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Post by Local News on Sept 21, 2011 16:47:55 GMT -5
This sled was used to remove an illegal dump at the bottom of a steep hill in the Daniel Boone National Forest by PRIDE, the US Forest Service’s Redbird Ranger District and Clay County Fiscal Court. Workers at the bottom of the hill filled the sled with trash, and it was then pulled to the road to be emptied into trucks.
PRIDE and Forest Service partner with Clay County to remove dumpsSept. 17, 2011, marked the beginning of the end for five illegal dumps in the Daniel Boone National Forest near Manchester, thanks to a partnership between PRIDE, the U.S. Forest Service’s Redbird Ranger District and Clay County Fiscal Court. The Forest Service awarded a grant to PRIDE to manage the project and dispose of the trash removed from the dumps. The Forest Service and PRIDE are contributing in-kind services, staff time and expertise to the project. The fiscal court will provide the equipment and inmate labor. The dumps — which are located on Bar Creek Road and Big Double Road — pollute Bar Creek, a tributary to the Red Bird River. They contain tons of household garbage, tires, appliances and construction materials. More than 36 tons of trash were removed from the first dump Sept. 17. Removing the remaining dumps is expected to take one to two days each and will continue into the fall. “Eastern Kentucky is blessed with abundant streams and a beautiful natural environment, and this is especially true of the Red Bird River watershed that runs through Clay and Leslie counties,” said District Ranger Thomas Dozier of the Redbird Ranger District. “Keeping our watersheds clean and free of litter contributes to the quality of life for the people who live here, and it also helps attract business, tourism and economic development to the area,” said Dozier. He added, “We want to work in close partnership with our local community because we share their vision of living and working in a clean, healthy environment.” “We appreciate the chance to work with the Forest Service and fiscal court on this environmental restoration project,” said PRIDE’s Tammie Wilson. “It has been our privilege to partner with communities to clean up 2,869 illegal dumps since 1997, and we are ready to put that experience to work here.” “Our partnership is off to a great start,” said Judge-Executive Joe Asher. “We’re starting with this small dump, so we can get organized, and then we’ll move on to the bigger dumps.” “We will be inviting volunteers to help clean up some of the dumps later this fall,” Asher added. “We will advertise those cleanups on the radio and in the newspaper, so please be ready to volunteer.” Citizens can play a big role in preventing illegal dumping in the future, according to all the partners. “We’re trying to help people understand about how much garbage hurts our county,” Asher said. “There’s not a large percentage of our citizens who do it, but some people still throw out their garbage along roads and out-of-the-way spots. We want to stop it.” “If you see someone dumping, please report it at 606-598-1281, and your name will not be mentioned,” said Chris Reid, Clay County Solid Waste Coordinator. “If you see a dump, please report it.” Asher and Reid also urged Clay County residents to sign up for garbage pick-up service to prevent dumping. To learn more, call Reid’s office at 606-598-1281. The Daniel Boone National Forest, which was established in 1937, encompasses nearly 708,000 acres across 21 counties in Kentucky with a landscape characterized by steep forested ridges dissected by narrow ravines and nearly 3,500 miles of sandstone cliffs. Within that area, the Redbird Ranger District covers 145,850 acres in Clay, Leslie, Owsley, Perry, Harlan and Bell Counties.
PRIDE is a nonprofit organization that promotes “Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment” in 38 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky. PRIDE encourages and assists communities with environmental cleanup and education efforts.
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Post by Local News on Sept 21, 2011 17:13:42 GMT -5
Clay County: Volunteer to improve public lands with PRIDE, Forest Service
 Americans are invited to volunteer to improve public lands on National Public Lands Day (NPLD) Saturday, Sept. 24. Clay County residents can receive free supplies for their NPLD projects on Sept. 24 and Friday, Sept. 23.
(PRIDE is supporting NPLD activities on Friday to allow Clay County schools to participate.)
