Some of the people doing this are locals, some are visitors and/or part-time residents.

I see no reason why locals should have to pick up after the trash heads–unless they’re being paid.

If people can’t pick up after themselves and since there are only 4 park rangers (and they don’t patrol at night) there’s no way most of these trash heads will ever be caught in the act & fined, then I’d suggest imposing a “trash” tax on whatever tourists/visitors seem to use alot, food & soda perhaps, and all the proceeds of that tax will go towards paying residents, whether it’s high school students or whomever, who are willing to spend the summer picking up after the trash heads.

I’ve picked up some trash on the beach for years, because I walk on the beach frequently and I’ve gotten tired of doing it–especially when I see people sitting on the beach & watching me who can’t be bothered to pick up one piece of trash that’s within an arm’s reach of them. I have occasionally seen visitors to the beach who do pick up some trash if it’s nearby or on their way back to their vehicle or hotel and I greatly appreciate their willingness to make an effort to keep this lovely place they’re visiting beautiful. Unfortunately, such considerate people seem to be the exception, not the rule. There seem to be more people who don’t litter (but don’t pick up litter either) and that’s good enough usually (way too many people who don’t pick up after their dogs though and anecdotally–the larger the dog the less likely the owner is to pick up after it).

There are two SOLV pickups/year and some members of Coastwatch take trash bags w/them every time they walk “their” miles. All of those people are volunteers, not all live on the coast.

Despite the efforts of all of those people/volunteers, there is still trash on the beach. If there’s going to be even more picking up of trash, then those doing it should get paid.

Depoe Bay could’ve taken the opportunity to brainstorm w/its full and part-time residents–it could’ve involved its entire community in deciding what new, exciting & potentially unique way Depoe Bay and its visitors could’ve celebrated the 4th.

Instead, the businesspeople & local gov’t played frightened ostrich and now blame Fish & Wildlife for ENFORCING THE LAW. It seems that they would rather violate the law and so what if some birds don’t raise their young this year.

Maybe it’s time for the local gov’t & some business people in Depoe Bay to get their heads of out the sand and start talking to their community and come up with some ideas about better ways to celebrate the 4th.

7/1 possible identification at Brookings. Please contact us if you recognize Chase or his GMC pick up. He smokes Camel reds, possibly wearing a black hoodie, jeans and hiking shoes.