Contact: Ada M. Takacs 989-275-5151, Ext. 2049
Agency: Natural Resources

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Adopt-a-Forest program announces 'million acre' milestone
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August 1, 2002

Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials today announced that Adopt-a-Forest program volunteers have removed illegally dumped trash from more than one million acres of public land since the program began in 1991, recycling more than half of it.

Officials stressed that keeping state forest lands clean is an ongoing challenge, noting an estimated 30 cubic yards of trash per square mile on Michigan’s public land. Considering Michigan enjoys 4 million acres of state land along with 2 million acres of federal land, this equates to nearly 94,000 pickup truck loads of trash – not to mention large tracts of corporate-owned land that are open to public recreation.

“Education, enforcement, and alternate trash disposal methods are major components of the program,” said DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Chief Mindy Koch. “Our mission is not to be the janitor of our forests. Everyone should take pride in the natural treasures Michigan has to offer, and practice responsible stewardship to make sure these resources are there for future generations to enjoy.”

The DNR works in partnership with the United States Forest Service, the Michigan Forest Resource Alliance, as well as many other agencies, corporations, and individuals on the Adopt-a-Forest program. Tax-deductible donations for this project can be made to: MFRA-Adopt-a-Forest, and sent to Lorraine Wirtanen at P.O. Box 388, Crystal Falls, MI 49920.

For additional information about the Adopt-a-Forest program, or to volunteer or donate large equipment, contact Ada Takacs, of the MDNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division, 8717 North Roscommon Road, Roscommon, MI 48653 at 989-275-5151, Extension 2049.