Goodrich- The ‘Carry In and Carry Out Trash Free Parks Program,? has some local rangers in the dumps.
The new program provided park visitors with their own bags for garbage, rather than the traditional trash cans? which often smell and draw predators. When campers left the park their garbage went with them.
The pilot program, implemented by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources aimed to keep local and state parks cleaner at a less cost was helpful in many parks statewide’except a few.
Many parks were exceptional in the evaluation by the DNR, but the Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area and Ortonville Recreation Area were cut from the program before the Fourth of July evaluation deadline. Park officials say trash buildup and the efforts needed to keep the park clean were just too great.
Dennis Wilson, supervisor for both area parks couldn’t believe the garbage that campers left behind.
‘It wasn’t accepted by a lot of people in the area. On a normal day, it would take our staff two hours to clean up the entire park, including the beach area. When this program was in effect, it took twice that time.?
Wilson and his staff posted flyers, gave garbage bags to park users, and informed campers about the program, however he was disappointed that no one seemed to be listening.
The Carry In-Carry Out program is now in 23 other states and provides parkgoers clean parks in addition to helping save money with fewer Dumpsters and staff.
The program has saved the DNR $175,000 a year, enabling the staff and state to focus on other issues.
‘I was very disappointed in the people from the area that ignored it all together. I thought it would be the opposite,? added Wilson.
‘We contacted the DNR and told them to cancel it (the program) with us because we didn’t even want the holiday weekend buildup. It wasn’t worthwhile, when it really should have been.?
The DNR was not pleased, however, to see places where the program didn’t take shape.
Brad Wurfel, press secretary for the DNR said the program is nationwide and may be utilized by 96 State Parks in Michigan. Parks were selected for the pilot program based on a variety of factors in a variety of areas.
‘This is also a way for campers and park users to take responsibility for their litter. The park staff could be doing other things so much more beneficial. This program is founded on the heart of the conservation ethic.?