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June 2021 - Kelly Canyon / End of the World OHV Areas - Cleanup Project

Our Dedicated Restoration Team removed 6,020 pounds (3.01 tons) of trash removed from Kelly Canyon and End of the World OHV Areas on the Coconino National Forest.

Thank you to everyone at the Coconino National Forest Service for your support of this project!

Check out pictures and videos below, including before and after photos.

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We frequently hear that signage as the answer to the trash problem; this sign is at all of the entrances to the areas we worked in. Everyone sees this sign as they drive in. We drive by people camping and think, “I bet they will leave their camp clean, they’ve got tens of thousands of dollars in vehicles, OHV’s & camping gear, they should know better, right? WRONG! We are extremely disappointed in people bailing from their campsites, leaving them in horrible conditions, & teaching others to do the same.

Action Photos (Before & Afters below)

CLICK ON A PICTURE FOR FULL-SIZE IMAGE GALLERY. 

We have designated trails for very good reasons, please do not make your own trails! There were more than 50 pieces of reflective tape on the trees in this camp and quad tracks where there are no designated trails. We also saw a kid around 9 years old driving a Can-Am tearing through a meadow that has signs clearly stating “Do Not Drive in the Meadow”. When we got his attention, he just waved and continued ripping donuts through the meadow.

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If we sound upset and a little salty in these videos it’s because we are extremely upset by what is happening on and along the trails and camp areas across our state.

There is no excuse for the behavior we’re seeing and what’s worse is it is being modeled for young children and people who are new to recreating outdoors.

Before & After Photos

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

So much micro trash being left behind! All of those Corona bottle tops were found in one area along with plastic bottle tops, plastic cutlery, Capri Sun straws and wrappers, masks, twist ties, wrappers, and so much more! It’s extremely disheartening to find areas like this with kids items because adults are passing down these irresponsible practices to their kids and they will teach them to their kids.

Outdoor Bathroom Etiquette ~ A lesson in what not to do

We made the video below last year, but it seems to be more relevant than ever before. Please educate yourself on all of the Leave No Trace Ethics before heading outdoors!

View more projects completed by our Dedicated Restoration Team HERE.

THANK YOU TO THE ARIZONA OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV) RECREATION FUND ADMINISTERED BY ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS FOR AWARDING A GRANT TO NATURAL RESTORATIONS AND OUR DEDICATED RESTORATION TEAM!