The 3rd annual Blanco River Cleanup will be held on April 4, 2009 with the 10th annual KBB Trash Off. Many Blanco County citizens are unaware of the litter problems on the banks of and the nonpoint source of pollution problems that can pollute the Blanco River.

The Blanco River Cleanup on April 4 will only address the litter problems, and there are many, on the banks and in the river.

The technical term "Nonpoint source pollution" happens when grass clippings, pet waste, automotive products and other chemicals wash down a storm drain, they don't go away. They go unfiltered into a pond or a river, harming plants and animals and contaminating the water we drink.

To help stop nonpoint source pollution : *Don't over fertilize. Sweep (do not wash) fertilizer and soil off driveways and walkways. *Maintain your car to prevent oil leaks *Recycle or properly dispose of motor oil, yard care products and household chemicals *Use nontoxic or natural household cleaning products *Pick up pet waste *Volunteer for storm drain stenciling or water quality monitoring programs.

Call Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at 1-800-Clean-Up or go to www.tceq.state.tx.us/assistance/education/nps.htm for more information on the volunteer programs that will help keep the Blanco River free of pollution.

The Keep Blanco Beautiful Mission Statement is "To Educate and Engage Blanco Citizens To Take Responsibility For Improving Their Community Environment".

Keep Blanco Beautiful, Inc. (KBB) concentrates its efforts on public education of environmental and solid waste issues. Litter prevention, recycling program, beautification of the City and public service activities are focus areas.

Our vision is to benefit our community by completion and maintenance of the following initiatives....

*The Great American Clean-up (March 1 - May 31) * Don't Mess with Texas Trash Off Day and Blanco River Clean up April 4, 2009 * Historical Downtown Beautfication* Christmas Lighting of the Pecan Bottom, Bindseil Park & City Hall *Trail of Lights Initiative* Participation with the Visionaries in Preservation Revitalization *David Key Lamplighter Project * Education Programs in Public Schools * Promote Recycling Activities in the City, County & Schools *Promote Youth Involvement through Schools & Churches * Arbor Day & Earth Day Activities *Fund Raising efforts to benefit the City of Blanco

Join Us In 2009....Help us improve our environment & invest in a better Blanco by becoming a member or a volunteer of Keep Blanco Beautiful, Inc. We are going to have a very busy year and it can't be done without your generous donations & support. Our membership drive is in process this month or to become a member you can pick up a form at the Chamber of Commerce or go online at KeepBlancoBeautiful.org. Our mailing address is KBB, Inc., P. O. Box 694, Blanco, Texas 78606.