Turning its focus this year from a "Dirty Dozen" to a "Fab Five," the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources selected five former dumpsites in its state forests that demonstrate the success of the Forest Lands Beautification Program over the last five years.

The “Fab Five” sites include: Forbes State Forest, Fayette County; Michaux State Forest, Cumberland County; Rothrock State Forest, Huntingdon County; Sproul State Forest, Centre County; and Valley Forge State Forest, Delaware County.

Before and after photos of these sites are available on the “Fab Five” webpage.

DCNR works in partnership with PA CleanWays, a non-profit organization, to identify dumpsites and form community volunteer teams to help remove the waste and monitor the sites.

DCNR implemented the Forest Lands Beautification Program in 1999 after the legislature passed Act 125 allocating funds to remove illegal dumpsites in state parks and forests, educate residents about recycling options and proper disposal methods, partner with organizations and local governments to help combat the problem, and prosecute offenders.

In December, Gov. Rendell signed a bill authorizing DCNR to spend up to $500,000 a year for another five years to continue the efforts of the Forest Lands Beautification Program.

The Fab Five recognizes those sites that have remained clean as a result of dedicated volunteer commitment and community-wide involvement.

Although some 230 tons of debris and scrap metal and nearly 3,100 tires were removed from the sites, PA CleanWays Project Manager Heidi Pedicone praised the community monitoring at these sites after the cleanup as a true measure of success.

"The real success is measured in the community commitment to keeping these sites clean," Pedicone said.

For more information, visit the Forest Lands Beautification Program website or to join a cleanup effort, call 1-877-7PA-FOREST (1-877-772-3673)

3/11/2005