Copper River Youth Project Mobilizes Volunteers for Beach Cleanup

On September 26, about a dozen Kenny Lake adults and children spent the morning cleaning up the beach at the Copper River Bridge. The cleanup was organized by local youth Persephone Nashlund as the final project associated with her participation in the Copper River Stewardship Program. 

Through the program, a partnership between Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission (AITRC), Copper River Watershed Project, the National Park Service, Prince William Sound Science Center, and WISE, a group of high school students from the Copper River watershed participate annually in experiential education opportunities upstream, downstream, and in between. 

The group found some large items including couch cushions, metal pipes, carpet, and a tent. Gloves, disposable water bottles and lids, cigarette butts and other trash were found as well, especially in smaller side channels of the river. 

One item was picked up by the hundreds: zip ties. This plastic trash can entangle baby fish. Adult fish or birds may also eat small plastic trash, leading to health problems or even death. 

Some people use zip ties to secure dipnets to poles or to make quick field repairs. However, the cold water makes the plastic brittle. Dip nets can be secured using line or other means, although not all fishermen have the skill to do this. Is this an area where local organizations, agencies or volunteers can make a difference? 

AITRC Education and Outreach Coordinator Bailey Roberts and WISE Executive Director Robin Mayo participated in the event alongside the volunteers. Mayo served a soup and cornbread lunch courtesy of WISE. Mayo reflected on how far the clean up efforts have gone, recalling a need for heavy equipment to remove trash in 2020. “Now we’re on to the little stuff,” she said. 

The Native Village of Chitina volunteered to receive the collected trash and dispose of it. 

Nashlund treated volunteers to beautifully decorated and very tasty cupcakes. She hopes to participate in the Copper River Stewardship Program again in 2027, to continue traveling and learning through the region.