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Upper Delaware Litter Sweep Postponed; Individual Clean-ups Encouraged Safely

NARROWSBURG – Due to directives on both sides of the river against gatherings and non-essential travel to help slow the spread of coronavirus, the Upper Delaware Litter Sweep scheduled for April 22-25 cannot proceed as originally envisioned.

People wishing to actively honor the spirit of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in 2020, however, have safe options to participate in individual cleanups.

In the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “Let everyone sweep in front of his own door, and the whole world will be clean.”

The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) plans to postpone to Spring 2021 a land-based, collective cleanup within the bi-state Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River watershed.

Organization of associated group challenges, art installations, educational projects, a volunteer recognition event, and a Sustainability Fair with special presentations and exhibits will continue when conditions allow.

In the meantime, any solo cleanup efforts would require using personal supplies and stockpiling collected litter at home until area disposal sites re-open and non-essential travel bans are lifted.

Individuals should practice social distancing guidelines, wear gloves and brightly-colored clothing or a safety vest, be aware of private property, and only pick up easily disposable items that are in the open.

Upper Delaware Recreation Project founder Dan Paparella, whose consulting services as Litter Sweep coordinator are funded by a UDC grant from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, is posting updates at https://sites.google.com/view/upper-delaware-litter-clean-up/home on state and county-specific litter programs as well as on Facebook. The website also includes links to various resources, clean-up tips, videos, and documentaries.

Please note that the cover article written for the pending release of the UDC’s “The Upper Delaware” Spring 2020 newsletter did not anticipate that escalating COVID-19 restrictions would result in the recent unavailability of permits, supplies, and disposal sites for the Litter Sweep.

For more information on the Upper Delaware Litter Sweep, call (570) 468-3904 or email paparelladan15@gmail.com.

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