TREE Recycling - WETLANDS Restoration

Residents can recycle their Christmas trees by
placing their tree curbside
on January 6th
for collection on January 7, 8, and 9, 2010.

Residents must remove all lights, tree stands, ornaments and tinsel from live trees. Flocked(artificial snow) and artificial trees will not be collected, and trees should not be placed on the neutral grounds.

CITY CONTINUES TO PROMOTE WETLAND RESTORATION
Environmental Affairs and Sanitation Departments Announce
Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program

NEW ORLEANS, LA (December 21, 2009) - In an effort to promote the restoration of Louisiana's wetlands, the City of New Orleans in partnership with the Louisiana National Guard, Bayou Land RC&D and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host the Annual Christmas tree recycling program that will help in rebuilding the wetlands and assist in the protection of the Louisiana coastline.

Residents interested in participating in the program can recycle their Christmas trees and are asked to place their tree curbside on January 6th for collection on January 7, 8, and 9, 2010. Residents must remove all lights, tree stands, ornaments and tinsel from live trees. Flocked(artificial snow) and artificial trees will not be collected, and trees should not be placed on the neutral grounds.

In January, volunteers will help bundle the trees, which will then be airlifted from the recycle site to Bayou Savage. Trees will then be submerged along the coastline where they will catch silt and sand, creating additional sites for plants and animals to live and grow. This will create new wetland habitats by stimulating the formation of new marsh and providing important habitat areas for fish and wildlife, resulting in a more highly productive marsh.

"We are encouraging all to come out and support this initiative to save our environment and hope that citizens will participate this season,"said Wynecta Fisher, Director of Environmental Affairs for the City of New Orleans.

Research shows that approximately 40% of the nation's wetlands are located in the State of Louisiana. Louisiana continues to lose 25 to 35 square miles of wetlands per year, with the highest rates occurring in the Barataria and Terrebonne basins. The Louisiana coast supports critical infrastructure including navigational waterways of national significance, ports and highways.

Volunteers are also needed to help collect and bundle donated Christmas trees following the holiday season on Friday, January 22nd and Saturday, January 30th from 8am until 2pm.

Volunteers wishing to participate in this service project must be 17 years of age or older. Recommended attire is layered clothing, long pants, long sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes. Volunteers are asked to meet at the corner of Recovery Rd and Chef Highway at 8am. Volunteers must bring their own lunch, water and gloves.

This project is funded by the Louisiana State Department of Natural Resources. For additional information, contact Wynecta Fisher, Director of Environmental Affairs for the City of New Orleans, at (504) 658-4070. Those interested in volunteering should also contact the Office of Environmental Affairs.

For more information call 311 (no don't as this number is one of the 2010 budget cuts), or visit www.cityofno.com.