BEND, OR -- The Deschutes River is one of just 20 locations around the country selected as a 2023 Leave No Trace spotlight. Erin Collier, with the Leave No Trace organization says the program is, "Shining a spotlight on communities that are really bringing people together in conservation." She tells KBND News the national organization chooses applications based on local involvement, "That partnership between the Deschutes Watershed Council and the Parks and Rec, and then also Visit Bend was kind of tangentially involved in the application and planning process. So there was a really cohesive group of community around this."

A special Leave No Trace Weekend is planned for July 28th through the 30th, including a Friday celebration at Alpenglow Park. A Saturday river cleanup event is already at capacity. Although, "A cleanup is never really sold out," says Collier, "You know, you can always just go on a cleanup in your neighborhood or pick up some trash wherever it is you’re getting outdoors on Saturday. You’re still part of that effort." And Sunday, the 30th, river floaters get a free green tube rental at the Park and Float on Simpson, in exchange for help with trash removal during their visit. In addition, the Subaru/Leave No Trace traveling team will be on site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to educate the community about how to Leave No Trace while floating on the Deschutes River. Click HERE for more information on the weekend's events. 

The Deschutes River is one of 20 spotlight locations around the country, this year. "Part of the goal of this program is to just kind of build momentum and inspire involvement in the future. So, making sure that communities are aware of these awesome local organizations and the stuff that they’re doing while we’re here, but also all the time," says Collier.