Smithville Lake Clean Up Day

September 12, 2009

Public Lands Cleanup Day is a nation wide event where concerned individuals and organized groups show support for our federal parklands by participating in a variety of conservation events such as removing litter that has accumulated during the recreation season. This activity improves the appearance of Smithville Lake and increases the public’s awareness of the litter problems.

We will have a half day cleanup, a free picnic lunch, and clean up day shoulder patch for all the volunteers. Individuals, families, organizations and groups are encouraged to volunteer. Participants must pre-register by close of business September 9th, 2009. This will prevent a last minute crunch on getting our picnic lunch donations.

To register, please call the Smithville Lake Volunteer Coordinator, Derek Dorsey, at (816) 389-3947. Give your group name, contact person's name, address, phone number, and an estimate of the number of participants you will bring. If you have any questions, or if you know of other groups or individuals that have expressed interest in participating, please feel free to contact the Project Office at the above number.

Cleanup Day Agenda

• Water - Each group should have a good supply of cold drinking water and cups. If you have a large group, try to have one large water cooler per ten participants.

• Clothing - Participants should wear long pants - not shorts, sturdy shoes or boots (no sandals), a hat, and gloves. Sunscreen and insect repellant would be a good idea.

• Lunch - We will break for lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 at Crows Creek Shelter # 6. Lunch will be provided courtesy of our sponsors.

• Sharp objects - broken glass, metal, wire, etc., are commonly found in the park area. Wear protective clothing (gloves, sturdy shoes, long pants, etc.) and use extreme care when handling these items.

• Poison ivy - poison ivy is found around the project. Know what it looks like and avoid contact with it.

• Poisonous snakes - by no means common, but occasionally found on the project, are the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. Learn to identify, and if encountered, alert others and move away from the area. Remember all snakes are protected and are an important and interesting part of the wildlife community.

• Ticks - ticks are fairly common, so after the cleanup, check yourself thoroughly.

• Bending and lifting - during the cleanup, take care not to over exert; if you encounter a heavy object, get help to move it.

• Leaders: Please carry a First Aid Kit for your group during the cleanup for minor cuts, scrapes, burns, etc....

• CORROSIVE CHEMICALS - Please advise your group of the hazards related to picking up or handling any containers that may contain chemicals such as 5 gallon cans, 55-gal. drums, gasoline cans, some spray cans, gallon jugs. It is very important that gloves and protective clothing are worn to protect from any dangers. Be weary of any containers that are rusting or damaged.

Four hours of your time can really make a difference! Thanks for volunteering.