SEASIDE – Thousands of volunteers from across the state will converge on Oregons 362 miles of coastline this weekend not just to enjoy the beach but to clean it.

The SOLVE Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup (the organization has added an “E” to its name) will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 31, with designated locations up and down the coast. Register at solv.org, or call 503-844-9571 ext. 332.

Volunteers will clear the beach of trash brought in by winter storms, and possibly from last years Japanese tsunami.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Ocean Service, debris from the tsunami could potentially reach the West Coast in 2013.

SOLVE is working with multiple partners to prepare for additional cleanups if need be, and the help of volunteers across Oregon will be more important than ever to reduce possible impacts to our coastline and communities, said Melisa McDonald, SOLVEs Executive Director.

NOAA has requested that any significant sightings of debris at-sea or on-shore be reported to disasterdebris@noaa.gov.

Here is what you need to know to join the beach cleanup:

Come prepared, stay safe, and celebrate!

Bring raingear, sturdy shoes, and never turn your back to the sea! Additional tips shared by veteran cleanup volunteers to maximize cleanup efforts include:

* Bring a bucket or reusable bag to reduce the amount of plastic trash bags used

* Bring an old colander to sift the tide lines for harmful, bite-sized bits of plastic

* Bring a pair of gardening gloves to reduce use of plastic gloves

* Bring a reusable water bottle and/or coffee mug

* Carpool and use public transportation where possible

* Plan ahead and pack a trash-free lunch

* Send SOLVE your stories of efforts to achieve a personal zero waste to landfill day!

* Please avoid Western Snowy Plover habitat. Stay outside of roped areas, and keep your pets leashed.

* Steer clear of sea lions for your safety and your pets. Increasing numbers are reported to be infected with a harmful bacteria. To report stranded marine mammals call 1-800-452-7888.

Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Site Address: Seaside Public Beach, at the Turnaround

Directions: Turn West off of 101 onto Broadway. Drive to the turnaround. You will see us.

Coordinator: Coral Cook

Contact Email: c.j.cook@seasurf.net

Contact Phone Number: 503-738-5403 x

Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Site Address: 10th St. Beach access

Directions: Heading North on Hwy 101, take a left at stoplight on Pacific Way. Right at stop sign on Gearhart Loop Rd. Left on 10th Street to beach access.

Meeting Location: There is limited paved parking, with additional parking on the beach recommended for hardy vehicles only (ie vehicles that won’t get stuck on packed sand).

Coordinator: Dane Osis

Contact Email: dane.osis@state.or.us

Contact Phone Number: 503-861-3170 x41

Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Site Address: 163. E. Gower, Cannon Beach

Directions: From Hwy 101 South, take the Sunset Blvd exit into Cannon Beach. At the “T” turn right onto Hemlock St. and then right on Gower St. Registration is in the parking lot of Cannon Beach City Hall. The beach area to be cleaned up extends from Ecola State Park to Arch Cape. Meet at the registration table in the upper parking lot of City Hall. Bathrooms are located to the west, across Hemlock.

Meeting Location: Meet at the registration table in the upper parking lot of City Hall. Bathrooms are located to the west, across Hemlock St.

Coordinator: Jenee Pearce-Mushen

Contact Email: jenee@pacificalarmsystem.com

Contact Phone Number: 503-899-0449