Annual event draws thousands of people to beaches all around the world
OLYMPIA – September 3, 2014 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and partners from Washington CoastSavers invite and encourage the public to participate in the annual International Coastal Cleanup, Saturday, Sept. 20.
Organized beach cleanups in Washington include numerous state parks and are taking place between Port Townsend on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and along the Pacific Coast to Cape Disappointment State Park. Volunteers may sign up for the beach of their choice by visiting online at www.coastsavers.org. Cleanup times will vary depending on the tides.
“Washington State Parks is proud to be part of CoastSavers.” said Don Hoch, State Parks Director. “This annual coastal cleanup is one of the most inspiring events we participate in each year. It’s heartening to see hundreds of caring volunteers get out and make a real difference by cleaning up ocean beaches for the benefit of wildlife, habitats and the citizens who enjoy visiting our beautiful Pacific Coast.”
Washington State Parks and the Pacific Northwest 4-Wheel Drive Association have been organizing beach cleanups on the third weekend of September since 1971. Last year, Parks joined efforts with the association to make the cleanup an even bigger event. Volunteers cleaning the beach on September 20 will be joined by thousands of others around the world, all sharing the common goal of protecting the marine environment.
Volunteers of all abilities are needed—some people carry garbage bags to roadside dumpsters, others fill the bags so that the four-wheel drive vehicles can pick them up along the beach.
Along with Washington State Parks and the Pacific Northwest 4-Wheel Drive Association, participating groups include the Callam Bay-Seiku Lions Club, Discover Your Northwest, Olympia Coast National Coast Marine Sanctuary, Olympia National Park, Surfrider Foundation and other nonprofits, businesses, and city, county, state, federal and tribal governments.
To learn about additional International Ocean Conservancy Coastal Cleanup events in Washington state, visit: www.oceanconservancy.org/our-work/international-coastal-cleanup/
Volunteers will not need a Discover Pass on the Coastal Cleanup Day — Sept. 20. Volunteers should check in at the registration table or booth at the beach they’ll be cleaning up to pick up litter bags, even if they have pre-registered.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Toni Droscher: (360) 902-8604
Cindy Jorgensen: (360) 902-8612
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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