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Commissioners set Department of Ecology briefing on roadside litter; discussion of volunteer cleanup and enforcement
Summary
The board scheduled a Jan. 29 briefing by the Department of Ecology on roadside litter and discussed limits on mandatory community service and adopt‑a‑highway volunteer programs.
Cowlitz County commissioners noted that staff has scheduled a Department of Ecology briefing for Jan. 29, 2025, to discuss litter cleanup and related programs. Commissioners and members of the public raised concerns about persistent roadside litter and explored volunteer and enforcement options.
One attendee and several commissioners said roadside medians, exits and entrances are frequently littered and suggested reviving adopt‑a‑highway or community‑service cleanup efforts. County staff and commissioners noted that, under current practice, community cleanup by groups is generally voluntary; mandatory court‑ordered community service for littering is not currently a widespread county enforcement practice and participants said requirements around voluntariness have changed over time.
The board said representatives from Ecology’s local office will attend the Jan. 29 meeting in person to discuss programs and coordination. Commissioners encouraged more volunteer groups to adopt highway segments and said they will look for practical ways to support cleanup without expanding county mandates.
Ending
The Department of Ecology will meet with the board Jan. 29; staff and commissioners said they will seek ways to support volunteer cleanup efforts and examine whether existing enforcement/practice options could be used more effectively.
