PULLMAN –Granite Point, also known as the cliffs may look spotless now, but it hasn’t always looked quite this beautiful.
Last year, approximately 800 pounds of garbage was found at the park causing it to close. With the warm weather finally rolling in and the cliffs reopening, ASWSU has started a new initiative called Operation Keep Cliffs Clean. ASWSU Director of Community Affairs Keegan Otter is in charge of the initiative, believing it it will play a crucial role in keeping the cliffs clean, especially after seeing the damage done last year.
“I was part of that big group of the thousands of college students that went to the cliffs that one big weekend and then the horrific aftermath of over 800 pounds of garbage was left and no one to clean it up.”
ASWSU has strategically placed 7 trash cans around the park, encouraging students to clean up after themselves. ASWSU also hopes their clean up crews and social media campaign will decrease the amount of garbage and prevent further pollution. The initiative currently has a list of 12 greek chapters filled with members eagerly looking to participate. Community Service Chair for Phi Sigma Kappa Alan Lam says he is facing an issue creating enough spots for all of the volunteers at the fraternity.
“Now we have 30 plus guys trying to get involved because a lot of the older members remember how it was last year and they just all want to get involved so I actually don’t have enough spots for everyone to go help clean up the cliffs. So it’s really really great to see that all of our guys are really trying to get involved and keep the place clean.”
Whitman County Undersheriff Ron Rockness wants to remind everyone that if people litter and are not respectful when being addressed by enforcement, they will take action and give out fines.
The next clean will occur later this week. Although the crews are regularly scheduled to clean the area, everyone is encouraged to keep the cliffs clean and enjoy the breathtaking views.