KITSAP COUNTY, Wash. — The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners recognized two dedicated teams of public servants for their exceptional work in keeping local roadways clean and litter-free. The Washington State Department of Ecology's Kitsap Litter Corps and Kitsap County's Clean Kitsap team were honored for their significant contributions to community cleanliness and environmental stewardship.
The Ecology Department's Kitsap Litter Corps, led by supervisor Anna Moore, has made remarkable progress in their mission to maintain state highways and lands throughout Kitsap County. Between March and September 2024, the crew collected over 31,000 pounds of litter, cleaned up 16 illegal dumpsites, and restored more than 106 miles of state roads. The team, consisting of Moore and crew members Kelsey, Frank, and Bettie, works tirelessly from March through November each year.
"Anna Moore and her crew have tackled litter in Kitsap County with impressive grit," said Kitsap County Commissioner Christine Rolfes. "Their strong partnership with local government and the Washington State Department of Transportation serves as an exemplary model for collaboration and effectiveness."
The County's Clean Kitsap team, supervised by Caitlin Newman of the Public Works Department's Solid Waste Division, has achieved even more dramatic results. Program Coordinator Amelia Rohwein, Program Specialist Jason Stacey, seasonal staff, and hundreds of community volunteers removed more than 258,000 pounds of litter and illegally dumped waste from January through September 2024 – equivalent to the weight of a Boeing 737. The team and their volunteers covered approximately 2,500 miles of road shoulder, roughly the distance from Seattle to Houston.
What sets the Clean Kitsap team apart is their community engagement approach. Beyond direct cleanup efforts, they coordinate a successful volunteer program and collaborate across departments and jurisdictions to address larger cleanup projects. Their responsive customer service has earned praise from residents, with cleanup requests often addressed within hours.
"These dedicated public servants face the unrelenting challenge of litter every day with determination and commitment," said Newman. "Without them, Kitsap County wouldn't be such a beautiful place to live, work, and play.
The recognition comes as part of Washington State's broader commitment to litter prevention and cleanup. In 2023, state-funded programs collected over 5.6 million pounds of litter and cleaned more than 20,800 miles of road statewide.
Litter cleanup efforts of the Ecology Litter Corps have wrapped up for the year and will resume in 2025 following the winter storm season. The County’s cleanup efforts continue through the winter as needed.
For more information about local litter prevention efforts or to get involved, contact the county’s Adopt a Spot program.
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