Date: March 15, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: David Lindau (206) 220-4279

In honor of this year's annual Washington Coast Cleanup, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has officially proclaimed April 17, 2010 as Washington Coast Cleanup Day. "Washington's Pacific Coast is threatened by tons of household plastics, lost fishing gear, and other manmade debris now polluting the world's oceans and washing up on our shores," proclaimed Gregoire.

"Marine debris poison and kill our marine mammals, seabirds, and other coastal wildlife and spoil the pristine beauty of Washington's coastal parks, recreation areas, and wilderness beaches" Gregoire stated in the proclamation, noting that the success of the annual Cleanup "depends on participation by volunteers from outdoor recreation groups, schools, service clubs, and community organizations throughout Washington."

"I'm thrilled that the Governor is recognizing our efforts", said David Lindau, the Cleanup's lead organizer and program coordinator for Washington CoastSavers. "I really hope her proclamation inspires people from all over the state to come out and help clean up our incredible beaches. It's a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day."

"Just because you don't live right next to the ocean doesn't mean you can ignore the problem of marine debris," Lindau added. "All of us, no matter where we live, need to realize that all the plastic and junk we use in our daily lives doesn't just disappear after we throw it away. Some of it ends up in our waterways and floats out to sea, where it starts killing marine life and washing up on shore. Everyone is part of the problem, which means everyone is also part of the solution."

Volunteers are invited to lend a hand with a range of tasks at beaches all along Washington's Pacific Coast, from gathering assorted debris and carrying back to roadside dumpsters, to driving the beaches and picking up filled bags at others. To sign up for their favorite beach and learn more, people should visit the Washington CoastSavers website at www.coastsavers.org/washington.

"We are especially appreciative of the Washington Coast Cleanup," said Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Carol Bernthal. "It's so important for people to realize what a threat marine debris is to our unique coastal environment and what a difference their efforts make. Governor Gregoire's proclamation really speaks to that."

"We are grateful to each and every volunteer who is working to combat marine debris, both within the park and along the entire Washington coast," said Olympic National Park Superintendent Karen Gustin. "We warmly welcome everyone who participates -- they're not only cleaning Washington's beaches, but also helping celebrate National Park Week, which begins on April 17."

The Washington Coast Cleanup is sponsored by the Washington Clean Coast Alliance and is the only coast-wide cleanup on Washington's Pacific Coast. Last year, over 1,200 volunteers removed approximately 30 tons of marine debris from Washington's Pacific beaches.

The Washington Clean Coast Alliance is a partnership of eight founding members including Discover Your Northwest, Grass Roots Garbage Gang, Lions Club International, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Olympic National Park, Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association, Surfrider Foundation, and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

For more information and to sign up for the Washington Coast Cleanup, visit the Washington CoastSavers website at www.coastsavers.org