Dump Stoppers

Dump Stoppers

The Clackamas County Forest and Community Environment Divisions, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management have joined forces to track down and prosecute illegal dumpers on public forest lands. The project, called "Dump Stoppers," is funded by a federal grant to deter illegal dumping and vandalism on U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Clackamas County owned forest lands within the County. The partnership also includes: private timberland owned by Longview Timberlands, Port Blakely, and Weyerhaeuser, which is adjacent to federal lands; the Oregon Department of Forestry and Department of Fish & Wildlife; Portland General Electric; Hopkins Demonstration Forest; and Oregon Trail School District- Forestry Program. This grant does not apply to illegal dumping on private property.

An increase of illegal dumpsites has taken a toll on federal forested lands in Clackamas County over the years. This continuing problem has prompted the closure of some recreation areas in the county and other sites are being considered for closure.

"The problem is massive," said Tom Ortman, Clackamas County Retired Natural Resource Coordinator and program founder. "This is literally an epidemic of illegal dumping and vandalism and we are facing major health concerns in our public lands."

The Dump Stoppers program utilizes a multi-pronged approach to confront the illegal dumping. At the heart of the program is a Clackamas County Sheriff's Deputy dedicated full-time to tracking down illegal dumpers and vandals, along with support from an Operations Coordinator/Environment Assistant. A Compliance Hearings Officer and/or the District Attorney’s Office support the program as needed to prosecute those caught; and community corrections crews are used to clean up dumpsites.

The Dump Stoppers program has proven to be highly successful. 2008 we collected 73,880 pounds of solid waste, 2,425 pounds of scrap metal, 2,094 pounds of hazardous waste, 1,208 tires and removed 36 vehicles. The overall program totals since 2003 are 513,013 pounds of solid waste, 55,811 pounds of scrap metal, 6,434 tires, 319 vehicles, and 2 illegal structures removed from the forest! was A 40% reduction in waste was collected in 2006 compared with 2003, with a slight increase in 2007-2008. There has also been approximately a 30% reduction in dump sites found. Compared to when the program first began the sites are also smaller in size. One source of waste that does not seem to dissipate or decrease is the trash associated with shooting areas. The clean up results are due to the hard work of our partners, neighborhood volunteers, coordinated SOLV efforts, and County staff.

Citizens are asked to play a major role in the Dump Stoppers program. A telephone tipline is available for persons to call when they see or suspect illegal dumping on federal, county, or timber company lands. The number is 503-650-3333 and callers can remain anonymous.

Lawn signs and bumper stickers with the Dump Stoppers logo and phone number will also be available to individuals and groups who live near these forested lands upon request. "We plan on working with local rural groups in a form equivalent to 'Neighborhood Watch' in the urban areas," Ortman said.