Adopt-the-Shoreline Program
	Modeled after the Missouri Department of Transportation’s "Adopt-a-Highway" program, AmerenUE’s Adopt-the-Shoreline program at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks enables interested groups and individuals to "adopt" portions of shoreline for litter control. Launched in September 1994, with nine local civic organizations adopting a total of 89 miles of shoreline, participation has grown to 94 groups and 602 miles of adopted shoreline—more than 50 percent of the lake’s 1,150 miles of shoreline!
In recognition of these efforts, on April 8, 2003, the National Hydropower Association (NHA) honored AmerenUE with its prestigious Hydro Achievement Award. NHA is a non-profit national association representing nearly 80,000 megawatts of North American hydroelectric capacity and 61 percent of domestic, non-federal hydropower. Annual Cleanups Remove Tons of Debris
In 1999, AmerenUE assumed sponsorship of the lake’s Annual Shoreline Beautification Cleanup, which takes place each spring. Adopt-the-Shoreline members now provide the core group of volunteers for this cleanup. Members are also encouraged to conduct a second cleanup, normally in the fall. During the 2007 spring cleanup, volunteers removed 2,200 cubic yards of litter and debris—weighing 130 tons—from more than 500 miles of shoreline. Participating in the event were more than 650 volunteers from 58 Adopt-the-Shoreline member groups, with additional help provided by countless residents, second homeowners and others. AmerenUE paid more than $30,000 to dispose of the debris collected. With the help of BioSpan Technologies, a local recycler, about 30 percent of the material was recycled.
For more information about the Adopt-the-Shoreline program, call 573.365.9252.