Red Rock On Air

BAXTER, Minn. – As Mn/DOT crews prepare for the upcoming snow and ice
season, thousands of Adopt a Highway volunteers across Minnesota are
taking a rest from their efforts to clean up the area highways and
saving taxpayers litter removal costs.

“The Minnesota Department of Transportation thanks the dedicated
volunteers and their organizations who participate in the Adopt a
Highway program,” said Bob Busch, Mn/DOT District 3 Engineer. “Their
collective efforts benefit our state by keeping our roadsides attractive
and giving visitors a positive impression as they travel our highways.”

In central Minnesota, there are approximately 713 active community
organizations cleaning more than 1,600 miles along state highways
throughout Aitkin, Benton, Cass, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Morrison,
Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena and Wright counties. The program began
in 1990 with 71 groups.

Adopt a Highway community organizations agree to:

* Adopt a state highway for a minimum of two years

* Select a segment of highway approximately two miles in length

* Pick up litter as often as needed, spring through fall, usually two to three times a year

* Remove roadside debris on both sides of a highway

* Notify Mn/DOT after every pickup

Volunteers are provided safety information, safety vests and trash bags.
Mn/DOT maintenance staff picks up filled trash bags from the roadsides
and removes large, heavy or hazardous items.

To participate in the Mn/DOT’s Adopt a Highway program, log onto
www.dot.state.mn.us/adopt or call a Mn/DOT district office. In
central Minnesota, there are offices in Baxter at 218/828-5700 or toll
free 800/657-3971 and ask for Mary Nieken; or in St. Cloud at
320/223-6500 or toll free 800/657-3961 and talk to Cindy Senger.