Making it shine cleanup

Over 100 community cleanups have been organized for the 2007 West Virginia Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup. The event is scheduled for the first two weeks of April and is sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection's REAP program and the Division of Highways.

Beginning April 1 through April 15, the WV Make It Shine program will provide resources such as cleanup materials, hauling and landfill fees to citizens volunteering to conduct litter cleanups on streams and public lands.

This year, participants from 47 of West Virginia's 55 counties will be volunteering their cleanup efforts. More than 2,200 West Virginia volunteers participated in last year's statewide cleanup, removing over 127 tons of litter and debris as well as 1,820 tires from state streams and public lands. Even more volunteers are likely to participate this year.

"This year's cleanup is on track to be the best ever," said DEP Cabinet Secretary Stephanie R. Timmermeyer. "More than 2,500 volunteers are expected to participate in this year's cleanup. Make It Shine and its volunteers continue to make a lasting impact by creating a cleaner, safer and more beautiful environment."

For more information on cleanups taking place in or near your community, contact Chris Cartwright of the WV Make It Shine program at (800) 322-5530, or by e-mail at ccartwright@wvdep.org.