Abandoned Jackpine Camp Cleanup a Success!
La Pine, Oregon – On Saturday, August 17, 2024, a dedicated group of volunteers came together to clean up the abandoned Jackpine Camp in La Pine, Oregon.
Despite a minor setback with stolen supplies, the volunteers remained undeterred. With the support of La Pine Ace Hardware and additional supplies from Public Land Stewards Bend, the cleanup proceeded smoothly.
Lisa Clark, Field Manager from the Bureau of Land Management informed the volunteers about the hazardous materials present in the surrounding wooded area. She advised everyone to concentrate their cleanup efforts within the designated clearing, as the BLM is currently seeking bids to address the contaminated area and remove abandoned RVs. “It was a perfect turn of events to partner on this,” she said, “as we were able to make the day more manageable for the fantastic group of volunteers, and to be able to focus the upcoming contract on the hazardous materials and vehicles.”
Lead by Republic Services and Newberry Regional Partnership, the successful event was a collaborative effort involving the City of La Pine, Deschutes County, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Public Land Stewards Bend, and La Pine Rural Fire Protection District.
Approximately 55 individuals participated in the cleanup effort, including community members, Hopkins Excavation LLC, High Lakes Christian Church, La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, Public Land Stewards Bend, the Deschutes National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management. Although a team of yellow jackets decided to emerge and join the event, the watchful members of Public Land Stewards were able to identify the nest location and flag off areas of concern. La Pine Fire was on hand to provide any needed treatment.
The cleanup efforts resulted in the removal of trash filling two 30-yard and three 20-yard dumpsters and multiple trailers of debris. The team worked tirelessly to remove hundreds of pounds of debris ranging from household trash to clothes to washing machines and tires. Republic Services provided individual dumpsters for trash, metal and tires – making disposal of the debris easier. The event was celebrated with a communal lunch and a sense of accomplishment among the volunteers. Many expressed their desire to participate in future cleanup initiatives.
“It was rewarding and humbling to see so many volunteers and how quickly we made a difference!” said community member Denise Hopkins.
Newberry Regional Partnership extends its deepest gratitude to Courtney Voss and her dedicated team at Republic Services for their unwavering commitment and immediate action in making this project a reality.
“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in this cleanup,” said Kathy DeBone, Community Coordinator at Newberry Regional Partnership. “This event is a significant step toward protecting our community from wildfire hazards and preserving our public lands.”
The abandoned Jackpine Camp Cleanup serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Photo credits: Fallon Bandemer and Kathy DeBone
