20 Volunteers & 11 Truck Loads – Capitol State Forest, WA
Entering the Cleanup Area
At first look you might think this is a landfill. However, just as I was, I’m sure you’ll be disappointed to know this is the “Triangle Gravel Pit” in the Capitol State Forest just west of Olympia, Washington. Our task: to go into an area where no Project Wilderness officer or board member have been and return the land back to the condition it deserves.
It all started on Sept. 13th. We began using our social media outlets to reach out for input on the next cleanup location. One outlet used received a large outcry for assistance at the Triangle Pit. After research and discussion with Nick at the Washington Dept. of Natural Resources we learned that this is a problematic location for the DNR. Because of this area the DNR successfully lobbied for new legislation no longer allowing “debris” shooting on public lands in Washington State. After talking with Nick I knew Project Wilderness needed to get out and help restore this site.
Saturday morning Oct. 24th, 4:10 am. Beep beep beep, that’s the sound of an unwelcome alarm clock. The truck had largely been loaded the night before with chairs, table, event canopy (we expected rain considering it’s Oct.), first aid kit, lots of garbage bags, water and gloves. The only thing left to load was the tasty pulled pork lunch that was cooked on the treager grill the night before. Leaving Portland behind us for the weekend we begin crossing the Interstate bridge, only to be stopped by the flashing lights indicating the bridge was going to be raised for a large boat. However, after a twenty minute wait the only boat observed crossing under the bridge (not even at the lifted section) was a small fishing boat. Figuring someone else was laughing at us from an observation point, we laughed and kept driving once the bridge lowered.
We arrived at the designated meeting point a few minutes before 8 am in the Capitol Forest. Joining us a few minutes later were Nick & Kyle both from Washington DNR as was Larry Raedel, Chief Law Enforcement Officer. After some introductions & unloading we began working. The chief even helped out. After carrying a computer monitor he looked down at his wet pants commenting, “the monitor leaked on me”.
Nick Cronquist, DNR & Dominic Aiello, Project Wilderness
Dominic Aiello, Project Wilderness & Larry Raedel, Chief Law Enforcement
Through out the day we collected a refrigerator, cut car roof, several televisions, countless computer monitors, dozens of propane tanks, a microwave and sadly Clifford the red dog, Scooby Doo & Snoopy. Who executes our childhood cartoon favorites?
Poor Clifford
As the day rolled on, we were loading up the last two truck loads of garbage bound for dumpster provided by DNR when the comedic highlight of the day unfolded. One of the trucks transporting garbage became stuck in deep loose gravel. Luckily we had tow straps so not to worry, my Ford Ranger (significantly smaller truck) came to the rescue. Good thing it was loaded with garbage as I’m sure it helped with traction!
Through the day lots of recreation users showed up looking to use the area. However the site was officially closed for the day, due to the cleanup. Each time the potential land user was offered a pair of gloves to help out. Unfortunately each response in so many words was no. Of course we all have limited time for ourselves, but the lesson here is if we each spent just a couple more minutes not only cleaning up after ourselves but pitching in to collect something left by others, areas like this would no longer be an issue. Wrapping up, 20 volunteers spent a total of 7 hours loading up 11 truck loads of garbage. The area was not immaculate at the end of the day, but I’m sure you’ll agree it looks amazing in comparison.
Gathering the last of the bags.
Dominic Aiello
Founder & President
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Dominic Aiello