The community cleanup ends on Friday, but there are still ways to help keep the town looking trim.
Haines groups can participate in the state’s “Adopt-a-Highway” program, according to the Department of Transportation’s Ruth Carter, who helps administer the program statewide.
Under the program, community groups sign three-year agreements to patrol at least a mile of state road section for litter, in exchange for the group being recognized on a state road sign. Cleanups are expected to occur at least three times a year, with local DOT officials providing garbage bags and safety vests.
Carter has a list of a half-dozen local groups who’ve participated in the program, but their agreements with the state have all expired, she said.
“Some may not even exist as an organization anymore,” Carter said. “That happens in Juneau. Then their sign comes down and they (become upset).”
In most cases, groups who’ve patrolled a certain section of road can get that same section back when they renew their agreements with the state.
Groups who’ve previously participated – and who may still have signs up – include Haines Sportsman’s Association, Haines School Staff, Girl Scouts Troop 101, the Hammer Museum, Lynn Canal Conservation, Milky Way Farm, B’hais of Haines and the Elks Club.
Several groups contacted this week said they still clean their road sections.