The Department of Environmental Protection, along with community leaders and organizations, is seeking volunteers to help build upon five years of work that has removed approximately 32 tons of garbage from Lake Erie’s shorelines and watershed.

The group urged residents of northwest Pennsylvania to help clean up trash around Erie County waterways from 9 a.m. until noon on September 20, as part of the Pennsylvania-Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup.

DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said this is an opportunity for the public to help improve the local quality of life and prevent littering in the future.

“We hope to see people from throughout the Lake Erie watershed gather to document and remove trash that is ending up in local waterways,” said Burch. “The more people who come out to help, the greater the impact we’ll have in cleaning the lake’s shores and tributaries. And by gaining a better understanding of what types of litter are most prevalent, we implement measures that will help prevent littering in the future.”

This year’s International Coastal Cleanup will include more than a dozen sites along the Lake Erie shoreline, from Raccoon Creek in western Erie County to the northeast marina and Freeport Beach on the eastern end of the county.

Last year, 547 volunteers picked up and documented 7,200 pounds of debris. The 2007 results were typical of what was found in previous years with the most prevalent forms of litter being cigarette butts and items related to food and beverages, including: 5,537 cigarette butts and cigar tips, 1,703 beverage containers, 2,794 food wrappers/containers, 2,323 beverage caps/lids/straws and 970 plastic bags.

In the past five years, more than 2,600 local volunteers have collected and documented more than 64,000 pounds of trash that had accumulated along Erie County shorelines.

Presque Isle State Park Environmental Educator Anne DeSarro said the cleanup is looking for volunteers of all ages—individuals, families, clubs, school and church groups.

“Clearing trash makes our environment healthier, enhances our quality of life, and protects birds and aquatic life,” said DeSarro. “Besides, it’s fun and a chance to meet other people who care about the outdoors.”

DEP, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, along with numerous area businesses, nonprofit groups and local government agencies are sponsoring or supporting the Sept. 20 cleanup.

To register as a cleanup volunteer, visit the Pennsylvania-Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup website or call Don Benczkowski at 814-573-3565.

8/29/2008