Trash left littered on side of railroad tracks after protests

After nearly three days of environmental protesting, the Skagit County Sheriff's Office says trash was left littered on the side of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe train track.

Anacortes Police Department spokesman Lou D'Amelio confirmed that the trash was from the protests, but said it was unclear if it was left intentionally or on accident.

On Monday, the Skagit County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) posted to their Facebook, saying that protesters were given the opportunity to collect their personal belongings and other items.

"Any debris remaining on BNSF property was cleaned up by BNSF crews," DEM's post reads.

Multiple Facebook users posted a photo of the trash to the KIRO 7 Facebook page Sunday night.

Fifty-two protesters were arrested over the weekend. D'Amelio said it is possible that the trash was left during the whirl of arrests and activity.

KIRO 7 asked the group that organized the blockade, Break Free PNW, for a statement but received no response through Facebook.

Facebook users also posted the above picture to Break Free PNW's Facebook page.

“Explain this please,” wrote one commenter.

“Is it even true?” wrote another.

Break Free PNW claims that law enforcement took down their art displays and supplies and did not let them remove them from the camp.

“We would have loved to take them ourselves but, alas, we were not allowed.” Break Free PNW responded.

You can read the exchange by clicking here.

Cox Media Group