SOLV: Removing thousands of pounds of trash from Oregon's waters

On the first day of spring, roughly 4,500 volunteers scoured Oregon's beaches from the California border to the Columbia River and removed an estimated 72,000 pounds of trash and debris from the coastline.

This was the 25th annual Spring Beach Cleanup organized by SOLV, a River Network Partner, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and local garbage hauling and recycling companies.

These volunteers' efforts removed thousands of small bits of bottles, caps, polystyrene and plastic bits, cigarette butts, and rope that harm marine wildlife and the environment. Check out the accompanying photo slideshow!