UCSO’s Frog Ponds cleanup day removes nearly 5 and a half tons of trash

By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) recently organized a no-host cleanup day for the Frog Ponds area along Forest Road 3120 to help remove trash, debris, and burnt-out vehicles. According to Sheriff Cody Bowen, this cleanup was a success, with nearly 30 volunteers assisting in removing 5.44 tons of garbage from the area. In reflecting on the effort, the UCSO issued the following release:

“The Union County Sheriff’s Office requested a ‘no host’ clean up day last Friday off Forest Road 3120 after individuals caused major damage to the area.

‘We did not realize the amount of trash and damage that had been done to the area until we arrived that day,’ said Sheriff Cody Bowen. ‘It was the worst many of us had ever seen.’

A total of three vehicles, four RV trailers and several tons of garbage were removed. And work is still not finished.

‘I have asked the Forest Service to temporarily close off this location until we can completely remove all the hazardous trash and rehab the area,’ Bowen said. ‘I will let the public know when we have another clean up day scheduled. Be warned if you are found at any time to be partaking or contributing to this kind of lawless and disgusting behavior you will be arrested immediately.’

Bowen said he has agreed to provide extra patrol in the high traffic areas.

‘This behavior is what will ultimately get our forests shut down for all of the citizens that enjoy our natural resources responsibly. I’m asking every citizen who enjoys our forests to help my office prevent this from happening,’ Bowen said.

Report any criminal activity to the USFS office, or to the UCSO at 541-963-1017.

Thank you to Waste Pro who donated the dumpster and trailer loads of trash that was picked up; B&K for metal and multiple vehicle removals; BLW Construction for the dump trailer, excavator and several employees labor; La Grande Les Schwab Tire Center for the donation of garbage bags; Local Forest Service employees for time and labor.

And thank you to everyone who came to help clean up our community. We couldn’t do it without you!”