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ENVIRONMENT Volunteers tackle trash-covered Southern Oregon lake bottoms Drought has uncovered decades worth of litter at local lakes Comment By Claire Krulikowski for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Claire Krulikowski for the Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 20, 2014 at 6:57 PM Updated Sep 20, 2014 at 6:58 PM By Claire Krulikowski for the Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 20, 2014 at 6:57 PM Updated Sep 20, 2014 at 6:58 PM » Social News Visitors to Howard Prairie Lake this summer may have spotted Bob and Renee Aaronson slowly navigating ATVs along sections of the exposed lake bed, using Pikstiks to grab litter as they rode along, or watched them dismount to lift heavier items onto their machines or use a rope to drag out as many as 15 discarded tires. The local couple decided to start picking up trash in May during their weekend walks around the lake when the receding waters continued to reveal trash previously hidden under water. The immense mass of trash proved to be a challenge and led them to seek permission from Jackson County Parks Director Steve Lambert to ride their ATVs below the high-water mark. “We started along Lily Glen,” Bob Aaronson said, “and worked along the east side to Hoxie Creek, then moved to the dam.” The pick-up continues. Bob, who works at Timber Products on Sage Road, and Renee, who works with the Medford School District, say they may continue their efforts until October. “It’s not a fun job,” he said. “We come to the lake to enjoy ourselves, not haul trash. But my wife and I can’t stop now, because it’s a feeling of satisfaction when we see how much is cleared out in a few hours — and, unfortunately, there’s always more.” Howard Prairie, just 30 percent full, isn't the only lake that's suffering. Emigrant Lake is at 11 percent, Willow Lake is at 55 percent and Agate Lake is at just 3 percent, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. The continually receding waters have exposed decades’ accumulation of trash, including tires, bottles, glass shards, rusted cans, anchors, clothes, shoes, umbrellas, fishing poles, metal sheets, fishing line, hooks and more. At Howard Prairie, that mass of litter has been greatly reduced, and next year’s lake visitors will have a cleaner experience. Both humans and animals benefit from a “pack it out” philosophy, Bob said. Fishing line and hooks not only pose a threat to humans and pets in the water, they can harm birds whose legs become entangled and eagles that pick up the soft line for nesting material. The Aaronsons place their hauls in county bins that are picked up during the week. To prevent gouges, they avoid driving into muddy areas near the water’s edge. “It’s about not leaving a footprint,” Bob said. Renee said she and her husband get irritated when they see adults with kids walking away from swimming areas or campsites "leaving a pig sty of litter behind." "They’re teaching the next generation that it’s OK, and it isn’t.” Lambert agreed, saying he's “confused why someone would trash the very resource they are recreating on.” He credited the work of volunteers who help maintain the lakes, such as the members of the Rogue Yacht Club, who perform an annual Howard Prairie clean-up. The county park system has an established volunteer program people can join, Lambert said, adding that volunteers should contact the county Parks Department before doing work at parks “so the department knows who is doing what and when.” Freelance writer Claire Krulikowski lives in Talent. Reach her through her website at www.clairekrulikowski.com By Claire Krulikowski for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Claire Krulikowski for the Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 20, 2014 at 6:57 PM Updated Sep 20, 2014 at 6:58 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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