Californians Can Participate in September Cleanups and Learn About Water Quality
September 19, 2023 - Mariposa County — Caltrans, through its Stormwater Campaign “Let’s Change This to That,” is partnering with the California Coastal Commission for 
the second year to advocate for cleaner coastlines and pollutant-free water during September’s Coastal Cleanup Month. Numerous cleanup activities will take place statewide throughout the month with the goal of preserving the natural splendor of California’s coastline and ensuring that both inland and coastal area residents understand their impact on community waterways, such as lakes, rivers, creeks, and the ocean.
Trash, litter, and other debris accumulate during drier months while Californians travel, recreate and spend more time outdoors. Stormwater generated by the first heavy rains of the season wash untreated waste and debris into local rivers, creeks, lakes, and the ocean. Beyond encouraging trash collection, the Stormwater Campaign encourages preventative actions by individuals to stop pollutants at the source, such as picking up after pets, properly disposing of waste, maintaining vehicles to prevent leaks and mitigate wear, and much more. These thoughtful behaviors contribute significantly to maintaining water quality and decreasing pollution.
The California Coastal Commission in partnership with Caltrans and other community-based organizations are holding the 39th annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 23, 2023, by hosting hundreds of local events statewide. Residents in Mariposa County interested in volunteering can participate in the following local events:
- Great Sierra River Cleanup – Saturday, September 23, from 8:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. Volunteers can find more information at: Upper Merced River Watershed Council.
Caltrans District 10 employees will do their part by participating in district cleanup events on Thursday, September 21. To learn more about how to prevent stormwater pollution, visit CleanWaterCA.com.
About Caltrans: Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation is responsible for designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating the state's transportation infrastructure. With an unwavering commitment to a safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation system, Caltrans actively engages in various initiatives to safeguard and enhance California's natural environment. For more information about Coastal Cleanup Month and Caltrans' extensive involvement, please visit CleanWaterCA.com.
Source: Caltrans
