Clean it up, Cedar Rapids

Thursday was the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. A day when we remind ourselves that taking care of our planet is important, whether it's an ocean or our own backyards.

A day when it was disturbing to see hundreds of plastic bags and other trash lining the ditch and fence for several hundred feet along I-380 near the Blairs Ferry Road exit in Cedar Rapids. Much of the trash accumulated during the long winter.

But winter has been long gone. It's time to get this cleaned up.

Whose job is that?

Overall responsibility for keeping roadsides and ditches clear of trash along primary and state highways, including interstates, is under the Iowa Department of Transportation's purview. But the DOT relies heavily on volunteers through its Adopt-A-Highway program to keep things tidy. The DOT does not have enough maintenance workers for trash pickup and many of them are diverted to help at road repair or building sites during the peak of the construction season, Jerome Steward, the DOT's Adopt-A-Highway supervisor in this area, told us. That situation likely won't change soon, given the DOT's severe budget problems.

So, Adopt-A-Highway's importance is growing. In 2008, these groups helped clean up half the state's roadways. Their commitment is to pick up their section at least twice a year for a minimum of two years. The DOT provides safety vests and trash bags.

About eight Adopt-A-Highway groups are signed up for sections of I-380 through Cedar Rapids. However, the stretch near Blairs Ferry is not adopted. And several other sections along highways in the metro areas are open for adoption.

Steward also told us that there's been more trash along I-380 in recent years. Some of it is a matter of some residents and businesses not taking care of their garbage. And careless motorists still toss what they don't want, risking a $70 fine plus court costs.

Thankfully, the Adopt-A-Highway program and many volunteers do care. They set a great example and take pride in their community's appearance. Their cleanup efforts also create an environment for wildlife, and many groups plant trees, wildflowers and native grasses.

Joining them is one way to help. Even better, remember that keeping our roadways, as well as neighborhoods and side streets, free of trash is everyone's responsibility. Honor Earth Day's message every day.

-- The Gazette Editorial Board

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY

l In 2008, an estimated 18,000 volunteers helped keep 52 percent of the state's roadways litter-free.

l Volunteers collected 767 cubic yards of litter, state workers an additional 1,257 cubic yards.

l To volunteer or get more information: (319) 365-3558, 1-(800) 262-5144 or www.iowadot.gov/maintenance/adaopt_a_highway.html