A Clean Bass Lake Begins With Me: Local Businesses and Organizations Step Up, Visitors Asked to Do Their Part

BASS LAKE, CA, July 10, 2025 - Beautiful Bass Lake welcomed thousands of visitors over the July 4th weekend for the "Light Up The Sky" Fireworks Show & Boat Parade. Behind the scenes, local organizations were hard at work, ensuring the shoreline remained beautiful and the trash stayed where it belonged. 

This year, the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce received a $2,014 grant from the Eastern Madera County Foundation and partnered with EMADCO Disposal to place 10 additional dumpsters in high-traffic areas around the lake, expanding access for visitors to dispose of trash. By the end of the weekend, all of the dumpsters and trash cans around the lake were full, or nearly full, helping to prevent excessive overflow and litter. 

But July 4th is just the beginning of Bass Lake's peak season, as temperatures rise across the Central Valley, more visitors head to the lake to cool off. While local partners are doing their best to provide proper disposal options, they can't do it alone. 

"Bass Lake is more than just a destination—it's our home," said Melissa Jones, President of the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce. "We're always happy to welcome visitors and truly appreciate the community's efforts to keep the lake clean over the July 4th holiday weekend. Still, the volume of trash was more than we could handle alone. We invite everyone to pitch in—use the dumpsters, pack out when needed, and help us keep Bass Lake beautiful for all to enjoy."

To support this ongoing mission, Visit Yosemite | Madera County, the Bass Lake Homeowners Association, and the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce have partnered with the Sierra Presbyterian Church's Jubilee Program to conduct twice-weekly trash cleanups around the lake and in the day-use areas throughout the summer.

While these efforts are making a measurable impact, community leaders emphasize that keeping Bass Lake clean is a shared responsibility. Overflowing bins, litter on the beach, and trash left beside the dumpsters aren't only unsightly but also pose a real danger to local wildlife. Visitors are encouraged to pick up a free trash bag at the Oakhurst Visitor Center (40343 CA-41, Oakhurst, CA 93644) and do their part to Leave No Trace and Recreate Responsibly. 

For more information on how to Recreate Responsibly and help keep Bass Lake clean, please visit www.BassLakeChamber.com or www.YosemiteThisYear.com.