PRIDE is supporting NPLD projects in Clay County as part of a grant from the US Forest Service to remove illegal dumps in the Daniel Boone National Forest. “This is a great opportunity to spend a nice weekend outdoors with friends while making a difference in the public spaces that we all enjoy,” said PRIDE’s Tammie Wilson. “PRIDE will be working with schools on Friday, and we invite any other group to plan their own event on Friday or Saturday, and we’ll provide the trash bags and gloves you need,” Wilson said. “Anyone can plan a project that matches their interests and abilities,” Wilson said. “As long as you’re volunteering to improve a public space, we want to work with you.” “Some ideas include planting trees at schools, fixing up shelters at a park or cleaning up a trail in the Daniel Boone National Forest,” she said. “You can pull together some friends and neighbors to volunteer, or this would be a great activity for groups, such as scouts, ATV Clubs, churches and businesses,” Wilson added. As the nation’s largest one-day volunteer event in support of public lands, NPLD hosts more than 2,000 sites in all 50 states and the District of Columbia with a wide array of activities. Volunteers’ one-day efforts will equal more than $15 million in improvements. PRIDE is a nonprofit organization that promotes environmental cleanup and education activities in 38 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky. The PRIDE web site is: www.kypride.orgTo request supplies for your National Public Lands Day event, please call the PRIDE office, toll free, at: 888-577-4339
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Post by Press Release on Oct 10, 2011 19:55:02 GMT -5
Volunteer, hike and ride in Redbird on Oct. 22
 Volunteers of all ages are invited to pick up litter and enjoy the great outdoors during the first annual Redbird Ranger District PRIDE Cleanup from 10 am until noon on Saturday, Oct. 22. “With a wide variety of sites to be cleaned — all in a gorgeous recreation area — this event will be ideal for groups of any age, ability and interest,” said PRIDE’s Tammie Wilson. “We hope to see families, school groups, scouts, church groups and businesses. After volunteering, you can spend the afternoon together, taking in the scenery.” “ATV clubs will want to volunteer because the Forest Service is offering a great incentive to pick up trash along the Redbird Crest Trail,” Wilson said. “For ATV riders who volunteer during the two-hour cleanup, the fee will be waived to ride the trail the rest of the day. This is an extensive trail, covering about 65 miles.” All volunteers will be treated to a free cookout after the cleanup, and they will be eligible for great door prizes. Volunteer registration will begin at 9:30 am at the work center at the Red Bird Ranger District Office, which is located at 91 Peabody Road, Big Creek, Ky. For driving directions, see www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/redbird. At registration, volunteers will hear a safety briefing and will receive their trash bags and gloves, which will be provided by PRIDE. Volunteers will be taken by van to the cleanup sites, which include Hwy. 66, Arnetts Fork, Big Double Creek recreation area and Bar Creek Trailhead. Volunteers on ATVs can drive themselves to the trail that begins and ends near the Redbird District Office. All volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately. Sturdy shoes, long pants and work gloves are recommended, along with clothing suitable for the weather. Volunteers riding ATVs must comply with all safety regulations, such as wearing helmets. For more information about the trail and regulations, see www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/recreation/ohv_rb.shtmlThe cleanup is sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service’s Redbird Ranger District, PRIDE and Clay County Fiscal Court. For more information, please call Chris Reid, Clay County Solid Waste and PRIDE Coordinator, at 606-598-1281, or call the PRIDE office, toll free, at 888-577-4339.
