Officials with Float Fest announced they will once again be partnering wi
“Through our partnership with Float Fest, we are striving to keep the river litter free as much as possible," said Craig Coleman of Don’s Fish Camp. "Through our coordinated efforts we will create an atmosphere that is enjoyable for everyone and clean for everyone.”
Activities implemented include the distribution of free mesh biodegradable trash bags, sending River Wranglers out on canoes to collect trash bags and setting up trash receptacles at shuttle pick up stations.
“My operating goal is to make this as close to a litter neutral event in regards to the river as possible," said Rocco Moses of Texas State Tubes. "Meaning we are being overly proactive in our response and course of action so that we can host an event that represents what this river and its caretaker are all about. We want a clean and healthy river for people to come and enjoy.” Each year, the music festival organizes a river cleanup project, Keep the River Clean, through partnerships with local businesses, employees and volunteers. Participants will work together to encourage guests to float responsibly, pick up trash and conduct a deep river clean-up.“The San Marcos River is a sacred gem to us and is essential to our community,” Float Fest founder Marcus Federman said. “Floating the beautiful river is a Texas tradition, yet we want to keep the river alive and clean. We’re thrilled to continue to host fans regionally and nationally, but doing so in a way that is the most effective and sustainable.”
Additional festival efforts include:
- Cooler checks at the the tubing shuttle pick up tent. No glass or styrofoam is allowed on the river. Float Fest staff will be at the river entrance to assist tubers into the river with their coolers, bags and additional items.
- Float Fest staff will be at the river exit taking tubers mesh bags, disposing them in trash receptacles and providing assistance as they exit the river.
- Two river clean-up stations will be set up along the float with 40 staff members to take trash from tubers as they float by. There will also be lifeguards at these stations.
- A "human net" just beyond the river exit consisting of four people will collect any remaining floating debris that might make it past the exit point.
- Water clean-ups via kayaks and canoes will assist Saturday, Sunday and Monday before, during and after the event.
- Kayak and canoe teams will make regular trips all day Saturday and Sunday during the festival times and into the evening on the river cleaning up trash and helping tubers as needed.
- Divers will do a river bottom clean up on Tuesday following the festival. They will focus on any remaining debris and anything that sunk to the river floor that might have been left behind.
