It's roadside litter clean-up time

COEUR d’ALENE — While each political election cycle and scores of new businesses inundate us daily with new slogans, a familiar phrase perfectly describes this time of year on Idaho highways – “Idaho Is Too Great To Litter.”

The 1990 campaign has picked up nearly 500 tons of litter from North Idaho roadways during the past decade, saving taxpayers millions of dollars in the process. Nearly 700,000 man-hours were devoted to cleaning these roadways over the last 10 years, not counting inmate labor crews from county sheriff offices, which could potentially double these numbers.

“The program is still active and appealing to nearly 250 volunteer groups throughout northern Idaho’s five counties, said ITD’s Robin Karsann, Adopt-A-Highway coordinator in North Idaho. “And more volunteers are needed.”

With spring just around the corner, ITD hopes to encourage North Idahoans to pitch in and help keep state roadways free of litter.

Volunteer groups are asked to take a couple hours out of their days twice a year (more often if they wish) to pick up roadside litter along state highways. In addition to the satisfaction of being a participant in the campaign, groups get a complimentary roadway sign at the beginning and end of the adopted area with the group or memorial name.

The adoption process begins at www.itd.idaho.gov and is as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Click on Adopt-A-Highway link

2. Find an available milepost segment to adopt

3. Fill out and send in application paperwork

Available segments are updated frequently on the website.

For more information about the program, contact Karsann at (208) 772-8011.