A joint Oregon program cleared 12 trailer loads of trash and vehicles from a state forest dump site, helping reduce illegal dumping and recidivism.

A large illegal dump site in Tillamook State Forest was cleared by adults in custody from a joint Oregon Corrections and Forestry program, removing 12 trailer loads of debris including vehicles and household waste. The cleanup, costing about $8,000, addressed a growing problem: illegal dumping in Oregon’s state forests has surged since 2021, with more abandoned vehicles reported annually. No hazardous materials were found, avoiding HAZMAT costs. To improve tracking, the Oregon Department of Forestry launched a new field-based vandalism tracking system. The program also provides participants with job skills in wildfire suppression, trail work, and hatchery operations, helping reduce recidivism. Residents are urged to report dump sites with photos and locations.