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Post by Kentucky News on Nov 14, 2011 23:06:03 GMT -5
Clay County is one of 29 Kentucky Counties getting Kentucky pride funds
Commonwealth News Center press release
FRANKFORT, Ky.– Governor Steve Beshear today announced that approximately $2.1 million in grant funding has been awarded by the Kentucky Pride Fund for cleanup of 171 illegal dumps in 29 counties across the Commonwealth. “Illegal dumping is a major problem that raises significant concerns with regard to safety, property values and quality of life in our communities,” Gov. Beshear said. “It is a major economic burden on local governments, which are typically responsible for cleaning up dump sites.” The following counties received grants: Adair, Bath, Breathitt, Breckinridge, Clark, Clay, Cumberland, Green, Hardin, Hart, Henderson, Laurel, Lee, Lincoln, Logan, Magoffin, Marshall, Mason, Meade, Montgomery, Morgan, Owsley, Rockcastle, Russell, Spencer, Warren, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe. As part of the grant funding, counties must agree to provide a 25 percent match when it costs less than $50,000 to cleanup an individual, illegal open dump. The Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) may waive the 25 percent match on any individual illegal open dump costing more than $50,000 to remediate. The Division of Waste Management administers the Kentucky Pride Fund to clean up county dump sites. Funding for the program comes from a $1.75 environmental remediation fee for each ton of garbage disposed of at Kentucky municipal solid waste disposal facilities. This “tipping fee,” authorized by the 2002 General Assembly under House Bill 174, is collected quarterly and placed in the Kentucky Pride Fund. The Kentucky Pride Fund is the first legislated and ongoing source of state funding for dump cleanup. Previously, illegal open dump cleanup in Kentucky was primarily funded by county and federal money. In 2006, Senate Bill 50 changed the reimbursement program to a grant program. The legislation also expanded the scope of the fund to address household hazardous waste collection and recycling infrastructure, in addition to illegal dump and old landfill projects. Kentucky has made significant progress in addressing the illegal dump issue thanks to this funding, along with statewide cleanup and educational campaigns by local, state and federal agencies, Gov. Beshear said. For grant amounts, call your local solid waste coordinator or Lisa Evans at 502-564-6716.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 15, 2011 18:38:15 GMT -5
Goose Rock Elementary students Destiny Smith, Katie Hubbard and Aaron Lawson added native plants to the school’s outdoor classroom in celebration of National Public Lands Day.
Clay County Students take part in National Public Lands Day
On Sept. 23, Forest Service and PRIDE staff joined Clay County students for National Public Lands Day (http://publiclandsday.org). At Big Creek Elementary School, fifth graders picked up litter. At Clay County High School, the Environmental Science Class planted Eastern Redbud trees and native plants. Goose Rock Elementary School students added native trees and plants to the school’s outdoor classroom. When rain scuttled outdoor events at other schools, Dozier and PRIDE staff spoke to several classes about the importance of caring for the public lands that we share. kypride.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/PRIDE-Progress-2011-3.pdf
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Post by Press Release on Feb 2, 2012 21:47:50 GMT -5
 Ms Amanda Robinson's class
Ms. Amanda Robinson's class was the upper-grade winner of the Goose Rock Elementary School PRIDE Club's contest to decorate classroom doors to promote energy conservation.
Goose Rock Elementary PRIDE Club promotes energy conservation
For inspiring students to think about energy efficiency, the Goose Rock Elementary School PRIDE Club in Clay County earned southern and eastern Kentucky’s PRIDE Environmental Education Project of the Month Award. The PRIDE Club, which explores environmental issues and performs community service, organized a contest to decorate classroom doors with energy-conservation themes. The club named a primary-grade winner and an upper-grade winner. The winners were Ms. Marsha Robertson’s class and Ms. Amanda Robinson’s class. “We wanted to see evidence of student participation, and, of course, ways to promote energy efficiency,” explained Emily Jackson, the teacher who sponsors the PRIDE Club. “I commend the PRIDE Club members and Ms. Jackson for organizing this contest,” said PRIDE’s Mark Davis, who presented the award at the school on Jan. 27. “The students learned about energy efficiency, and then they had fun decorating the doors and competing with other classes,” Davis said. “Because they enjoyed the lesson, they are more likely to remember the message and share it with others.” “Energy costs are a hot topic now for schools and for families, so this was a timely project,” Davis added. “For Kentucky’s K-12 public schools, energy costs almost doubled from 2009/2010 to 2010/2011. Using energy wisely is obviously important.” Goose Rock Elementary School received a $1,500 PRIDE grant to implement an energy conservation project based on findings of an energy audit conducted as part of the state’s Green and Healthy School program. The PRIDE Environmental Education Project of the Month program rewards creative, effective ways of promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. “We give awards to thank people and to showcase the great things going on in our region, so please contact us if you want to nominate a person, school, business or organization that is helping our environment or inspiring others to care for nature,” Davis said. “Our toll-free number is 888-577-4339, or you can contact us through our web site.” To submit a nomination form, visit the nominate site. Learn more about why and how to conserve energy at PRIDE’s energy conservation web site, “PRIDE Re-Energized.”
