In the California desert, about half way between L.A. and Las Vegas lies the Ghost Town of Calico. Calico was founded in 1881, due to the quest for silver. In the late 1890s the price of silver dropped drastically, but Calico was given a second lease on life because of Borax deposits in the area. The switch to Borax mining lasted until about 1910, keeping Calico a viable community. Today the ghost town is a County park and the mines, easy freeway access and close proximity to the town of Barstow, make the region a favorite destination for campers, shooters, and off-road enthusiasts. Unfortunately, with heavy land use, there are always a few that don't practice the "pack it in - pack it out" philosophy. These few can trash the desert for everyone.
The idea for the Calico Cleanup came about when a few four wheelers were sitting around a camp fire after a day of 'wheeling in the Calico area. They were appalled at the amount of trash in the area which inspired them to make a difference. After all, if someone didn't help fix the problem, there was the very real chance that this mining area could be shut down because of irresponsible use.
After contacting Rose Foster with the Bureau of Land Management, and Bill Cook with Discovery Trails, a committee was formed. This initial group consisted of representatives from the TLCA (Toyota Land Cruiser Association), Alan Draper, an independent Unimog owner/wheeler and the Toyota Territory Off- Roaders Association. Soon the Calico Cleanup was a reality with a whole list of event sponsors, participating clubs and BLM approval.
In February, everything came together and the Calico Cleanup... cleaned up in a big way. Literally tons of trash where removed from the area, including a few cars. Thanks to the effort of everyone involved, the Calico area is a little cleaner and a lot nicer to visit. They'll be back again, both to enjoy the 'wheeling opportunities in the region and to pick up after those 2-percenters who just can't seem to get a clue that their mothers aren't there to do it for them.
Remember, you too can clean up you're favorite outdoor recreation area, either alone or in groups. All it takes is a little time and effort and we can all make a difference.
SOURCES
www.calicocleanup.com
MAIN EVENT SPONSOR
Gale Banks Engineering www.banks power.com
EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTICIPATING CLUBS
4WD TOYOTA OWNER'S MAGAZINE
4 WEST
4 WHEEL PARTS
ADVANCE ADAPTERS
ADVENTURE 4X4
ALL-PRO OFFROAD
ARB USA
BANKS POWER
BARSTOW MUSEUM
BLUE RIBBON COALITION
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
BURRTEC WASTE MANAGEMENT
CALIFORNIA MINI TRUCK
DEMELLO OFFROAD
DIRTY PARTS
DISCOVERY TRAILS
DONAHOE RACING
DOWNEY OFF ROAD MANUFACTURING
EXTREME 4X4 VIDEOS
FAMILY ADVENTURES
FJ TRAIL TEAMS
FRIENDS OF THE RUBICON
J.E. REEL
MARK'S OFF ROAD
MARLIN CRAWLER
MEDIC-1 AMBULANCE
METAL TECH
MYJEEPROCKS.COM
NORTHRIDGE TOYOTA PARTS
OFF CAMBER PERFORMANCE
PAT'S FIBERGLASS AND GELCOAT REPAIR
PEPSI
POWERTANK
PRP SEATS
RCP CRAWLERS
REVTEK
RUFFSTUFF SPECIALITIES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFFS
SARMON PRODUCTS
SBNF.ORG
SIDE KICK OFF ROAD MAPS
SWAY-AWAY
TOYOTA LAND CRUISERS ASSOC.
TOYOTA RACING DEVELOPMENT
TREAD LIGHTLY!
TRI-COUNTY GEAR
TOM WOOD'S CUSTOM DRIVE SHAFTS
TTORA SOCAL
TUCKER TIRES
VALLEY HYBRIDS
WARN
CAPTIONS
The event organizers and trail leaders.
Top: Without the Unimogs, hauling out the big stuff would have been more difficult and time consuming.
The Calico Clean-Up was a family affair with many kids learning how to respect the desert.
4Wheels Parts was at the Cleanup, the local Riverside store staff helped at the event and set up a display for the after hours activities.
Several dumpsters where filled after the cleanup. In only a few hours all this trash was on its way to be recycled or disposed of in a proper manner elsewhere.
With the BLMs approval, one group removed graffiti from the rocks with a mobile pressure washer.
Even the author got involved with the cleanup effort. It was personally satisfying to help everyone make a difference.
After the event, participants where rewarded with a great meal and a raffle of prizes donated by the many event sponsors.
Abandoned cars litter the region and more than a few were removed during the cleanup.
