Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 06, 2003
Contact:
Advisory council adopts portions of the James River
(RICHMOND) - The James River Advisory Council has adopted four
segments of the James River in four counties as part of Virginia's Adopt-A-Stream Program. The adoption comes just in time for the James River Regional Cleanup
scheduled for June 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"This is a great opportunity to recognize the importance of this natural
resource by getting citizens involved and then thanking the volunteers who help
with the cleanups," said Kimberly Conley, executive director of the James
River Advisory Council. The council has adopted approximately 16 miles of river
adjoining Westview landing, Osborne landing, Dutch Gap landing and Lawrence
Lewis Jr. Park.
Volunteers across Virginia are adopting streams and rivers as part of the statewide Adopt-A-Stream Program. The program promotes stewardship efforts of Virginians to clean up, conserve and improve Virginia's rivers and waters.
"Virginia's waters provide a host of benefits for our communities. Only a strong sense of pride and stewardship by all Virginians will assure care and improvement of these waters," said Joseph H. Maroon, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. "The James River Advisory Council should be commended for its efforts in promoting stewardship along this Virginia treasure." DCR manages the state Adopt-A- Stream Program.
As part of the James River Regional Cleanup, volunteers can participate at sites covering more than fifty miles of the James River. This year the sites include Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park in Charles City County; Robious and Dutch Gap boat landings in Chesterfield County; James River Park System (Reedy Creek) in the City of Richmond; Osborne boat landing in Henrico County; Maidens and Cartersville landings in Powhatan County; Westview landing in Goochland County; and Percival's Island in the City of Lynchburg.
Pre-registrants receive lunch and a t-shirt. All participants are strongly encouraged to register and bring water, sunscreen and insect repellant. For more information or to register, call (804)717-6688 or visit the website at www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com.
Through the Adopt-A-Stream Program, volunteer groups agree to collect litter along stream banks, shorelines and in waterways at least once a year. The adoption spans two years. A team of two can typically cover one mile of a lightly littered stream channel in an hour or two. The Department of Conservation and Recreation provides heavy duty trash bags, orange safety vests, and an 18-inch Adopt-A-Stream sign that features the adopting group's name.
Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to adopt a stream. For more information, including a registration packet, call DCR toll-free at 1-877-42WATER or in Richmond call 786-9732. Information and a registration form can also found at the Adopt-a-Stream website.
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