Project: Tank Hollow Cleanup
Location: Pennsylvania

Description The Tank Hollow Cleanup Project marked a major environmental victory in late September 2025, successfully addressing a long-standing dumping site deep within the steep ravines of George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. This site had been plagued by generations of illegal dumping, including tires, appliances, and household debris, making it one of the most persistent cleanup challenges in the area.

After two previous unsuccessful attempts, the project was finally completed through a well-coordinated effort involving purpose-designed equipment, extensive pre-planning, and a dedicated volunteer team. Supported by funding from the Overland Expo Foundation, the cleanup brought together a small but determined group of four volunteers, joined by U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Overland Expo Foundation staff.

Over 55 total hours were invested in preparation, equipment setup, and on-site work. Despite the steep 300-foot incline that made debris removal extremely difficult, the team successfully extracted:

  • 29 tires
  • 1 refrigerator
  • 1 freezer
  • Additional miscellaneous trash

While the total volume of waste removed may appear modest, the extreme terrain and logistical challenges made this a remarkable achievement. Thanks to the persistence and teamwork of all involved, Tank Hollow has been restored to its natural beauty, a testament to the power of collaboration and environmental stewardship.

Thank you to the partners who made this possible:

  • Overland Expo Foundation
  • Freedom Recovery Gear
  • Factor 55 
  • M4 Expeditions
  • New Horizons Overland
  • Overland Medic
  • East Coast Overland Adventures
  • USFS-George Washington and Jefferson National Forest

“When Tread Lightly! first introduced the idea for the Tank Hollow project, the Overland Expo Foundation knew they needed to get involved. It’s always sad to see trash in public lands, but it’s especially heartbreaking when it’s 300 feet down a ravine and there’s no good way to remove it. Through some creative engineering, the volunteer group achieved what I initially thought would be nearly impossible. Still, watching the first fridge make it over the ravine was truly impressive. Congratulations to the group for figuring out a smart way to haul appliances straight up the hill.”- Rachael Elseman, Overland Expo Foundation

“We would like to give a huge shoutout to the Overland Expo Foundation for providing grant funding for gear necessary for this project. We acquired four chest-rigs for radios making our communications easier and thus making things run quicker, smoother, and most importantly safer. Grant money was also used to purchase a 500′ length of static line from Freedom Recovery Gear. Not only was it essential for this project, but it is something that will get used again on future projects for sure.”- Dean Shirley, East Coast Overland Adventures

Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.