The Smith River Alliance is offering up a new way to take part in cleaning up the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.Cleanup efforts will extend beyond the coast and into the Smith River National Recreation Area because all waterways eventually lead to the ocean.“Given the current circumstances, we decided gathering in a large group and organizing as we have in the past just wasn’t safe for our volunteers or organizers,” said cleanup organizer Tara Dettmar. “Instead, we want to make sure that folks are able to get out in a way that is conducive to their health and their schedules.”#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');Efforts on Oct. 17 will be focused in the coastal zone. Individuals and “quaran-teams” interested in cleaning up coastal areas should contact the Smith River Alliance to reserve a time slot. Volunteers will sign up for a shift and a location will be assigned based on time and ability. Details can be taken care of with limited to no contact, depending on preference. In instances of in-person meet ups (such as picking up supplies) all COVID-19 safety procedures — masks, distancing, sanitization — will be strictly observed.For those who would like to focus on cleaning up garbage before it gets to the coast, there will be opportunities to participate in cleanups around the National Recreation Area from now until the rain starts and will be scheduled as volunteers become available. For more details or to reserve a spot, contact Tara Dettmar at (904) 591-0901 or Tara@smithriveralliance.org or send a Facebook or Instagram message to the Smith River Alliance. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });