up rally...a CO cleanup rally..etc...etc...etc.) Sadly....there is no shortage of TRASHED areas all over the West.

haven't thought about it long enough to come up with any ideas/specifics...but if any other CO folks are interested in putting something togather/have ideas of an area to target....post 'em up.

mtn

 

[rich]

Hi Guys,

DD this is a great idea. One of the reasons I love this site is it's commitment to non-detrimental vehicle assisted adventure. One thing that always comes to mind with this sort of thing is that there are so many people trying to do scatter shot things to help but we may be able to do more good by pooling our resources and partnering with an organization that already does this kind of work. REI does a lot of trail clean up, Leave no Trace, even NPS, BLM or USFS all would possibly have a better idea than we would about what sites might be highest priority or need the most help. Maybe we could tie in with one of those and bring a large WTW presence to a clean up that would allow us to be more focused or have a larger impact.

Either way though I'm in if I have the time available. I haven't been able to make a rally yet and this would be a great first one!

Thanks for pushing us all to give back more DD,

Rich

 

[highz]

If work keeps me close to home, I would like to donate some $$ to the cause - for food and drink, or supplies. Would PayPal be the best way, DD? I'll wait until the plans and dates are finalized.

 

[DirtyDog]

DD this is a great idea. One of the reasons I love this site is it's commitment to non-detrimental vehicle assisted adventure. One thing that always comes to mind with this sort of thing is that there are so many people trying to do scatter shot things to help but we may be able to do more good by pooling our resources and partnering with an organization that already does this kind of work. REI does a lot of trail clean up, Leave no Trace, even NPS, BLM or USFS all would possibly have a better idea than we would about what sites might be highest priority or need the most help. Maybe we could tie in with one of those and bring a large WTW presence to a clean up that would allow us to be more focused or have a larger impact.



While I agree with the general premise, I don't think there are any organizations specifically refurbishing primitive camps. I wouldn't want to be handed a high priority site by the BLM just to find its essentially a high traffic, RV-centric kind of spot. I would like to give back, but give back specifically to the niche that we enjoy here at the site.

I originally had this idea while camping at Succor creek. That place needs a cleanup AND new tables. I don't think the groups that organize cleanups in general are going to work to get basic amenities replaced. Who knows maybe we could even get a toilet installed at some point

 

[DirtyDog]

If work keeps me close to home, I would like to donate some $$ to the cause - for food and drink, or supplies. Would PayPal be the best way, DD? I'll wait until the plans and dates are finalized.


Paypal will be good but I anticipate that it will be several months before any kind of plan is in place. For those of you with interest in pitching in sooner or later, I could use a planning commitee.

 

[rich]

I don't think there are any organizations specifically refurbishing primitive camps. I wouldn't want to be handed a high priority site by the BLM just to find its essentially a high traffic, RV-centric kind of spot. I would like to give back, but give back specifically to the niche that we enjoy here at the site.





Good point, the large organizations would likely focus on areas of higher use.

 

[Cort]

Aaron,

Glad to see this on the site. Count me in 100%

Cort

 

[K6ON]

If it's in the fall, I'll be home from the Great White North by then.

Count me in.

 

[clikrf8]

I like this idea. We should have our new FWC Eagle by mid July (just sent in 15% down). Being retired, we can go just about anywhere, anytime. Unfortunately, hubby can't do heavy work due to injured back but he has great ideas and is good at fabricating. I can clean, pick up garbage, prune, take photos, help with light duty work and can follow orders.

It is your love for the outdoors that makes you such a special group. And, I agree with DD, to fix up an area that we FWC/ATC types would frequent would be the best way to contribute. In a few months, we will be able to call ourselves FWC folks. And, we would love to meet you all in person.

 

[busboy66]

When? We are available September early October.

 

[Silvertip47]

I'm in pending time and location. If I can not personally make it I will gladly donate $ too.

 

[natjwest]

Please don't do it in late September. I have a big SE Oregon loop trip planned with my family to Ontario, Rome, Jordan, Owyhee, Succor, three forks, Alvord, Steens, Hart, etc and don't want to run into anyone. Especially a bunch of do-gooder outdoor-types in truck campers drinking beer. That would totally suck.