Say No to Trigger Trash!

News.Bytes Extra, Issue 655

“If you drive north out of the Inland Empire into the High Desert of southern California between Victorville and Barstow, you may not notice that an unintentional dumping ground is being created. Just off either side of the interstate are areas of state, federal and private land where one can find some picturesque desert vistas of San Bernardino County. However, there are also piles of trash consisting of shot-up computer monitors and towers, old televisions, pieces of glass bottles, washing machines, cell phones and shotgun shells. Federal law enforcement rangers that patrol these areas call the piles “trigger trash.”

These trash piles are a result of gun enthusiasts who view these open lands alongside the interstate as prime target practice locations using the hillsides as their target practice backdrop. Unfortunately, shooters are leaving their trash behind, some of which can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.

Trash piles are a result of gun enthusiasts who view these open lands alongside the interstate as prime target practice
Trigger Trash Photo by Sterling White, BLM
“A lot of people bring their own targets with them but they bring targets they shouldn’t be shooting,” states Patrick Chassie, Chief Ranger with the Bureau of Land Management, California Desert District, that manages the public land throughout this area. According to Chassie, typical household items such as glass bottles brought out to the desert for target practice, when exploded, can break into many pieces making it virtually impossible to cleanup. The shot-up glass also leaves behind a debris field that is ugly and dangerous because of the sharp edges. “Depending on the damage, one weekend of fun can cost over $1,000 per site for the Bureau to clean up,” adds Chassie. “The cleanup, though, is almost impossible. Some areas have so much debris that it would be equivalent to cleaning sand off of a beach.”

 

655_extras.Par.77047.Image.-1.-1.1.gif

Piles of trigger trash
Trigger Trash Photo by Sterling White, BLM
Sterling White, Abandoned Mine Land and Hazardous Materials Specialist, BLM California Desert District, says that the amount of trigger trash is daunting. “The BLM isn’t against target shooters and does not want to take away those opportunities, however there needs to be a change of attitude when it comes to clean up,” stated White. “We are OK with shooters bringing out paper targets that can be placed on a target stand or a cardboard box, including portable steel targets that are designed for recreation shooting by reputable manufacturers. Just leave the TVs, washing machines and other such household items at home.” According to White, a shooter can throw all trigger trash in the cardboard box and take it home and reminds the recreation shooter that steel core ammo or exploding targets are not allowed due to their potential to start wildfires during periods of drought.”

a shooting target is left behind as trash on public lands
Trigger Trash Photo by Sterling White, BLM

The trigger trash epidemic also has a profound effect on visual impacts that many come to the desert to enjoy. “Once a site becomes trashed, others will use it and illegally dump more waste not associated with recreational shooting,” Chassie said. “We ask that you always clean up your recreation area by removing ALL trash and debris.” said Chassie.

The public is encouraged to pick up trash left by less thoughtful people in order to maintain the scenic beauty of our public lands and it prevents future littering. Littering or creating a public safety hazard with debris is against the law.

A shooting practice left as trash on public lands
Trigger Trash Photo by Sterling White, BLM

If you see anyone dumping trash on public lands, we encourage you to write down a license number, a description of the vehicle, the date, time and location, and report this information to the nearest BLM Field Office. If it is safe to do so, getting a photo of a vehicle involved in the activity is also helpful. Tips from the public greatly increase BLM’s ability to track down violators.

“We encourage the public to report instances of dumping and other crimes and to provide any identifying information in a safe manner without compromising their safety,” said White. “With the vast amount of public land in Southern California, many of these dumpsites would not be discovered as quickly without the public’s assistance.”

To report dumping on public land in Barstow or outlying areas please call the BLM Barstow Field Office at (760) 252-6000 and ask to be put in touch with a BLM Ranger. Say No to Trigger Trash!

–Sterling White , BLM California Desert Abandoned Mine Lands and Hazardous Materials Specialist (December 2014)

No comments yet.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.