National River Cleanup Day

When

Where

Description

Registration: Volunteers must pre-register with REI.  You may also call (505) 247-1191.

Parking: The event hub is on the northeast side of the Central Avenue Bridge. Follow the directional signs at Tingley Blvd. and Central for parking. Parking spaces are limited, so please carpool!

Donated Lunch and Prize Drawing: All registered volunteers are invited for a delicious donated meal and prize drawing starting at 12:30 p.m.

Contact: For more information about this or other volunteer opportunities in Open Space, please contact Jim Sattler or Kent Swanson at (505) 452-5200 or email [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE: For 2013, the guided rafts provided by Kirtland Air Force Outdoor Recreation will not be available. We apologize for the inconvenience. The event will focus on trash cleanup in different areas along the banks of the river and in the bosque. Experienced boaters are still encouraged to clean trash in the river with your own raft, kayak, or canoe.   See below for details. 

NATIONAL RIVER CLEANUP ACTIVITIES:    

1.  Community Bosque Cleanup at the Central Avenue Bridge:  Cleanup activities for all ages in the bosque along the Central Avenue Bridge.  

2. Organize your own Bosque Cleanup:  Have a favorite area of the bosque? Consider hosting a River Cleanup of your own!  The Open Space Division will supply trash bags and dispose of the collected trash.   Those wishing to organize a cleanup must contact the Open Space Division at 452-5213 or email [email protected].    

3. Clean the River in Your Own Kayak, Canoe, or Raft: Experienced boaters may sign up to clean trash in the river with your own raft, kayak, or canoe. You must provide your own transportation and shuttle for your boat. The Open Space Division will provide you with trash bags and will dispose of the collected trash.  Also, be aware that due to unseasonably low flows in the river this spring, it may be challenging to float the river. Call the Open Space Division at 452-5216 or email [email protected] for more information and to sign up to clean the river in your own boat.  Boaters must follow all NM State Parks boating regulations to participate.  See www.emnrd.state.nm.us or call (505) 476-3200 for more information on boating regulations.

4. Quiet Water Paddling is hosting a River Cleanup for experienced boaters on May 11th. See www.quietwaterspaddling.com for details.

Boating Safety

It is legal to float down the Rio Grande in kayaks, canoes, rafts and other non-motorized water craft. Home-made craft do not qualify as legal water craft. Volunteers who bring their own canoe, kayak or raft must also follow all New Mexico State Parks boating regulations, which include the following:

• Worn Wearable life jacket for each person on board
• One throwable device for each vessel. (0n a self bailer a throw line is acceptable)
• Bow Painter (stout line) the length of the boat
• Spare paddle
• Bailing bucket one gallon in size or hand operated bilge pump
• Whistle or horn
• No alcohol!

Please call the State Parks Boating Safety Officer at 1-888-NMPARKS or see www.emnrd.state.nm.us for more information.

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