Large Illegal Dump Site in Tillamook State Forest Cleared by South Fork Crews
A weeklong cleanup removed 12 trailer loads of garbage as illegal dumping continues to rise across Oregon’s state forests
A major illegal dump site deep in the Tillamook State Forest has been fully cleaned up thanks to crews from South Fork Forest Camp, who spent nearly a week removing debris that officials say posed a threat to both public safety and the environment.
“It was a big mess and a risk to the public and the environment,” said Zach Rabe, Operations Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Tillamook District. “The South Fork crew hauled off 12 dump trailers full of garbage.”
The cleanup, located on Fox Ridge Road off State Highway 6, was far larger than what crews typically encounter. Most illegal dump removals take one or two days — but this site appeared to contain “the entire contents of [someone’s] house,” according to staff.
“This one site took us a week,” said Chad Powell, Institution Work Programs Coordinator at South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC). “It looked like someone took the entire contents of their house and put it in the woods. Even though this is dirty and kind of gross work, the AICs took pride in working fast and loading the trailer efficiently to make as few trips as possible.”
Adults in Custody from South Fork Forest Camp clean up a large illegal dump site in Tillamook State Forest. South Fork Forest Camp is jointly owned and operated by the Oregon Departments of Corrections and Forestry (ODF)
Hazards and Costly Cleanups
Before crews could begin work, law enforcement swept the area to ensure no hazardous materials were present — a required step in every illegal dump cleanup.
“Safety is a top concern when we remove any illegal dump site—we just don’t know what is in these sites,” Rabe said. “If any hazardous materials are found, then we must hire HAZMAT contractors who wear full personal protective equipment. Those types of cleanups are very expensive.”
No hazardous substances were found at this location, allowing SFFC crews to safely proceed. Still, Rabe estimated the cleanup cost would reach $8,000.
Illegal Dumping on the Rise
ODF officials say illegal dumping in Oregon’s state forests has become more frequent — and more expensive — over the past few years.
“We are not sure why, but since 2021 we have seen a lot more illegal dumping,” Rabe said. “For example, we would typically find just one or two abandoned vehicles in our district each year. Now we are seeing around 10 a year.”
Abandoned RVs and cars are particularly difficult and costly to remove. “Some are burned out, and most are in remote areas, so it is hard to find towing companies willing to do the work,” Rabe said. Removing an RV can cost about $3,700, while a car removal averages $550.
Many of these sites are located because members of the public report them. Rabe encourages anyone who encounters garbage or abandoned vehicles to document the location and notify ODF.
New Tracking System Aims to Improve Response
To better understand the growing problem, the department has launched a new Vandalism Activity Tracking System, which will plot dump sites, vandalism, and abandoned vehicles on a district-wide map.
“It is a field map-based system that allows us to plot points and mark whether it is a garbage, vehicle or vandalism act that we need to take some action to remediate,” Rabe said. The tool is expected to help districts budget more effectively and potentially secure grants for cleanup efforts.
Role of South Fork Forest Camp
The South Fork crews are a cost-effective option for cleanups. However, with tight budgets it’s difficult for ODF to keep up with the growing problem of illegal dumping and vandalism. (ODF)
South Fork Forest Camp — jointly operated by the Oregon Department of Corrections and Oregon Department of Forestry — provides trained adults in custody (AICs) who handle a wide range of forest management and support work.
“Nearly all of our 120 or so AICs are trained in wildfire suppression—and are assigned to 10-person crews to fight wildfires,” Powell said. “We have workshops that supply all the wooden signs for state forests, they are a key part of the recreation program helping to maintain trails and doing building projects at campgrounds, there is a fish hatchery on site and much more.”
Powell added that the camp’s programs not only support Oregon’s forest operations but offer AICs valuable opportunities to build job skills that can help reduce recidivism.
“One of our main objectives is to help reduce recidivism by modeling pro social behavior and teach work skills that help adults in custody be productive citizens upon release,” he said. “We are doing that here every day and setting these men up for a chance at a successful future.”
Members of the public can report vandalism, garbage, or abandoned vehicles in ODF’s Tillamook District by calling (503) 842-2545.
Cover photo: The South Fork crews took 12 dump trailer loads of garbage from the site. ODF estimates it cost $8,000 for the cleanup. (ODF)