La Pine, OR – September 16, 2025 – The Newberry Regional Partnership (NRP), in collaboration with Public Land Stewards of Bend (PLS), proudly announces the completion of a vital public lands cleanup event held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in the scenic McKay area of Central Oregon. This community-driven initiative removed over 220 cubic yards of accumulated trash and debris from public lands, enhancing environmental safety and preserving recreational access for future generations.
The event drew more than 100 dedicated volunteers, including local residents, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to make a tangible impact. Working hand-in-hand with land managers from the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, participants cleared abandoned campsites, dispersed litter, and mitigated potential wildfire hazards in this popular recreation zone near La Pine. The McKay area was left cleaner and safer as a result.
Shannon Shahan, Newberry Country Land Stewards, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “Every piece of trash we remove from the McKay area is a step toward preserving the beauty and health of our public lands. These cleanups are about more than just tidying up—they’re about building a culture of care and responsibility that will sustain Newberry Country for years to come.”
“This cleanup is a shining example of what our community can achieve when we come together to protect our public lands that define Central Oregon,” said Kathy DeBone, Community Coordinator for the Newberry Regional Partnership. “Partnering with Public Land Stewards of Bend allowed us to amplify our efforts, addressing illegal dumping and land misuse that threaten our shared public spaces. We’re grateful for every volunteer who rolled up their sleeves to turn words into action.”
Public Land Stewards of Bend, a nonprofit organization founded in 2013 and dedicated to fostering responsible land use through education and hands-on cleanups, brought their expertise in waste removal and community mobilization to the event. “Our mission is simple: keep public lands accessible and pristine for all,” noted Jeremy Evans of PLS. “Events like this in the McKay area not only remove trash but also spark conversations about stewardship. We’ve now diverted tons of waste from Oregon’s public lands, and this partnership with NRP strengthens our collective resolve.”
The cleanup aligns with NRP’s Newberry Country Strategic Action Plan (2025-2030), which prioritizes expanded enforcement of illegal camping laws on public lands—a top community concern identified in recent surveys. By tackling misuse head-on, NRP and its partners are building a more resilient region amid rapid growth in the La Pine, Sunriver, and Three Rivers areas.
This effort builds on previous successes, such as the August 2024 Jackpine Camp cleanup, where NRP and PLS collaborated to address similar environmental hazards. Supplies for the McKay event were generously provided by local sponsors, including Republic Services, La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, Peak Performance, High Lakes Dumpster Rental, Journey Salvage and La Pine Septic Service, underscoring the broad support for these initiatives. Lunch was provided by Tread Lightly, a non-profit organization that leads a national initiative to promote the responsible use of motorized vehicles when recreating outdoors.
The Newberry Regional Partnership invites community members to join future cleanups and strategic planning sessions. For more information or to get involved, visit newberryregionalpartnership.org or plsbend.org. Together, we can ensure Central Oregon’s public lands remain a vibrant legacy for all.
About Newberry Country Land Stewards
Newberry Country Land Stewards is a dedicated initiative under the Newberry Regional Partnership, focused on preserving and protecting the public lands of the La Pine, Sunriver, and Three Rivers region in Central Oregon. Committed to fostering sustainable land use, the group organizes community-driven cleanups and collaborates with local agencies to address issues like illegal dumping and wildfire risks. Through hands-on action and advocacy, Newberry Country Land Stewards works to ensure that the region’s forests remain pristine and accessible for future generations.
About the Newberry Regional Partnership
The Newberry Regional Partnership is a coalition of public and private citizens working to foster sustainable growth and community engagement in the La Pine, Sunriver, and Three Rivers region. Through strategic planning and action teams, NRP addresses key issues like wildfire risk, homelessness, and land stewardship.
About Public Land Stewards of Bend
Public Land Stewards of Bend is a Central Oregon-based nonprofit committed to protecting public lands by organizing cleanups, promoting best practices, and educating users on responsible recreation. Since its inception, PLS has removed 1.2 million pounds of trash from public lands.
