There’s still time to adopt a highway

July 31, 2009

Road segments are still available for groups to help keep Wisconsin highways clean and green

Adopt-A-Highway crews are still needed to help spruce up Wisconsin’s highways.  Adopt-A-Highway crews are volunteers who agree to make at least three passes through their two-mile long highway segments every year.  The Adopt-A-Highway program allows groups to volunteer and support the state's anti-litter program in a direct and visible way.

“Wisconsin has nearly 12,000 miles of highways in Wisconsin and it’s an enormous job to keep roadsides clear of debris and litter, especially in these tight budget times,” Bureau of Highway Operations director David Vieth said.  “With the support of our Adopt-A-Highway crews, we’ve been able to keep the state’s roadsides looking clean and green.”

There are more than 3,000 Adopt-A-Highway groups registered in Wisconsin.  Every year, they clean up some 300 tons of litter from alongside state highways, of which about 30 tons are recyclables.   There are still segments available for adoption by those interested in helping keep the state looking beautiful.

Adopt-A-Highway crews are assigned a two-mile stretch of highway and are asked to commit to cleaning it at least three times a year.  A group organized for any purpose or task can be a sponsor, except partisan or political groups.  Each group must provide one adult supervisor for every five or six workers.  All workers must be at least 11 years of age or in the 6th grade.  No other persons should be on the work site.  If desired, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will install a sign announcing the group's litter control sponsorship.
 
The department will provide a training video on working near highways as well as safety vests, trash bags, trash bag pick up, and disposal.
For further information on the Adopt-A-Highway program, visit www.dot.state.wi.us/localgov/aid/adopt-a-highway.htm or call Jim Merriman, (608) 266-3943.

For more information, contact:
Jim Merriman, Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator
(608) 266-3943, james.merriman@dot.wi.gov