Efforts by volunteers to clean up the shoreline around the Lake of the Ozarks was a ton of work - 48 tons to be exact.
From a discarded truck door to a derelict dock float, volunteers pulled out all the stops during the 26th annual cleanup effort. Traversing 500 miles of shoreline, 464 individuals participating with 58 member groups donated their time and energy to remove 587 cubic yards of trash.
"Every person that visits, recreates, fishes or uses the Lake of the Ozarks has benefited from the efforts of our volunteers, said Ameren Missouri's Bryan Vance, coordinator of Adopt-the-Shoreline program. "The enthusiasm each volunteer brings and the importance of their hard work is evidenced by the 5.5 million pounds of trash that has been removed since the program began 26 years ago."
In all, 14,000 volunteers have participated in the Adopt-the-Shoreline program since its inception in 1991; to beautify the shoreline and enhance the quality of life at the Lake.
Ameren Missouri sponsors the cleanup - providing administrative support and trash bags as well as paying for disposal of debris and trash. The program is part of Ameren Missouri's continuing commitment to serving as a responsible steward of the Lake and its surrounding environment.
The 26th Annual Spring Shoreline Cleanup ran from March through May. To learn how you can get involved in Adopt-the Shoreline and the next shoreline cleanup, visit AmerenMissouri.com/ATS.
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About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 127,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.