Crow Wing County unveils Pick A Mile app

The Pick A Mile program is now available for residents to pick a mile of county roads in Crow Wing County to assist in roadside cleanup.

An easy-to-use app allows residents to reserve an available stretch of road to clean up as a family, business or organization. The program also brings a sense of pride and ownership to county roads.

“The highway department has always been very proactive on keeping county roads and ditches clean. We know that our residents are passionate about pitching in. The Pick A Mile program turns community involvement into cleaner roadsides. It is also a simple and social way to ensure our roadways are clean and prevent pollution from entering our lakes are rivers,” Highway Maintenance Supervisor Jory Danielson said in a news release.

The Pick A Mile app allows residents to choose a specific 2-mile section of county roads to clean up, see what roads have already been chosen and what county roads remain available.

Residents are encouraged to pick up litter on both sides of the road at least two times a year for at least two years. Many roadside cleanup weekends are coordinated in April and October. Volunteers will be provided garbage bags, reflective vests and safety training material.

Garbage bags will be picked up by the highway department and brought to the landfill free of charge. The highway department will continue to remove large, heavy or hazardous materials from county highways.

Residents are encouraged to send pictures of their groups' efforts during roadside cleanup. Photos can be shared at PickAMile@crowwing.us. Prizes will be awarded to those that find and photograph the most unusual item during cleanup.

Crow Wing County has more than 600 miles of county roads. There are 550 miles of county roads and an additional 63 miles in the first and second assessment districts.

More information about the Pick A Mile county road program and app is available at www.crowwing.us/PickAMile . Or contact the Highway Department at 218-824-1110 or PickAMile@crowwing.us.

1/2: The map allows you to see what sections are available (in green). Hovering over the section will show what the ID/name of the section is so you can identify it when you file your reservation. Screen shot / PineandLakes Echo Journal

2/2: This shows the Pick a Mile application page where you apply for your reservation to pick a section of highway. Screen shot / PineandLakes Echo Journal