In celebration of Earth Month and APS’s 140th anniversary, join us for a multi-lake cleanup on Wednesday, April 29, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM. We will gather at Rim Top Trailhead and then deploy to nearby locations—Woods Canyon, Willow Springs and Bear Canyon Lake—to clear fishing line and litter. Volunteers will be walking beach areas and hiking trails to help protect local wildlife.
What to bring:
- Tools, bags and gloves will be available; bring your own work gloves if you have them.
- Wear proper attire for being outdoors and in the sun, i.e. hat and sunscreen.
- Some water and snacks will be provided, please bring lunch or additional food you may want.
- Minor children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the project.
Questions? Contact volunteer@azgfd.gov or 602-526-2004.
Rim Top Trailhead from Payson:
Head East on AZ-260: Drive east from Payson for approximately 30 miles.
Locate Rim Road: Look for the turnoff for Woods Canyon Lake (Rim Road / Forest Road 300), situated just east of milepost 282.
Turn Left (North): Turn left onto Rim Road (FR 300). The trailhead is located just 0.2 miles ahead on the north side of the road.
The trailhead is directly across from the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center.
Why?
Improperly disposed fishing line can be consumed by, or entangle, many animals including mammals and migratory birds. Regular cleanups can prevent ospreys, bald eagles, waterfowl, and pets from encountering dangerous and often lethal entanglement. After needing to rescue an eagle nestling last year, which required months of rehabilitation prior to release back to the wild, APS has volunteered to work on coordinating a fishing line cleanup event at the various locations throughtout the state in honor of their 140th birthday! Rim lakes have nesting bald eagles.
Read more about the Department's Monofilament Recovery Program here.
