MiGO has
Adopted-A-Highway
Come help clean
it up!
Help us clean
it up on September 16th @ 11:00am
One of MiGO's members,
skeevee a.k.a. Torsten Brasch had an
idea for the MiGO SE Chapter. His idea was to adopt a highway. This
idea has come up on the MiGO forums before but it never came to
life. Skeevee posted a new thread in the SE Chapter forum on Aug 29
and just 4 days later it's a go. Skeevee has been in contact with
MDOT and he has submitted an application for the stretch of I-75
between I-475/I-75 junction to US-23/I-75 junction. It is a 3.2
mile stretch but MDOT says it's pretty narrow (from road to fence)
compared to many other spots. It requires a 2 year commitment and
at least 3 pick-ups a year. This year will only have one pickup. If
you attend one pickup/CITO event you are not required to be at any
others. It would be nice but we all have different schedules.
What to
bring:
Bring an Orange vest..
Work gloves.
Trash pickup stick. (Like the ones Victorymike made attendees for
his CITO).
A pair of long handled pinchers.
Anything that can help you pickup trash without bending over.
Water.
MDOT will provide the trash bags.
Prior to the event everyone attending needs to watch a safety
video. We are hoping to get it in as a download so check back
soon.
The general MDOT web site can be found at
LINK.
There is a brochure at
LINK that everyone should read.
Where to bring
it:
We will meet at the
Bicentennial Park at 11:00am. To get to the park from either north
or south bound I-75, exit at Dort Highway, exit 109. Dirve north to
Grand Blanc Road (0.5 miles from north bound, 0.9 miles from south
bound) and turn left. Drive 1.1 miles to the park's entrance, turn
right. Look for the MiGO banner.
* From the park we will car pool to the
freeway.
* After the pickup is complete at 3:00pm
we will meet back at the park.
* There will be soap and water to wash
up.
Then the MiGO
SE Chapter will be grilling some hamburgers.
Please bring a
dish to pass, just be sure to keep it chilled if
needed.
Please bring
your own beverages.
What is adopt-a-highway?
Adopt-a-Highway is a Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
program designed to help keep the state's highway roadsides clean
and attractive. Participants adopt both sides of a section of state
highway roadside to clean up over a two year period. A minimum
two-mile stretch of roadway is recommended. All types of state
highways may be adopted, including two-lane roads, limited access
highways, boulevards and business routes.
Who's eligible?
Just about any group of at least six people and three backup
participants. It's a great opportunity for all types of
organizations, including scout troops, church groups, activity and
teen groups, small and large businesses, clubs, service
organizations and senior citizen groups. Crew members must be a
minimum of 12 years old. Children between the ages of 12 to 15 must
have adult supervision at a ratio of one adult for every three
children.
What's required from MIGO to participate?
Our time and effort. It's that easy! MiGO will be picking up litter
a minimum of three times a year from the highway roadsides in our
designated area. The goal of the program is to clean the roadsides
before mowing cycles and tourism periods (April through October).
Designated pickup dates and times will be determined by MDOT at the
beginning of each year to facilitate and schedule pickup of bagged
trash.
Did this cost MiGO a fee?
There was no fee required for MIGO to participate in the
Adopt-a-Highway program. MiGO members do need to provide their own
transportation to the adoption site. MDOT will provide bags for
litter and pickup the filled bags. MDOT will supply safety vests
for each member who's name is on the application file, upon
acceptance in the program. Thereafter, MDOT will not replace any
vests if lost or missing. Bags, vests and safety materials can be
picked up at your local MDOT district location.
How does MiGO benefit?
Besides the sense of pride MiGO members will feel enhancing the
appearance of your community, MiGO's name will be identified on
Adopt-a-Highway signs to be displayed near your roadside area. In
addition, MiGO will receive a certificate of participation to
display.
How did MiGO choose this part of the road?
Requests for specific roadside areas was between MiGO and the local
MDOT district coordinator. All attempts were made to match us with
our first choice, whish was a segment that is centrally located in
the SE Chapter.
An important note about safety
All Adopt-a-Highway participants are required to conduct a safety
meeting once a year before pickup. MiGO members are required to
wear an orange vest while working along the roadside. Once MiGO was
issued the Adopt-a-Highway permit, MDOT will provide additional
safety information, including rules and a videotape.
