Trash and COVID-19

COVID 19 is a serious illness that is affecting all people throughout the world.  The contagiousness of the virus is rapid and widespread causing pandemic responses.  With border closures and stricter safety laws comes the closures of many state, county and city parks. 

It is important to continue to venture outside to exercise for optimal health. However, most areas once enjoyed are now closed to the public. With the stay at home order throughout most municipalities, people are getting cabin fever and crossing the boundaries. It might be because they think no one is watching or they do not believe the area should be closed to begin with.

Unfortunately, there is an increase of illegal dumping caused by visitors.  Rangers are exposed to more than usual trash. This is making it harder for our Parks Rangers to keep the parks sanitized and it unnecessarily eposes the Rangers to garbage that might be tainted with the Coronavirus.  Even throughout the stay at home order our Rangers are still hard at work.  People need to be respectful and understand the risk they are causing.  Even after the shelter in place order is lifted people need stop illegal dumping.

 Illegal dumping causes disease and pollution that can enter our water ways.  A nuisance behavior camera is needed to stop illegal dumping and trespassing.