Local non-profits join forces for major clean-up on banks of Eel River

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. (KIEM)-The Eel River stretches nearly 200 miles – and with the water level expected to rise soon, local non-profits teamed-up over the weekend to ensure trash from encampments stays out of waterways.

Humboldt County 1st District Supervisor Rex Bohn, Humboldt County Sheriff William Hosul family in tow- and more than 40 volunteer’s rolled their sleeves to help clean-up.

“Well we took out almost 8,000 pounds of trash off the banks of the Eel River,” said Bohn.  

“With help of Sean from River life who does a great job down there, then we had the help of PacOut Green Team and their trash mob.

Founder of River Life Foundation Sean Swanson says, November and December is when they usually take a little break.  

“We don’t normally do cleans up in the winter time, we usually take a little time off, but were concerned about the river,” said Swanson. “This area has been left alone for at least a year plus.”

According to Swanson, law enforcement haven’t been able to shut down the encampments clustered near the river’s banks.

He says, California Department of Fish and Wildlife deemed the area hazardous.

“[We] let them know we are going to do a clean-up, now, and DHHS was there to show them there’s ways to get out of homelessness,” he said.

“We were able to help out a few people maybe get them back into the main stream, so all-and-all it was a great day,” said Bohn.

Swanson says, at the start of the year – officials plan to return and begin removing those living in the encampments.

Founder of PacOut Green Team Aaron Ostrom says, both organizations have the same objective.

“Sean and his organization is kind of similar to our organization, we have the same goals in mind, just to preserve out outdoor spaces, keep them clean and clear of debris and we definitely don’t want that trash going into the ocean,” he said.

Anyone interested in participating in a clean-up with either organization can.

For information about River Life Foundation click here, more information about the PacOut Green Team can be found by clicking here.

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