DNR offers cleanup help for rivers, streams Advocates say this is a good time of year to clean waterways By Michelle Kennedy News-Chronicle The state Department of Natural Resources is making it easier for groups and individuals to help beautify and protect local waterways. It is providing free materials to guide residents through different projects to clean up river and stream banks, as well as how to stencil messages near storm drains that remind people not to dump waste down the storm sewers. Most cities' storm sewers empty into lakes or rivers with no treatment. Anything dumped into the sewer will go directly into the lake or river. "Spring is a good time to take on projects that can help clean up and protect the water quality in Wisconsin," Kris Stepenuck, coordinator of Water Action Volunteers, said. WAV is a cooperative group that works with the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin-Cooperative Extension. Cleaning up at this time of year allows for projects to be completed without disturbing nesting birds or other animals, and also allows participants to see trash more clearly because foliage is not yet in full bloom. Stenciling the storm drains in spring also allows participants to clear dirt, leaves and trash away from them, ensuring they won't become clogged when spring rains begin to fall. "Right now, the primary source of pollution to our surface waters is runoff from streets, construction sites, yards and farms," Stepenuck said. "Stenciling can help raise awareness of why we need to keep polluted runoff from entering our storm sewers and ending up in our lakes, rivers and groundwater." Stenciling has become a popular activity with many organizations, Stepenuck added. In the last 10 years, groups from more than 100 communities have stenciled more than 9,000 storm drains. In addition, in just the last five years, almost 9,000 volunteers have collected more than 2,500 bags and an additional 61 tons of garbage. Any group or individual interested in such a project can get free stencils from Stepenuck, along with a guide on how to plan and carry out the work. Stepenuck said there are contacts in counties and cities across the state who have stencils on hand; some may also have other supplies available including spray paint, safety vests and cones and dust pans. Find a listing of these local contacts on WAV's Web site at http://clean-water.uwex.edu/wav and follow links to storm drain stenciling or call Lee Traeger at the City Public Works Department at 448-3100. Anyone interested in participating in an organized river clean up can find a list of upcoming events at the River Alliance Web site: www.wisconsinrivers.org