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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Dedicated Volunteers Needed for Great Lakes Beach Cleanups

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Monday, April 24, 2017   

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Conservation groups are hoping the momentum from Earth Day continues into the rest of the year.

Around the country this weekend, people recycled, planted trees, and picked up litter – and some spent the day cleaning up beaches.

Stephanie Smith, vice president of operations at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, says last year, more than 15,000 volunteers removed more than 40,000 pounds of trash from beaches in several states.

She hopes to see even bigger numbers this year, and adds those volunteers also collect data for scientists who use it to study ways to fight pollution.

Smith stresses trash is dangerous to wildlife.

"This can also cause problems for some of the small microorganisms that we have out in the water, or some of the fish,” she explains. “Birds and fish get tangled in some of the debris that gets left behind, as well. "

Smith says most litter found on Great Lakes beaches is put there by people, which means it can be reduced. Nearly 90 percent of the trash that volunteers pick up is plastic.

For those who missed the Earth Day events, the St. Louis River Alliance is sponsoring a beach cleanup in Duluth on Saturday.

Smith says the Adopt a Beach programs around the state are great ways for friends, family and co-workers to enjoy the weather and do something that helps the planet at the same time.

"Whether it's a small group or a large group at the beach, you're making a huge impact at that particular site,” she states. “And then when you add up all the sites together, where you've got people out at many different sites, [it] really can make a great impact."

Smith says common waste materials found along Minnesota's beaches include cigarette butts, water bottles, food containers and beach toys.




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