Kayak New Mexico, Inc., the American Canoe Association (ACA), and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) will be conducting a lake cleanup and monster sweep of all things not biodegradable (trash) on Saturday July 21, 2018.
We collected over 1200 pounds of trash last year – lets see if we can top that!! The Adobe Whitewater club will be awarding outstanding trash collection prizes.
We have been given the use of the group campsite for free camping Friday July 20 and Saturday July 21, 2018. The group site is in Loop C, in the far NW valley section of the campground area. There are numerous pavilions, tons of tent space, ample parking and also space for a number of RVs (depending on size). In the loop itself, there are vault toilets and a water spigot. Showers and flush toilets are in short walking distance. There are no RV hookups, but water tanks can be filled at one of the dump stations.
The group campsite is FREE to anyone helping us collect garbage.
Obviously, all Cochiti campground rules apply:
no alcohol
no wood fires
pets on leash
The US Army Corps of Engineers will be providing us a support boat to help collect all the garbage from around the lake and may provide tows if necessary. While the Corps will be providing support, it must be remembered they are foremost involved with the water safety of all boaters on the lake.
We will meet at the main west side boat ramp at 9:00am Saturday to start our clean up of the lake.
Kayak New Mexico, Inc. will provide kayaks rent free for those willing to clean up the lake – you must sign up for the event and contact Jane@kayaknewmexico.org to reserve a kayak (Jane – 505-980-7207 call or text). Sign up at the Greater Albuquerque / Santa Fe Kayak Meetup https://www.meetup.com/Albuquerque-Santa-Fe-kayak-meetup/events/249648172/
Canoes, rafts, SUPs, IKs and boats with motors are welcome too. Since we’ll have a boat provided by Cochiti Lake to put trash into, come out regardless of the size of your paddle craft.
If you have a motorized boat you are willing to bring, the additional motor support is welcome! It’s a big lake!
Directions:.
Take Exit 259 off of I25. Go west on NM22 through Pena Blanca and go past the earthen dam. Turn right at Cochiti Lake road and follow it down to the boat ramp.
Know the Law!
PFDs & Life Jackets – You are required (by New Mexico State Law) to wear a properly fitted life jacket any time you are in a canoe, kayak, or raft – regardless of you age or waterway. It is your responsibility to inform your guest. You are also required by New Mexico State Law to carry a whistle. Head lamp is required if you are on the water 30 minutes after sunset or 30 minutes before sunrise.
Drugs & Alcohol – No person shall operate any motorboat or vessel (including kayaks, canoes or rafts), nor use any water skis, surfboard or similar device, while under the influence of alcohol and /or any controlled substance. A person is considered under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%.
No alcohol or controlled substance should be consumed before or during any kayak meetup event, this includes lunch, or you will be banned from the group. Save it for the after-party.
The organizers of the Greater Albuquerque / Santa Fe Kayak Meetup site have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy and reserve the right to remove any member who does not abide by State laws.