Ocean Shores volunteers to resume canal cleanup; board coordinates boats, school outreach

Members of the Ocean Shores Waterway Advisory Board set follow-up cleanup work for the Bascomel/Bass areas and discussed logistics for debris staging, boat use and volunteer recruitment.

Chair (S1) said the Saturday work party accomplished a lot and suggested a short follow-up (a few hours) to finish clearing big pieces and prepare debris for public works pickup. Committee member (S2) offered to contact Ricky at public works to coordinate access to the city boat and suggested staging truck/trailer options for moving large logs to the roadside for pickup.

The board discussed recruiting high-school students through coaches so participants could receive volunteer service credit. “I can talk to the coaches because they're the ones that pretty much ask the kids,” Chair (S1) said; other members suggested a mix of adult and youth volunteers at spring-break sessions or on weekends. The group tentatively agreed to target a Friday (around noon) or a Saturday depending on volunteer availability and weather.

Operational details covered included boat availability, the need for more cutting equipment at pickup sites so branches can be cut into manageable pieces, and securing permission/permits for removing downed trees. Public works staff (S4) confirmed the city boat is operational and said the crew will handle larger logs and coordinate removal on the scheduled Tuesday operation.

Next steps: Committee member (S2) will contact public works (Ricky) about boat/truck access and volunteer forms; the board will finalize dates and provide the information to residents via its communication channels.