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Each year on the third Saturday in
September, the Ocean Conservancy conducts the International Coastal
Cleanup around the world. This project has become an educational
tool to teach people world-wide the importance of clean waterways,
whether they be oceans, bays, lakes, rivers, or streams.
Volunteers from around the globe, 55 U.S. states and territories and 118
countries participate each year—clearing tons of trash from
coastlines, rivers and lakes.
The
2005 ICC in Pennsylvania resulted in almost 5220 pounds of trash being
picked up from 72 miles of rivers, lakes, and streams by almost 507
volunteers at 8 different sites around the
state.
The
2004 ICC in Pennsylvania resulted in almost 45,000 pounds of trash being
picked up from 30 miles of rivers, lakes, and streams by almost 222
volunteers at 10 different sites around the
state. The 2003 ICC was a huge success with growth
almost tripling the number of volunteers over 2002. With 970
volunteers from around the state, the ICC data
cards showed almost 56,000 pounds of trash collected on 104 miles of
rivers, lakes and streams in Pennsylvania. The
Erie site expanded from Presque Isle State Park and 200 people to 600
people at nine additional sites around the County. Click here
to see the final results of the 2003 cleanup. Please contact
Pennsylvania State Coordinator Leni
Herr for more information on how to get involved in your area.
You do not have to be a Pioneer to take part. Click here
for pictures and more stories on the 2003 ICC, including the "most
unusual" item found. The 2002 International
Coastal Cleanup in Pennsylvania resulted in over 4 tons of trash being
picked up from 48 miles of rivers, lakes, and streams by almost 400
people!
Please join the L. H. Kinnard Chapter as
we sponsor the Cleanup in our state.
As few as two people can take
part. We've had over 200 people cleaning up Lake Erie at Presque
Isle State Park. First select a waterway to clean.
As trash is collected, the type, amount, and source is noted on a
data card
provided by the The Ocean Conservancy. Trash bags and pencils are
also provided..
Reasons to participate:
- Raise awareness of the problem of pollution
- Help make our oceans and waterways safe for swimming, fishing and
drinking
- Share a special day with family, friends and co-workers
- Contribute to marine debris research by filling out your datacard
- Save the lives of innocent marine wildlife by removing debris that
can be deadly
"In the end,
we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we
understand, and we will understand only what we are
taught."
Baba
Dioum, Senegalese conservationist If
you would like to help us clean up Pennsylvania's waterways and take
part in the International Coastal Cleanup, please contact Pennsylvania
State Coordinator LeniHerr@aol.com
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