Pitching In To Cleanup Rim Fire Damage

Groveland, CA — Volunteers are needed this weekend to help make it smooth sailing for rafting and kayaking on the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River.

The Rim Fire flames burned the popular Merals Pool put-in on the river. Volunteers will work on clearing out brush and downed trees, moving dirt and rocks, and installing features to reduce erosion. That will give boaters improved access to the water, and make it much easier and safer to put-in. To celebrate National Public Lands Day, the Groveland District is hosting a volunteer work day on Saturday, September 24th.  Forest Service spokesperson Clare Long explains what is needed, “We can make things happened with ten but if we could get 20 [volunteers] we could get more of these beams back into place and get a lot of the dead vegetation off to the side. Why not make it a family event.”

Those planning to help out are asked to meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Groveland Ranger Station, located 8 miles east of Groveland on State Highway 120. The work day will last until 3:30 pm. Volunteers should wear closed-toe high-top shoes, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt for the work.

Lunch and snacks will be provided for free to all participants but bring your own water bottle. In order to plan for the meals, those interested can send an email to gdvaughn@fs.fed.us. Call the Groveland Front Desk at 209-962-7825, ext. 0 with any questions.