Annual Stream Cleaning Program

The Environmental Aide is responsible for directing the crew on a daily basis; producing an annual report; developing a presentation for school, City, and agency representatives; and planning and implementing a restoration project.

The crew is responsible for the removal of trash and natural debris in the waterways on a daily basis. The crew is composed of students who are currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program, and have had major coursework in a natural resource field.

Claggett Creek before crew started work. Photo taken 2006.

The 2006 stream cleaning crew removed almost 28,495 pounds of trash and 236 cubic yards of natural debris such as blackberry canes. In the eight years the program has been in place, the crews have removed nearly 448,642 pounds of trash and 1,051 cubic yards of debris! Shopping carts, treated wood, plastic bags, bedding, clothing, household garbage, cans, bottles, and furniture are commonly found in the streams, especially at popular dumping sites.

In addition to removing trash and natural debris, crews keep busy with a number of outreach activities. Restoration projects, invasive species removal with middle school students, and attending watershed council and neighborhood association meetings are just a few ways that crew members interact with and educate streamside property owners and other interested citizens.

Through the hard work of crew members and continued education and outreach with citizens of Salem, it's easy to see that this program not only addresses conveyance issues, but it also helps enhance water quality. If you have any questions or comments regarding this program, please contact Jon Nottage at 503-588-6063, x7809, or email jnottage@cityofsalem.net.

Shelton Creek makes its way towards the Willamette Valley.