WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: WVDEP's REAP Leads By Example to Kick Off Make-It-Shine Cleanup Event

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection issued the following announcement on April 1.

West Virginia’s litter cleanup programs rely heavily on volunteers, who are passionate about making sure the Mountain State shines for its residents and visitors alike.

Behind the scenes, those who administer the state’s long-running beautification efforts, including the Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup in April, are just as passionate in their desire for a pristine West Virginia landscape.

That’s why six staff members from the Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP) in Charleston headed out recently to do their own cleanup ahead of the REAP-sponsored Make It Shine litter-pickup effort. REAP, housed under the Department of Environmental Protection, oversees the state’s Adopt-A-Highway, Adopt-A-Spot and Kanawha River cleanups, in addition to the Make It Shine initiative.

“We wanted to lead by example,” REAP Administrator Sandy Rogers said, explaining her staff’s day out of the office spent clearing trash and other debris in areas of Kanawha County. “We so appreciate all the volunteers around West Virginia who participate in our cleanups throughout the year and understand those efforts would not be successful without our dedicated state residents. So, we wanted to kickoff Make It Shine month by doing our part as well.”

Along Route 4, the REAP staffers cleaned up two dumps, as well as the state Wildlife Management Area. They also removed litter from the Clendenin Park and Ride. In total, the group collected 1,360 pounds of trash and 38 tires.

In addition to Rogers, REAP staff members who participated in the cleanup were Travis Cooper, Lisa Facemyer, Niki Davis, Chris Cartwright and Greg Rote. John King, from the DEP’s Environmental Advocate Office, also assisted.

“Last year, close to 5,000 West Virginians gave up their free time to clean up our beautiful state during April’s Make It Shine month and collected nearly 120 tons of litter,” Rogers said. “The REAP staff remains committed to assisting in these efforts by providing supplies to our volunteers, hauling away the trash they collect and covering landfill costs.”

Original source can be found here.