This Year Will Be Semi-Normal

SIGN IN

Sign in will start at 7:30 am followed by a briefing at 8 am at the end of Rivers Road under the Power Line. Please practice social distancing to the extent possible. Masks are optional since we will be outdoors.

Multiple tables will be set up so you can spread out when signing in. Please write legibly so you receive the post event Thank You email with total numbers of volunteers, weights, etc.

Coffee and breakfast pastries provided by Publix will be available at 7:30 am.

If possible, decide where you are going to cleanup in advance. Lack of scouting impacted our success last year. Trash bags will be available. A port-a-potty and hand sanitizer will be provided as well.

   
Stay tuned for Lunch plans. Here’s hoping COVID numbers will be down dramatically. One thing is certain, there will be banana pudding!

General

Wear long pants, closed toed shoes and gloves. Bring any picker-up gadgets you may have. Dress in layers. Take pictures. We would like action shots for the website. Submit pictures to Sharon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sign-up and Sign-in
Pre-register for the Forest Cleanup using the link on the www.forestcleanup.org website. Should your plans change, use the link in your registration confirmation to cancel.

Unloading

Dumpsters will be positioned at the end of Rivers Rd under the powerlines. Turn left under the power line and off load from either side of the dumpsters. Separate dumpsters for household, metal, electronics, tires, etc. Assistance will be provided.

Criminal Activity

If you see any evidence of criminal activity, do not disturb the area and call the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 850-606-5800.

Safety Information

There are unlimited hazards in the forest.

* Sharp objects: Handle with care when picking up broken glass, sharp metal and building materials with nails, as well as handling a bag containing sharp objects. Do not over-fill trash bags.

* Snakes and Insects: If possible do not disturb. You may use a shovel or other tool to move large objects to be certain there are no snakes, bees, wasps or spiders underneath debris before attempting to pick up.

*Tires: Use caution when moving tires as they are most likely filled with stagnant water.

* Biohazards: If needles are found, contact the non-emergency Sheriff’s Office at 850-606-5800. We are not equipped to collect or dispose of items that may be contaminated with human blood or waste.

* Chemical Hazards: If you find containers with questionable contents (See below for more details.), take a picture and pin the location. Let Forest Service staff know so they can follow up.

Meth labs

While at first glance, these may look like a random assortment of trash. Beware of the serious danger.

How to recognize a Methamphetamine lab

• Large amounts of items such as antifreeze containers, two-liter bottles, lantern fuel cans, engine starting fluid cans, HEET cans, lithium batteries and empty battery packages, wrappers, drain cleaner and duct tape.
• Unusual, strong odors like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals.
• Pans containing a powdery residue.
• Coffee filters containing a white pasty substance, a dark red paste, or small amounts of shiny white crystals.

What to do?

• Leave at once and report it by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 850-606-5800.
• Do not open any coolers.
• Do not touch any items.
• Handling methamphetamine waste residue can burn your skin and eyes, and breathing in the gases can send you to the hospital.
• Handling these chemicals with unprotected skin, or getting the dust in your eyes can cause serious damage.

Cleaning up a meth lab is dangerous and expensive. Much of the waste is highly flammable and explosive. It’s a job for professionals.

Thank you for taking time to read this important information!