Idaho Transportation Department asking more people to “Adopt a Highway”

While each political election cycle and scores of new businesses inundate us daily with new slogans, a familiar phrase perfectly describes this time of year on Idaho highways – “Idaho Is Too Great To Litter.”

The 1990 campaign is still active and appealing to volunteer groups throughout Idaho. And more volunteers are needed.

With spring just around the corner, ITD hopes to encourage Idahoans to pitch in and help keep state roadways free of litter.

Volunteer groups are asked to take a couple hours out of their days twice a year (more often if they wish) to pick up roadside litter along state highways. In addition to the satisfaction of being a participant in the campaign, groups get a complimentary roadway sign at the beginning and end of the adopted area with the group or memorial name.

The adoption process begins at www.itd.idaho.gov

More than 2.5 million lbs. of trash and debris have been removed from Idaho’s roadsides through the program, including the trash pick-up efforts of inmate crews through the Department of Corrections.

More than 1,000 active volunteer groups participate in the statewide program. More than half of Idaho’s highways have been adopted. However, there are still many opportunities for other groups and individuals to get involved. About 30 percent of the roadsides on the state’s highway system are available for adoption.

For more information about the Adopt-a-Highway program, contact the area coordinator, listed below:

District 1 Coordinator Coeur d’Alene Robin Karsann, 208 772-8011
District 2 Coordinator Lewiston Shane Niemela, 208 799-5090
District 3 Coordinator Boise Janet Gregory, 208 334-8350
District 4 Coordinator Shoshone Joyce Shaw, 208 886-7871
District 5 Coordinator Pocatello Sharon Short, 208 239-3300
District 6 Coordinator Rigby Todd Grover, 208 745-5631