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Most burn bans have been lifted in western Kentucky

Most burn bans have been lifted in western Kentucky

According to the Kentucky Division of Forestry, all burn bans in our Kentucky tri-state counties have been lifted, except for Union County. That Burn Ban continues until further notice.

Recent rains have helped ease drought conditions, however we still need several inches of rain to really put a dent into the drought. Most of the area remains in the extreme or exceptional category on the Drought Monitor.

Get your water from a well? Help state with testing

Get your water from a well?  Help state with testing

The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) is seeking permission from owners and/or users of private drinking water wells statewide to obtain groundwater samples.

The project is part of a targeted study to determine if domestic water wells are being impacted by human-influenced pollution and/or events of nature. Owners of wells selected for inclusion in the study will receive free testing of their well water.

Water collected from water wells will be tested for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and total coliform bacteria that are found in untreated human and animal wastes, as well as for the presence of iron-related bacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria and slime-forming bacteria. Samples will also be tested for caffeine.

River sweep volunteers needed

River sweep volunteers needed

It’s time for the annual cleaning of the Ohio River and your help is needed.   Volunteers are needed for River Sweep 2012 scheduled for Saturday, June 16, along the shoreline of the Ohio River and its many tributaries.

River Sweep is a riverbank cleanup that extends the entire length of the Ohio River and beyond.  More than 3,000 miles of shoreline will be combed for trash and debris.  This is the largest environmental event of its kind and encompasses six states.

“The Ohio River Sweep is very important because for a few hours on one day volunteers can help make a difference in the appearance of this great natural resource,” said Jeanne Ison, Project Director.

Commonwealth Cleanup could earn cash for non-profits

Commonwealth Cleanup could earn cash for non-profits

Volunteers from across Kentucky are set to fill trash bags and pick up old tires March 17-24 during the 14th Commonwealth Cleanup Week.

The annual weeklong event is implemented by the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) and kicks off the Great American Cleanup, spanning from March through May. Its purpose is to provide Kentucky communities with an opportunity to “spring clean,” recycle and promote personal responsibility across the Commonwealth.

You can help clean up Ohio River shoreline

You can help clean up Ohio River shoreline

Volunteers are needed for River Sweep 2012 scheduled for Saturday, June 16, along the shoreline of the Ohio River and its many tributaries.

River Sweep is a riverbank cleanup that extends the entire length of the Ohio River and beyond.  More than 3,000 miles of shoreline will be combed for trash and debris.  This is the largest environmental event of its kind and encompasses six states. 

“The Ohio River Sweep is very important because for a few hours on one day volunteers can help make a difference in the appearance of this great natural resource,” said Jeanne Ison, Project Director.  “The Sweep has grown so much in the past few years, we’ve been able to expand the project to tributaries and feeder streams of the Ohio River.”

Recycling trailer available in Beaver Dam

Recycling trailer available in Beaver Dam
A new recycling trailer has been set up  in Beaver Dam.  It’s located on the parking lot across from the fire station. The trailer has bins for cardboard, newspaper/magazines, plastic and aluminum/tin cans.

Beaver Dam is partnering with Hartford and Ohio County on the recycling program, which started in Hartford some time ago when a grant was received.

Residents now have a drop off point for items to be recycled and at the same time help Hartford increase their volume of material they process.

Your old Christmas tree can help fish habitat

Your old Christmas tree can help fish habitat

Many natural Christmas trees wind up in a landfill after the holidays. The fisheries division of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has a better idea: Sink these discarded trees into lakes to provide more cover for fish.

The department is seeking tree donations from the public to help make this happen.

"As our lakes age, we need to replenish the woody habitat that rots away with time," said Jeff Ross, assistant director of fisheries for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. "We need natural Christmas trees to construct habitat for fish to be placed in our 17 major reservoirs, our smaller state-owned lakes and even our small Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) lakes."  One of those drop-off locations is the Northwestern Fisheries District Office on Hwy. 81 Nort, Calhoun.