I am writing this petition because, after spending a single afternoon cleaning the forest in my backyard, I came away with two full garbage bags and a heavy heart. What I could still see in the forest was overwhelming evidence of an ongoing problem of littering and neglect.

Anne Arundel County, home to a diverse throng of terrestrial and aquatic life, are under threat from trash and litter. Extensive littering disrupts the natural ecosystems, threatens wildlife, and deteriorates the beauty of our forests. Sadly, despite the efforts of individuals like myself, the problem persists, largely due to the lack of adequate public funding for efficient, regular cleanups.

The statistics are disheartening. According to a study by Keep Maryland Beautiful, about thousands of pounds of trash are collected from our forest and waterways each year. This is reflective of a massive systemic problem that requires an equally massive systemic response.

It's time we implore our local government to prioritize funding for forest cleanup efforts in Anne Arundel County. By promoting public awareness campaigns, increasing trash and recycling bins in public spaces, and organizing community cleanup events, we can significantly reduce waste, preserve our ecosystems, and protect our wildlife.

Let's make our voices heard, and call on our representatives to address this urgent issue. Sign this petition to show your support for funding cleanup efforts in the forests of Anne Arundel County.