Litter Control Project in Asheville

If you have taken a drive down the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway lately – hoping to enjoy the spring flowers and incredible views -- you may have noticed something you weren’t expecting.  Trash on the Parkway is accumulating faster than the Park Service can remove it.  With staffing shortages plaguing the Parkway, the National Park Service has come to FRIENDS for help.  FRIENDS plans to rally those volunteers who love the Parkway to help fight litter and preserve the views we expect to see.

Michael Ryan, Facility Manager in the Pisgah District of the Blue Ridge Parkway, states that:  “On April 25, 2007, Parkway employees conducted an annual spring clean up day.  I chose the intersection at Hwy 70 and the Parkway to clean up, as it is close to my office and is the intersection I use daily to come to work.  I spent 2-1/2 hours picking up trash and debris from the intersection and approach bays to the Parkway.  The following morning on my way to work, I passed through the intersection and was disheartened to see trash deposited overnight in the area I had left clean the previous morning.”

Due to increased traffic in the commuter zone of the Parkway – specifically mileposts 382.3 to 396.8 – litter control has become a big issue.  Michael Ryan researched vehicle counter data in the NPS STATS from 1996 to 2006.  In 2006, totals reflected that 2,936,738 vehicle passed through the commuter zone in Asheville.  Ryan states that, “Annually, the Parkway has approximately 500,000 more vehicles using this section of road than 10 years ago.  Commensurate with the increase in vehicular use of the Parkway, sadly the trash accumulation has grown as well, and maintenance personnel declined.”

WHEN:  A weekly pick up of the four intersections and two overlooks would be ideal.

WHERE:  Problem areas are roads which intersect and provide access to the Parkway.  Typically, the grassy bays and roadsides around the following four (4) intersections are targets for trash disposal:

1.   MP 382.5   (HWY 70 and the Parkway).  This area consists of two on/off ramps, two islands and large grassy areas adjacent to HWY 70.

2.   MP 384.7  (HWY 74 and the Parkway).  This area consists of two on/off ramps, two islands, smaller grassy bays, and approximately 1/4 mile between ramps.

3.  MP  388.8  (HWY 25 and the Parkway).  This area consists of two on/off ramps, two islands, medium sized grassy bays, and approximately 1/8 mile between ramps.

4.  MP 393.6  (HWY 191 and the Parkway)  This area consists of  one on/off ramp, adjacent to the North Carolina Arboretum, two islands, and approximately 1/4 mile of road section.

In addition to these four problem areas, the NPS wishes to offer for adoption two overlooks that are problem areas for trash accumulation as well.   The overlooks are:

1.  MP 380.0 Haw Creek Valley Parking Overlook
2.  MP 393.8 French Broad River Parking Overlook

Please set aside a moment of your valuable time to give back to the Parkway.  After all the memories it’s provided, you know it’s the right thing to do.

ACT NOW.  To apply to become a FRIENDS volunteer, call 1-800-228-PARK (7275) or email staff@friendsbrp.org. 

If you’d prefer to apply online, click on the Adoption Application, print and mail to the FRIENDS office at the following address:  P.O. Box 20986, Roanoke, VA 24018.

If you'd prefer to email our Asheville contact, click on browngn@charter.net for instructions on how to organize a litter control group.

After approving your application, FRIENDS will ask you to meet with Michael Ryan who will provide fluorescent vests for your safety and specify the locations where your assistance can be most valuable.

To read Tom Morgan's (FRIENDS' Board of Director and Co-chairman, Asheville Chapter) article in the High Vistas, Newsletter of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Spring/Summer 2008 on "Winning the Litter War," click here.