West Virginians can do their part in helping the Mountain State shine by volunteering for an annual litter cleanup, co-sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection and Division of Highways. The 2016 West Virginia Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup is scheduled for the first two weeks of April and volunteer applications are now available through the DEP’s Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP) program.
“Last year, 5,000 West Virginia citizens took time to pick up unsightly trash along our streams and public lands and we’re hoping for another tremendous turnout this year,” said REAP Director Sandy Rogers. “Without our wonderful volunteers, this cleanup program would not be the success it is. Their tireless efforts are making West Virginia a better place to visit and live.”
The Make It Shine Program will provide resources such as cleanup materials, waste hauling, and landfill fees to groups volunteering to conduct litter cleanups. Last year’s cleanup removed nearly 190 tons of litter – including more than 2,000 tires and 250 appliances – from our state’s landscape.
The application deadline for those wishing to participate this year is Feb. 28. Applications are available through contacting Terry Carrington, Make It Shine Program coordinator, at 1-800-322-5530, or by email at Terry.R.Carrington@wv.gov. Applications may also be downloaded at: www.dep.wv.gov. Click on REAP under the “Land” section on the homepage.
For more DEP news and information, go to www.dep.wv.gov. Also, be sure to connect with the agency on all social media platforms. Follow @DEPWV on Twitter and find us on YouTube by searching “Environment Matters.” For specific information about our REAP (Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan), West Virginia Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), West Virginia Watershed Improvement Branch, Youth Environmental Program and Human Resources initiatives, connect on Facebook.