Fishing For Garbage on the Deschutes Watershed

August 27th was an exciting day for BlackStrap, as we hosted the first ever Oregon based Fish for Garbage cleanup. We feel privileged to help make a beneficial impact on our local waters.

Fish For Garbage is a Utah based nonprofit organization that is dedicated to protecting watersheds through river cleanups and educational programs. BlackStrap has been a long time supporter and sponsor of their cleanups, which is why we were thrilled to hear they wanted us to host their first ever out-of-state cleanup.  

We chose Wickiup reservoir and the surrounding area as the location for the cleanup. Wickiup is the second largest reservoir in the state of Oregon, and was created by damming the section of the Deschutes river downstream of the Davis Creek confluence.  It is an important habitat for fish, shore birds, waterfowl, and hoofed animals.  Unfortunately, the reservoir is very littered because it is heavily utilized for recreational activities, therefore making it an ideal location for a Fish For Garbage cleanup.

After a few months of planning and dialing down the logistics, the Fish For Garbage crew loaded up their van and road-tripped out to Bend, Oregon to meet the BlackStrap team and hold the event.  

We hosted over 60 people and pulled out over 800+ lbs of trash from Wickiup reservoir, Davis creek, and the Deschutes river in only a few hours. After the cleanup, we hosted a hotdog cooked for our hungry volunteers and raffled off prizes from our incredible event sponsors.

Thanks to all who supported and made this first-time event one for the books! 

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Pale Blue Earth, Laird Superfood, Redington, Fly & Field Outfitters, Umpqua, Kea Outdoors, Indian Summer, Rising, Brighton Anglers, Schwood, and Korkers.