Annual Great Oregon Spring Break Cleanup set for SaturdayOregon’s beaches need your help.

This weekend, volunteers will descend on the beaches from Fort Stevens to Brookings to participate in the 20th annual Great Oregon Spring Break Cleanup. Thousands are needed to help pick up trash from Oregon’s beaches Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“I think it really represents what Oregon is about, that is stewardship, volunteerism, people getting together and working together for a better Oregon,” said Jack McGowan, executive director of SOLV. The group has organized these events for more than two decades, going back to the nation’s first beach cleanup in 1984.

A sunny day could bring 6,000 or 7,000 volunteers to the beaches, and even rainy days can attract a crew of 5,000. Last year, almost 40 tons of trash were removed from the coastline.

“It really gets the beaches cleaned before that upcoming tourist season, where tourists have a real perception that the Oregon coastline is pristine, which it is, but it also doesn’t stay clean without thousands and thousands of people working together,” McGowan said, adding that it’s important to not take the health of the coast for granted.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and coast garbage haulers help with the event – the haulers donate their time and waive dumping fees.

Volunteers are asked to check in at one of 42 registration sites, pick up a bag and head down to the beaches. Coordinators suggest that volunteers dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring gloves. Beach captains will furnish bags to volunteers. Zone captains and registration sites are listed at www.solv.org, or call SOLV at (800) 333-SOLV for more information.

SOLV’s new “Express Check-In” will save volunteers time and allow them to avoid a wait in line at the registration site. The registration and waiver form, along with instructions, can be found on SOLV’s Web site at (www.solv.org).

Volunteers should bring their completed and signed forms to turn in at registration table. Once on the beach they are asked to watch for sneaker waves, stay away from logs, exercise caution on rocks and cliffs and never turn their backs on the ocean.

SOLV is a statewide nonprofit organization founded in 1969 by Gov. Tom McCall and other community leaders to act as a catalyst in linking business, government and citizens in preserving the livability of Oregon. When the organization was formed, SOLV stood for Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism, however the group dropped the acronym when it expanded its activities.