The weekend was a great success, and KOCCB was off and running!
The Arizona Republic supported our program with an editorial on littering in Arizona, and Oak Creek Canyon.
The following year, 2004, the OCWC was awarded a Water Quality Improvement Grant including funding for the expansion of KOCCB. See Task 5.
Part of this grant was also focused on designing, constructing and installing four trailhead signs that conveyed the concept of reducing litter, and promoted using restrooms instead of the forest and creek area. See Task 9.
KOCCB is now a seasoned anti-litter/pollution program, resulting in tens of tons of trash to be collected, and removed from the Canyon. Even residents are encouraged to use our dumpster which is set out on Memorial Day weekend; July 4th weekend; and Labor Day weekend.
Part of KOCCB program also includes educating visitors on outdoor ethics listed in the USFS Leave No Trace program. To that end, the Oak Creek Watershed Council has been awarded an Education
Grant to teach high school students from Sedona how to be Trailhead Ambassadors and in turn, pass along their knowledge to Canyon Visitors. This program will be in effect in 2009.
The Task Force has also established a partnership with the Master Watershed Steward program in Flagstaff in which volunteers will be taught how to become stewards of a watershed. The OCWC will be involved in sponsoring several volunteers and paying for their tuition. If this is of interest to you, please contact us. |
