Susie Tomlinson and Judy Linda Horn initiated the North Fork Clean-up Day in March of 2003. They created a banner, developed a contingent of volunteers, and have been involved with Earth Day activities since 2005.In November of 2006, Sandee Scott of Coarsegold joined in the efforts and the 11/18/06 clean-up day. These three recruited approximately 70 volunteers from Oakhurst, Ahwahnee, Coarsegold, O’Neals and North Fork – approximately 60 bags of trash were collected that day.After conducting research, including a visit to the Mammoth Recycling Facility and Fairmead Landfill, Ms. Tomlinson, Ms. Horn and Ms. Scott determined that the most effective way of accomplishing the goals of increased recycling, reduced litter and community beautification would be to become an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s largest community improvement network.
A meeting was held 2/15/07 at which time 2 more committee members were added – Craig Spores of Oakhurst and Linda Shepler of Ahwahnee. Supervisor Tom Wheeler was present at that meeting and lent his support to the goals and objectives of this group. Eventually, each area of Eastern Madera County will have a representative on this committee. The consequences of irresponsible earth stewardship (road-side litter, illegal dumping, and inefficient waste management) are widespread in the mountain area and the committee members (and many other citizens of the area) wish to make a difference, beyond picking up litter in their own neighborhoods.
Additionally, we have conducted the following activities:
• Communicating with Keith Quinlan of the Solid Waste Management Department regarding enforcing the regulations for loads being covered when they arrive at the landfill and transfer station.
• Planning the next cleanup day in May and Earth Day participation in April.
• Planning of a community-wide meeting March 21st regarding the goals and objectives of this group.
• Drafting a chart outlining the primary goal, sub-goals, objectives and activities of this organization.
• Gathering statistical information regarding the enforcement of litter laws.
• Recruiting volunteers to adopt a section of community roadways.
• Writing and submitting articles to The Sierra Star to help increase public awareness and education regarding the problem and its solutions.
• Attending a meeting sponsored by California Conservation.
Information has been gathered from Keep America Beautiful (KAB) as well as from several California affiliates. Our committee continues to be committed to the goal of affiliating with Keep America Beautiful in order to make a positive impact on Eastern Madera County.
