Badger Park Arundo Removal Day with Rotary Club!

I agree as follows: 1. I am volunteering my services for Russian Riverkeeper Arundo (Arundo donax) Removal Events within the Russian River Watershed in 2026 (“the Event”), which will involve the manual cutting and removal of invasive vegetation using hand tools. No herbicides or power tools will be used during volunteer events; 2. I will perform assigned tasks that are within my physical capability, and I will not undertake tasks that are beyond my ability; 3. I will not participate if under the influence of alcohol or any drug that could impair my physical or mental abilities; 4. I am familiar with the safe operation and use of hand tools that I may utilize in connection with the Event, including but not limited to loppers and hand pruners, and I will not undertake to use any tools with which I am unfamiliar or do not know how to operate safely; 5. I have received appropriate instruction regarding this Event, including appropriate safety and emergency procedures, I fully understand those instructions, and I agree, after proper inspection, to use only the supplies, tools and equipment provided by Event organizers unless otherwise specifically permitted by Russian Riverkeeper (“RRK”); 6. I will perform only those tasks assigned, observe all safety rules, wear task-appropriate footwear, and use care in the performance of my assignments. I will maintain a safe working distance from other participants when using cutting tools and will not engage in horseplay or unsafe behavior; 7. I will follow all posted signage, stay on trails, and limit activities to areas open to the public; 8. I will respect the decision of other volunteers and event workers who choose to follow more stringent protective measures than the Event requires; 9. I acknowledge that my participation is completely voluntary and that I may withdraw at any time; and 10. I specifically acknowledge that I am engaging in this activity as a volunteer and not as a RRK employee, agent, official, officer or representative, and further acknowledge that I am not entitled to any compensation, benefit or insurance coverage from Russian Riverkeeper or any Event promoter, sponsor, or organizer, nor will I make any such claim.
I understand and agree that neither RRK, Event Sponsors, Promoters or Organizers, nor any of their respective employees, officers, agents or assigns, (collectively referred to as “Released Parties”), may be held liable in any way for any injury, death or other damages to me or my family, heirs, or assigns arising from my participation in the Event, or as a result of product liability or the negligence, whether passive or active, of any party, including Released Parties, in connection with the Event. This release does not extend to claims arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any Released Party.
I understand that participation in Arundo removal activities involves inherent risks, including but not limited to manual cutting and handling of dense vegetation, lifting and stacking plant material, repetitive motions, uneven or unstable terrain, and exposure to environmental hazards. The use of hand tools such as loppers and hand pruners carries risks of serious injury, including cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds, crushing injuries, or loss of fingers or digits if used improperly or carelessly. I acknowledge that tool blades are sharp and that protective gloves may not prevent all cutting injuries. Participation may also involve risks of injury, illness, infection, or death resulting from contact with needles, glass, metal objects, burning embers or other hazardous materials, wild animals, poisonous plants (including poison oak), stinging insects, snakes, over-exertion, flooding, rockslides, sun exposure, or dangerous terrain.
No known physical or health limitation prevents my safe participation in the Event. In consideration for being allowed to participate, I personally assume all risks, whether known or unknown, of any harm, injury, or damage that may befall me in connection with the Event. I understand that this waiver releases the Released Parties from any liability or claims that I may have against Released Parties for any bodily injury, illness, death, or medical treatment that may arise from or in connection with my volunteer activities.
If I am injured during the Event, I authorize any qualified emergency personnel, physician, or medical facility in California to perform such emergency treatment, including emergency transport and hospital care, as he or she believes, in his or her sole judgment, may be necessary.
I grant permission for my image to be used in publications, websites, grant materials, photo contests, and other promotional programs supporting RRK and/or the Released Parties. I may “Opt-Out” of this image release at any time by submitting a request to info@russianriverkeeper.org. By providing my email address below, I consent to receive communications from RRK about future events and public education programs.
Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or participation in any Arundo Removal Event shall first be addressed through good-faith informal discussion between the Parties. If the dispute is not resolved, the dispute shall be submitted to non-binding mediation before a mutually selected neutral mediator in Sonoma County, California, under the rules of the California Dispute Resolution Council or a similar organization agreed upon by the Parties. Each Party shall bear its own costs and share the mediator’s fees equally. If mediation is unsuccessful, any legal action or proceeding shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts of Sonoma County, California, and governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. The Parties understand any mediation communications are confidential and inadmissible in court pursuant to California Evidence Code §§1115–1129. Nothing in this clause shall prevent either party from seeking temporary or preliminary injunctive relief pending mediation.
If any provision of this Agreement is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
I am over the age of eighteen and legally competent to sign this liability release, or I have acquired the written consent of my parent or guardian. I understand that the terms herein are contractual and not a mere recital, this instrument is legally binding, and I have signed this document of my own free act. By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and fully understand this waiver.