Goose Rock Elementary School - Marsha Robertson's class
Ms. Marsha Robertson's class was the primary-grade winner of the Goose Rock Elementary School PRIDE Club's contest to decorate classroom doors to promote energy conservation.
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Post by Press Release on Mar 22, 2012 16:53:40 GMT -5
PRIDE Spring Cleanup Month
April in Southern and Eastern Kentucky
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Post by Press Release on Jun 2, 2012 15:27:23 GMT -5
Wonda Hammons
Clay County students learned with PRIDE in 2011-2012
Nature came to life in classrooms across southern and eastern Kentucky during this school year, thanks to the PRIDE Environmental Education Outreach Program. The program sent 15 environmental education liaisons into schools in 22 counties, reaching a total of 36,825 students between September 2011 and May 2012. Wonda Hammons served as environmental education liaison in Clay County, Jackson County and Rockcastle County. Their goal was to help students prepare for state science tests and develop life-long environmental stewardship skills. The liaisons taught lessons and led hands-on activities that covered a span of environmental topics including energy, botany, ecosystems, wildlife concepts, solid waste and water quality. They partnered with teachers to complement their classroom instruction. The liaisons focused on third, fourth and fifth-grade classes. They also worked with all grade levels involved in PRIDE Clubs, which explore environmental issues and perform community service. Liaisons also helped with a variety of special projects in their community. For example, the McCreary County liaison, Amanda Wilson, helped the county launch its recycling program by visiting all schools to demonstrate why and how to recycle. In Jackson County, liaison Wonda Hammons, guided students to design road signs that promoted community pride and discouraged littering. The fiscal court produced six student-designed signs and installed them on major roads. “Students really turn on when PRIDE liaisons lead hands-on activities that bring to life lessons they’ve been learning in class,” said PRIDE’s Tammie Wilson. “Environmental education is a great tool for practicing a variety of skills, from math to problem-solving.” “Teacher evaluations of the liaisons were excellent and showed great interest in continuing the program,” Wilson said. “I want to thank our liaisons, who are so creative and enthusiastic. They enjoy interacting with students and teaming with teachers.” “We are grateful to the local governments, school boards, utility companies and others who sponsored the program in their counties, as well as the superintendents, principals and teachers who welcomed PRIDE into their schools this year,” Wilson added. “You are to be commended for investing in your students and our environment.” PRIDE offers the outreach program in 38 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky. In each county, local leaders pay a fee, based on student population, to enroll their schools. PRIDE is a nonprofit organization that promotes “Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment” in southern and eastern Kentucky. PRIDE works with communities to improve water quality, clean up solid waste problems and increase environmental awareness. PRIDE was founded in 1997 by Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-5) and the late James Bickford, former Kentucky Secretary of Environmental Protection.
