In
1999, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
(DCNR) formed a strategic partnership with PA CleanWays
to evaluate illegal dumpsites located in Pennsylvania's
state forests and parks, to form community volunteer
teams for helping to remove debris, and to reclaim the
sites. The result of this partnership, the Forest Lands
Beautification Program, worked to:
-
Rid
the state's public lands of illegally dumped trash,
-
Inform
and educate residents about proper disposal
and recycling options,
-
Prosecute
offenders, and,
-
Form
partnerships to help combat the problem.
Over the
course of the original five-year program, volunteers
helped retrieve over 30,000 tires and removed over 3,400
tons of household trash from roadsides and forests.
Hard-working teams salvaged over 500 tons of scrap metal
to be recycled and collected over 145 tons of furniture
and wood. Additionally, contractors helped to recover
more than 660 tons of concrete.
-
-----
Through
the Forest Lands Beautification Program, trails and
roadways were cleaned. Hillsides, vistas, streams, wetlands,
and waterfalls were returned to their original condition
and natural habitats were restored.
Volunteers
are key to keeping areas cleaned across Pennsylvania.
Working together, we can put an end to illegal dumping
- it takes involvement at all levels. Stronger laws,
local ordinances, and proper disposal options need to
be put in place to deter future dumping. By combining
our time, our energy, and our resources, we can make
a real difference in removing the trash, eliminating
illegal dumping, and returning Pennsylvania's forests
and parks to their natural state.
There is
still much work to be done to keep Pennsylvania's state
forests and parks free from trash. Legislation that
will extend funding authorization for the successful
Forest Lands Beautification Act has been signed into
law. House Bill 2227 supports efforts to clean up waste
in state forests and parks and prevent illegal dumping.
It contains language from Senate Bill 997, introduced
in 2005 by Senator Mary Jo White (R-21), who chairs
the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
The Act will extend funding through December 2008.
Go to
our Calendar of Events
to see the list of scheduled PA CleanWays cleanups as
well as other events or contact PA CleanWays at e-mail
with any questions you may have.
2007
Cleanups
2006
Cleanups
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