GilaPROUD project aims to beautify

Clubs, agencies, church groups invited to be part of steering committee

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Globe and Miami are surrounded by some of the most scenic areas in the state of Arizona. The forest, lakes, streams and desert draw not only tourists but also families and individuals who long to live here. As with many small communities, however, illegal dumping is a scourge that requires local cooperation and coordination to eradicate.

That is why a steering committee for a GilaPROUD project is being formed, and the community is invited to be a part of it. So far, the City of Globe, Tonto National Forest Globe Ranger Station, Globe Clean and Beautiful, Day of Service and other local church groups have indicated interest in participating.

GilaPROUD is a campaign aimed at reducing illegal dumping through education, eradication and enforcement. PROUD stands for “Prevent & Report Our Unlawful Dumping.” Gila County hosts Dollar Dump Days, which has already decreased the frequency of illegal dumping on forest lands, according to Sheryl Cormack, Recreation Management Specialist with the Globe Ranger District.

The project has the backing of Gila County Supervisor Tim Humphrey, who said it was his desire to see his vision of a cleaner environment expanded beyond Dollar Dump Days.

“You wouldn’t believe what we have been able to accomplish in cleaning up our communities since Dollar Dump Day was started,” said Michelle Yerkovich, Globe code enforcement officer.

“Some of our residents want to clean up their properties but cannot do it themselves or cannot afford the fees to dump their trash.”

GilaPROUD would create a structure to help people who need assistance, as well as identify areas that need clean-up or reconstruction to be more accessible and usable to everyone. It would then deploy teams to help with whatever effort is needed. It could also be the catalyst for future beautification projects to draw families and commerce to the area.

If you are interested in being part of a movement to beautify and improve our beautiful community, call 928-651-1781.

Please also call if you know of or are a part of an organization that could help with this endeavor.