For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Contacts:   

Stevie Gawryluk, Idaho Conservation League, Central Idaho Community Engagement Assistant

Jonathan Oppenheimer, Idaho Conservation League, External Relations Director

Volunteers needed to help clean up Sawtooth National Recreation Area after busy summer season

STANLEY, ID – Local organizations are collaborating to help the beloved Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) recover from a busy summer season of recreation.

The Idaho Conservation League (ICL), Environmental Resource Center, Idaho Trails Association, Idaho Rivers United, National Forest Foundation, Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association, Sawtooth Society, and Pulaski Users Group are working to recruit volunteers to clean up front and backcountry locations across the SNRA that have been impacted by heavy visitor use.

“Good stewardship is essential in ensuring we and future generations can continue to enjoy this precious part of Idaho,” said Stevie Gawryluk, ICL’s Central Idaho Community Engagement Assistant. “Our public lands give us so much, getting back out there at the end of the season to clean up is a great way to show your love and appreciation for this iconic place.”

The cleanup effort spans from September 12 through September 25 in various locations of the SNRA. Individuals and small groups are encouraged to sign up for this self-guided event and make a real difference for this iconic central Idaho landscape that just celebrated its 50th anniversary in August.

“Leading up to the anniversary I had the pleasure of working with some of our core partners, stakeholders, and elected officials to plan a series of events,” said Kirk Flannigan, the U.S. Forest Service Area Ranger for the SNRA. “My time with them allowed me to see just how truly dedicated our partners are to protecting and preserving this wonderful area and what strong connections they have to this special spot, the gem of Idaho.”

This is the third annual SNRA cleanup event, which was created in response to the increased use that the SNRA saw throughout the pandemic.

“These partners continue to step up and commit their valuable time and energy to help ensure this place is protected for the next 50 years,” continued Flannigan. “I encourage those that visit and love the Sawtooth NRA to join these organizations in the cleanup and do your part in helping preserve your public lands.”

At last year’s cleanup, more than 1,000 volunteer hours resulted in 300 pounds of trash being picked up and the restoration of 150 campsites – making a real difference on these lands.

To participate in this year’s cleanup, CLICK HERE!  From there, you can choose a project area and date before receiving instructions on where to pick up supplies. Due to current fire activity, this event’s dates and locations are subject to change. Health and safety of volunteers are a top priority, so stay tuned for updates on fire behavior, accessibility of areas in the SNRA, and potential health impacts.

We encourage you to grab friends, family, or coworkers and help give back to this iconic slice of Idaho!

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ICL’s mission is to create a conservation community and pragmatic, enduring solutions that protect and restore the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the land and wildlife you love.

www.idahoconservation.org