FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 14, 2019
Photos for media use: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmGWuunC. Please credit James River Advisory Council.
RICHMOND — Nearly 800 volunteers in 12 jurisdictions today cleaned the James River and its banks of trash during the 20th annual James River Regional Cleanup.
In all, 753 bags of trash and 70 bags of recyclables were removed from 17 sites between Lynchburg and Newport News. The annual event is organized by the James River Advisory Council and its many partners, including nonprofit organizations, friends groups, businesses, local governments, state agencies and individuals.
“We’re tremendously grateful to the volunteers, partners and sponsors who made our 20th annual cleanup a success,” JRAC Executive Director Kimberly Conley said. “Their dedication year after year is truly inspiring and amazing.”
Of the 796 volunteers, 58 were in canoes or kayaks and three were in powerboats. Other volunteers scoured the riverbanks for debris or picked up along roadsides. They pulled 83 tires from the water.
The James River Regional Cleanup is the kickoff for James River Week during which numerous activities and programs are offered to help people celebrate the river. See the James River Week calendar.
For more information, call 804-748-1567 or email conleyk@chesterfield.gov.
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About JRAC: The James River Advisory Council provides a forum for the diverse interests along the James River in Central Virginia and engages the public about issues and challenges facing the river. JRAC’s vision is a healthy, beautiful, economically vital and accessible James River that is cared for by a diverse and engaged community that acts on its behalf.
JRAC’s membership includes representatives from local jurisdictions, businesses and industry, civic organizations and individuals. By leading discussions about the river, and hosting regional events and programs, the council sets the tone for positive and interactive relationships among partners throughout the region.
