A successful cleanup takes dedicated people, extensive publicity, proper equipment, and lots of planning.

(Note: Planning for a single afternoon cleanup takes several months.)

To get started, here is a sample list of the tasks involved in planning a cleanup:

• Organize a planning committee

• Line up support

• Select a date and an appropriate site

• Recruit volunteers

• Publicize the event

• Arrange for waste disposal and recycling

• Establish a safety plan

• Coordinate volunteers on cleanup day

• Recognize participants

• Evaluate your effort

 

Establishing Your Committee

 

Selecting Site And Date

 

In selecting a date and a river stretch to clean up, consider the following…

• Access – Be sure to get the permission of the landowners along the stream.

• Access roads – Will you need to put up directional signs? If the site is difficult to locate, consider arranging transportation from a more convenient meeting place.

• Location – Is it so distant from the volunteers that it will discourage their participation?

• Safety – Are the riverbanks on a steep gradient? Are the flows dangerous?

• Sanitation facilities – Are facilities available nearby? If not, arrange for them.

• Size - It should be large enough to keep the volunteers busy, and small enough so they can

• complete the job and see their accomplishments.

• Weather – Choose a rain date and include it in your promotional materials.

• Other Cleanups – Check and see if any other cleanups are going on locally

 

Suggested Cleanup Locations

 

Locations that may need attention include ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands and other waterways in:

• Parks

• Natural Areas

• Non-Profit Organization

• Properties

• Neighborhoods

• Other Public Areas

Sometimes permits must be obtained to clean up and beautify certain areas.

• Appoint someone to find out what permits are required.

• You need to determine if the property is public or private.

• If private property is involved you will need permission from the landowner, preferably in writing.

 

Clean Up Boundaries

 

Once you have decided what area(s) to target, establish cleanup boundaries.

Remember to set realistic goals – trying to clean too large an area will only make your efforts seem small.

Consider dividing long stretches of waterway into mile sections.