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CLeANebraska looking for groups to clean up lake fronts
A trip to the lake is one of the joys of springtime, but nothing can ruin an outing like encountering a beach strewn with disgusting or even dangerous trash.
CleaNebraska, in cooperation with the Izaak Walton Leagues of Nebrsaka, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with KLKN TV of Lincoln, is looking for volunteer and public service groups to do something about the problem.
Dan Davis of Davis Consulting Services was in McCook on Monday looking for families, church groups, businesses, school or service clubs willing to make a simple contract, adopt a length of lakefront, clean it up twice a year -- once in the spring and once in the fall -- and keep it up for three years.
CLeANebraska can even provide a "mini-grant" to buy trash bags, rakes or whatever items are needed to complete the task.
All it takes is an e-mail or a phone call identifying your business, group or agency, and providing a list of volunteers.
The e-mail address is CLeANebraska@windstream.net, phone (402) 488-5157.
There will be a minimum of paperwork to do -- a few simple forms and waivers -- and CLeANebraska will negotiate a stretch of public-access lakefront for your group to clean, close to home and readily accessible. CLeANebraska will even arrange to help with the pickup and disposal of large or hazardous items such as tires or solvents.
Groups are also reminded to observe some basic safety tips:
* Never allow minors to work without adult supervision. A good ratio is one adult for every four minors.
* Watch for deep water if you're close to the lakeshore.
* If the lakefront is near a road or highway, wear orange or yellow vests so you can be readily seen.
* If you encounter hazardous materials such as solvents, or large objects, contact CLeANebraska for arrangements to pick them up.
* And if anything dangerous or suspicious is encountered, stay away from it and contact the proper authorities.
More information is available at cleanebraska.org (note: one 'n')
About Dan Davis:
Davis has a background in environment and resource management, and formerly was a professor in Pennsylvania. He is also a pastor with the United Church of Christ in Hallam.