WWALS member Elizabeth Reynolds reported many tires and other trash on a lot at the corner of Graco Way and NE Pineapple Street in Madison County, Florida. That’s one mile south down CR 145 from State Line Boat Ramp on the Withlacoochee River. She had picked up tires there several times, but had run out of places to take them.

We followed up and got her some answers.

You can also report trash or other problems related to our waterways in the Suwannee River Basin: https://wwals.net/report/

Graco Way corner, tires, map. Photos: Elizabeth Reynolds

I called Madison County Code Enforcement, Gloria Randall, Code Enforcement Officer, code@madisoncountyfl.com, (850) 973-3641
https://madisoncountyfl.com/code-enforcement/

Turns out it’s a well-known problem. Cleaning it up is the responsibility of the property owner. Unfortunately, that’s a trust, which means there’s no single person in charge.
https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=911&LayerID=17548&PageTypeID=1&PageID=7845

Corner. Photo: Elizabeth Reynolds

She did get communication started with a grandson, who has someone go out and clean it up. But people dump again as soon as it’s clean. She says she’s told him nonetheless it’s the landowner’s responsibility, and she’s suggested he put up a fence. She says they’ve already tried searching the trash for addresses or other identifying marks to find out who is doing the dumping with some success. I suggested also a wildlife camera. She says she can’t tell them every detail of what to do.

Site marked with red ellipse on the WWALS map of the Withlacoochee and Little River Water Trail.

For getting rid of the tires, she says try Madison County Recycling 850-973-2611. They may be able to take them, or at least they should know who could.

I thanked Gloria Randall for being on top of the situation.

And I thanked Elizabeth for finding this problem and reporting it.

Remember, you can also report trash or other problems related to our waterways in the Suwannee River Basin: https://wwals.net/report/

Tire Recycling

There’s also tire recycling coming up this month:

Lowndes County and the City of Valdosta Public Works Host Fall Tire Recycling Event

Lowndes County and the City of Valdosta Public Works Departments will host a free tire recycling event for City and County residents beginning October 11 through October 22, 2021. Residents can drop off tires Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the City of Valdosta Public Works located at 1017 Myrtle Street. Public Works will also hold a Saturday drop off event on October 16, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Tires must be regular car/truck size and off rim. No tractor or semi-truck tires will be accepted. No businesses are permitted to bring their tires to this event. Residents can drop off up to 200 tires per household.

This event is made possible through a grant offered by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GEPD).

For more information contact Valdosta Public Works, 229.259.3585

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can join this fun and work by becoming a WWALS member today!

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