Whiskeytown Lake Trashed By Thoughtless Boaters
REDDING RECREATION, SHASTA COUNTY
June 23rd, 2009
Sadly, some boaters at Whiskeytown think it’s OK to trash the beach after taking a break on shore from their favorite water activities. My wife and I have noticed more and more trash on beaches around Whiskeytown that can only be accessed by boat. The reasons people do this escape me, but I have a couple theories.
Years ago, before Whiskeytown charged visitors daily use fees, it 
was common to see trash cans placed at popular coves, islands and beach spots around the lake. Apparently, budget cuts have eliminated this service since I have not seen trash cans at these spots for several years. Perhaps park users see this as their opportunity to leave behind whatever trash would have been deposited in these missing receptacles.
Stricter laws regarding drinking and possession of alcohol may also be another factor. Underage drinkers can use the law as an excuse not to pack out their trash. Apparently, the penalties for getting caught with an open container outweigh the environmental impact of littering. However, it does not 
explain why drinkers of legal age leave their bottles and cans behind to greet the next visitor.
I would like to see some of the money collected for park usage applied to cleaning up the park and reinstating the placement of trash cans at popular beach spots. Not only does this trash spoil this pristine man-made lake, it sends a message to the next generation that trashing our planet is acceptable behavior. A sad commentary, in my opinion, on our stewardship of our small planet.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
