These and other statistics were presented to the Moore County Board of Commissioners at a Sept. 19 meeting as part of the KMCB annual report.
KMCB Director Joan Neal reported that her agency, which relies on volunteers, coordinated local participation in the Great American Cleanup this year. This March-through-May annual anti-litter event is conducted by Keep America Beautiful affiliates throughout the United States.
Neal said that her agency asked all municipalities to participate in this cleanup and as a result, 1,500 volunteers spent 3,500 hours collecting 65,000 pounds of litter and debris. KMCB provided supplies for the effort.
KMCB continues to partner with the Code Enforcement Division of the Department of Planning and Community Development in efforts to inform builders and contractors of penalties for littering. Neal said that everyone receiving a building permit is notified that a fine of up to $2,000 may be levied for hauling uncovered materials on highways.
Neal said that KMCB participates in the Swat a Litterbug Program, in which people who observe littering may report the perpetrator to her office by providing such details as license number, time of day and location of the offense.
The agency sends this information to the State Highway Patrol, which sends a warning letter to the offender.
Environmental education is carried to school children in an effort to “establish a mind-set for future generations,” Neal said. Programs on recycling, beautification and litter prevention are presented in the schools, and elementary grade students receive coloring books and other materials sending an environmental message.
Students were treated to visits by Anti-Litter Ladybug, the KMCB mascot.
Other programs conducted in the schools include distribution of earth bracelet kits, sponsorship of Clean and Green Campus contests and the telephone book recycling contest.
Neal reported that KMCB sponsored three mixed-paper recycling drives, which resulted in collection of more than five tons of paper this year. Among numerous volunteers assisting this drive were members of The O’Neal School SEAC Club.
The Christmas tree recycling program was held again this year with trees chipped at a site in Southern Pines. The mulch was returned to the individuals and to local landscapers.
KMCB cosponsored the telephone book recycling contest with The Pilot newspaper. A monetary prize went to the public and private schools collecting the most phone books for recycling. The schools were asked to use their prize money for campus beautification.
Another partnership involves county government and the general public, asked to turn in empty inkjet, toner, and laser cartridges, proceeds from which are used for KMCB projects.
Liberty Gardens were initiated in memory of the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy. Phase III was completed in 2004 with gardens planted at High Falls, Robbins, Seven Lakes, Westmoore and Southern Pines fire departments. Girl Scout Troop 985 and Master Gardener volunteers provided assistance. This program is to be complete in 2006.
Neal said KMCB pours donations and funds collected from various programs back into beautification and anti-litter initiatives. One key source of funding is the annual Marge Owings Keep Moore County Beautiful Golf Tournament. The 2005 tournament on Mother’s Day weekend attracted a field of 350 golfers to Mid Pines Golf Resort in Southern Pines. The late Marge Owings was a founder and early chairperson of KMCB.
At the same meeting, the commissioners adopted a resolution proclaiming Sept. 17 through Oct. 1 as Fall Litter Sweep in Moore County. The proclamation urges everyone to join 6,000 volunteer groups statewide in clearing litter from roadsides and working to beautify the state.
Commissioner Tim Lea read the proclamation, which was presented to Neal.
The proclamation says, in part, that: the “cleanup will increase awareness of the need for cleaner roadsides, emphasize the importance of not littering and encourage recycling” and adds that “the great natural beauty of our county and a clean environment are a source of great pride for all citizens of Moore County.”
The roadside cleanup is sponsored annually by the N.C. Department of Transportation, which is joined by local volunteer groups. This is the 17th anniversary of the state’s Adopt-a-Highway Program.
