I want to share some information regarding a great initiative that fulfills multiple goals all at the same time. The initiative is called “Adopt a Highway,” and it has been around for many years, providing a way to get involved in keeping our roadways clean. While this is its primary purpose, it is also a great way to get out of the house and engage in great physical activity. If that wasn’t enough, it also provides a great sense of purpose. It is what you would call a Win-Win-Win situation. This past weekend, I was able to participate in our Law Enforcement section of STH 42, and this Saturday, I get to do it once again with my family (In honor of our parents) just a few sections south on STH 42. In a few weeks, I will be once again enjoying a nature walk in the ditches of STH 29 with my High School Class, as we sponsored a section a few years back.

While this is a great program, and I do truly enjoy these opportunities to get together for a purpose, it is unfortunate that it is necessary. I look forward to the day when we can take these walks and come up empty rather than filling multiple garbage bags.

Kewaunee County does currently have an ordinance regarding littering. This ordinance adopts State Statute 287.81 and reads as follows: “Any person who deposits or discharges any solid waste on or along any highway, in any waters of the state, on the ice of any waters of the state or on any other public or private property.”

While this definition seems to be fairly self explanatory and very inclusive, it appears there is room for confusion, as many feel it appropriate to continue to use our community as there private dumpster. While I don’t think many people purposely throw garbage out of the car windows, I think the bigger issues are loads destined for the landfill that are not properly secured or items left in private yards or public spaces that are then moved with the wind.                

Regardless of origination, it is still garbage, and it is still not where it should be. We have also recently taken complaints of yard debris that has ended up in neighboring yards. One of the most commonly found materials is portions of plastic sheeting from construction sites of silage bags. Again, even if the intent was not to litter, if these items have left your property because they were not secured, it is littering. The law applies even if the material ends up on private property and not just public property.

Just as important as the message of not littering or making sure your loads destined for the dump are secured, is that of pitching in to solve the problem. We can all stare at the garbage in the hopes that if we look at it long enough, it will go away, or even better, that somewhere out there is someone whose job it is to clean up after us, but in the end, it is up to us to make a difference. If you see someone littering or material flying off a poorly loaded trailer, try to obtain a license plate and call law enforcement. We would be more than happy to be part of this behavior-changing experience. Also, take part in cleanup efforts in our community. You can adopt a section of the road by contacting http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/aid/aah-tour.htm.

We are blessed to live in Kewaunee County, which has such natural beauty. Let’s all try to keep it that way.