Volunteers Haul 2,140 Pounds of Trash From Del Norte Beaches After July 4th

Press release from the Smith River Alliance:

2026 5th of July Cleanup volunteers pose for a photo near South Beach in Crescent City.

The morning after this year’s Independence Day revelry, an impressive array of volunteers converged in Crescent City, California, unofficial capital of “America’s Wild Rivers Coast.” Hosting organizations divvied up trash bags, tools, and personal protective equipment. On Crescent Beach, South Beach, Beachfront Park, and points beyond,  

over 100 dedicated individuals contributed more than 250 cumulative hours rounding up spent fireworks, cigarette butts, and abandoned gear and clothing. All told, the cleanup yielded over 2,140 pounds of trash and removed a massive amount of microplastics and flotsam that would otherwise enter the food chain and pollute local waterways. 

The annual 5th of July Cleanup is a collaborative effort led by Redwood Parks Conservancy, Redwood National and State Parks, and Smith River Alliance. Environmental Services staff at Elk Valley Rancheria stepped up to recruit volunteers and haul off an enormous cache of abandoned gear. The City of Crescent City and the Crescent City – Del Norte Chamber of Commerce provided vital publicity and logistical support. Local businesses were also key partners; Hiouchi Café fueled up volunteers with delicious breakfast fare, and Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority waived fees to ensure prompt and proper disposal and recycling. 

According to Smith River Alliance Associate Director Mike Splain, “It takes a village to keep our unrivaled coast wild and beautiful. We are all in this together; every action today makes a difference tomorrow.” 

While these hard-working volunteers and partners contributed over $9,000 worth of labor to a noble objective, the annual 5th of July Cleanup is just one element of a broader solution. As thousands of summer revelers flock to Del Norte County’s grand scenery and mild climate, a range of organizations and individuals are putting in the sweat equity today and every day to ensure that this special place remains healthy, clean, and trash-free. Enjoy and explore, but please pack out what you pack in, and leave America’s Wild Rivers Coast better than you found it! Get involved and learn more at https://smithriveralliance.org/volunteer/.  

Important Note! Volunteer safety is paramount and cannot be overstated. Hosting organizations and partners are deeply saddened to learn of the grave injuries endured by an independent volunteer cleaning up fireworks at nearby Point Saint George. Our hearts go out to Jason Turner and his family. This tragedy serves as a reminder to exercise extreme care when picking up trash, particularly after Independence Day. Volunteers have encountered rusty rebar, broken glass, hypodermic needles, and many other dangerous items. Safety first!  

If you have the means, please consider contributing to Mr. Turner’s medical expenses at  https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jason-after-beach-accident.