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Post by In The News on Aug 3, 2012 18:55:32 GMT -5
Harlan Daily Enterprise
KCEOP earns PRIDE volunteer award
The KCEOC Community Action Partnership, Inc., has earned southern and eastern Kentucky's PRIDE Volunteer of the Month Award for August 2012. KCEOC, which is a nonprofit organization, is based in Barbourville, and it provides a variety of community programs in Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel and Rockcastle Counties. Since 2009, KCEOC has recruited more than 3,000 volunteers across those six counties to participate in the annual PRIDE Spring Cleanup. Almost all of them were Head Start students, helped by their families and Head Start staff, and they picked up litter in safe areas close to their buildings, such as their playgrounds. "We appreciate KCEOC for instilling a love for community and the environment in these children," said PRIDE's Mark Davis, who presented a plaque to Paul D. Dole, President/CEO of KCEOC. Award certificates also were provided for every KCEOC Head Start center. "KCEOC also emphasizes recycling, so the students are picking up this good habit at an early age," Davis said. In 2011, KCEOC received $4,500 in PRIDE Environmental Education Funds to start recycling programs at the Head Start centers in Clay, Harlan and Knox Counties. nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_action=doc&p_docid=1406F8A81CA10E48&p_docnum=1
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Post by Press Release on Dec 10, 2012 14:05:31 GMT -5
Manchester, Goose Rock PRIDE Clubs receive grants
Students who want to explore nature and serve their communities received a boost from Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Inc., the nonprofit organization that promotes environmental cleanup and education in southern and eastern Kentucky. PRIDE awarded $19,000 to 76 PRIDE Clubs across the 38-county region including Goose Rock Elementary School and Manchester Elementary School in Clay County. The PRIDE Club Grants, worth $250 each, will be used during the 2012-2013 school year. PRIDE Clubs are student groups dedicated to environmental education. Club members learn about nature through fun, hands-on activities. They also serve their communities by volunteering for local cleanup events and performing their own project to improve the local environment. “PRIDE has been promoting environmental education for 15 years now, and we have seen the power students have to transform their world,” said PRIDE’s Tammie Wilson. “In PRIDE Clubs, students discover and unleash that power.” “For example, PRIDE Club members often mentor younger students,” Wilson explained. “They have to really understand a topic so they can teach it to younger students in a creative, engaging way. All the students come away with a better understanding of how and why to care for the environment.” “The PRIDE Club grants will make it easier for teachers and students to do their learning and service projects,” Wilson said. “We also give them a PRIDE Club manual with ideas for club organization and activities.” Since 1997, PRIDE has presented 1,263 funding awards for environmental education, impacting 657,819 students across the region. The funds have been used for a wide variety of stewardship activities, from operating PRIDE Clubs to building greenhouses. PRIDE was founded in 1997 by Congressman Hal Rogers and Kentucky Natural Resources Secretary James E. Bickford to promote “Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment” in southern and eastern Kentucky.
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Post by Press Release on Mar 26, 2013 19:43:16 GMT -5
PRIDE will receive 10% when you buy a Garbo Grabber™
PRIDE Press Release
PRIDE is pleased to be selected for the Garbo Grabber™ Give-Back Program. When you buy a Garbo Grabber™ product for quicker cleanups, please designate PRIDE as the beneficiary of a donation from the company, which will equal 10% of your sale. The easy-to-use, two piece Garbo Grabber™ keeps the mouth of a trash bag open during use, ensuring a quicker cleanup in a more productive manner. Garbo Grabber™ chose a small number of organizations from across America to benefit from this profit-sharing program. For every Garbo Grabber™ item sold, the buyer will be asked to designate one of the organizations to receive a donation equal to 10% of the sale. The company’s feature product is the Garbo Grabber™. “The Quicker Litter Picker” is light weight and designed to improve the way litter and debris are picked up! The easy-to-use, two piece Garbo Grabber™ keeps the mouth of a trash bag open during use, ensuring a quicker cleanup in a more productive manner. Users can easily deposit all types of litter and debris more efficiently under better sanitary conditions while increasing productivity. The company also sells reachers, litter pickers and trash bags. To make a purchase or watch a demonstration video of the Garbo Grabber™, please visit: http;//www.garbograbber.com
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