On September 13, the Spokane Rock Rollers took part in their 1st Annual Cleanup Day. This event was sponsored by the ALAA and in partnership with the local BLM.
Fourteen club members, along with a ranger from the BLM, went to the Fish Trap area located within Spokane County, WA to clean up a parcel of BLM managed land. This particular area has become a favorite area for recreational target shooting.
While target shooting is a valid and valued recreational activity that one can partake on public lands, littering however is not. Unfortunately, some target shooters have felt it is acceptable to bring out a wide assortment of items that would normally have been hauled to a waste disposal site to be used as targets. Afterwards, they have decided to leave behind those bullet riddled items as trash. So much trash was left behind in that small area that within just a span of two hours, the volunteers managed to pick up approximately 2,500 lbs of trash! And the Forest Ranger said, 'next year, I'll bring a bigger trailer.' So it sounds like they want to do it again next year…and that's a good thing.
Upon the conclusion of this cleanup, the club gave thanks to their volunteers by hosting a BBQ and rock prize giveaway. While that was a great way to show appreciation for volunteering their time, the real appreciation came from the satisfaction in knowing that we helped in taking care of our public lands.
One person's help in cleaning up our lands is great and a group effort is terrific. But, to be phenomenal, a nation of volunteers is needed. The Spokane Rock Rollers Gem and Mineral Club would like to extend a challenge to other clubs from all over to form their own annual cleanup event. Together, as a rockhound nation, we can have an extremely positive impact upon our public lands!
Thanks goes out to Stephen Smith from the BLM in Spokane for helping us find an area in need of trash removal. A thanks also goes out to Ranger Dave Gibbons for not only assisting in the development of this event, but also for jumping in and getting his hands dirty in removing trash. Not to be forgotten, a huge thank you goes to the following club volunteers:
Tom & MJ Brown, Tim Cjeka, Brian Dillonl, Kathleen Govitt, Mark & Pam Hankins, Tom Long, Shawna Martin, Jim McDaniel, Jim Rundlett, Dale Ruperd, Mike Shaw, Eric Thill
While target shooting is a valid and valued recreational activity that one can partake on public lands, littering however is not. Unfortunately, some target shooters have felt it is acceptable to bring out a wide assortment of items that would normally have been hauled to a waste disposal site to be used as targets. Afterwards, they have decided to leave behind those bullet riddled items as trash
Fourteen club members, along with a ranger from the BLM, went to the Fish Trap area located within Spokane County, WA to clean up a parcel of BLM managed land. This particular area has become a favorite area for recreational target shooting.
So much trash was left behind in that small area that within just a span of two hours, the volunteers managed to pick up approximately 2,500 lbs of trash! And the Forest Ranger said, 'next year, I'll bring a bigger trailer.'
Upon the conclusion of this cleanup, the club gave thanks to their volunteers by hosting a BBQ and rock prize giveaway. While that was a great way to show appreciation for volunteering their time, the real appreciation came from the satisfaction in knowing that we helped in taking care of our public lands.
Tom & MJ Brown, Tim Cjeka, Brian Dillonl, Kathleen Govitt, Mark & Pam Hankins, Tom Long, Shawna Martin, Jim McDaniel, Jim Rundlett, Dale Ruperd, Mike Shaw, Eric Thill
While target shooting is a valid and valued recreational activity that one can partake on public lands, littering however is not. Unfortunately, some target shooters have felt it is acceptable to bring out a wide assortment of items that would normally have been hauled to a waste disposal site to be used as targets. Afterwards, they have decided to leave behind those bullet riddled items as trash 
Fourteen club members, along with a ranger from the BLM, went to the Fish Trap area located within Spokane County, WA to clean up a parcel of BLM managed land. This particular area has become a favorite area for recreational target shooting.
So much trash was left behind in that small area that within just a span of two hours, the volunteers managed to pick up approximately 2,500 lbs of trash! And the Forest Ranger said, 'next year, I'll bring a bigger trailer.' 
Upon the conclusion of this cleanup, the club gave thanks to their volunteers by hosting a BBQ and rock prize giveaway. While that was a great way to show appreciation for volunteering their time, the real appreciation came from the satisfaction in knowing that we helped in taking care of our public lands.
