ADOPT-A-SHORELINE

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

The Department of Natural Resources hosted and organized the Adopt-a-Shoreline and Rez Road cleanup event in each district during the month of May. This event is sponsored by the Executive Branch and the District Representative’s offices in each district annually. In all, nearly 200 community members and employees volunteered to spend their time to pick up trash along the shoreline of Mille Lacs and throughout the Reservation lands.

Since 2012, the Adopt-a-Shoreline program has been a beacon of community effort, rallying organizations, resorts, and individuals to combat shoreline trash around Lake Mille Lacs.

Volunteer help is crucial in expanding these efforts. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or looking to make your first splash in community service, everyone is welcome and appreciated.

In total for this year's event for all three districts 3.5 to 5 tons or 7,000 to 10,000 pounds of trash and debris was collect ed from roadways, ditches, and lake shores.

As a thank you for the volunteer’s dedication, lunch was provided for each participant and exciting prize opportunities were abundant in each district. Thanks to the generous donations from Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures and the Executive Branch, some lucky winners walked away with great prizes.

A healthy lake with clean water spring and summer, pris tine ice in winter, and litter-free reefs and shoreline all year long helps create the ideal environment for sustainable fishing and helps ensure that people of all ages — whether rugged outdoor enthusiasts or families — can enjoy the lake at any time of year. [Source: Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation, Keep It Clean.]

It takes all of us together to Keep it Clean. Miigwech and thank you to each and every volunteer. If you missed a chance to participate in this year’s event, we look forward to seeing you next year. And remember, you don’t have to wait for this big event to keep it clean. Do your part every day in every sea son.