Adopt a Highway

Adopt a Highway is a public service program for volunteers to pick up litter along Minnesota's roadways.

Rice County's Adopt a Highway program

Roadway segments are assigned to groups on a first-come first-serve basis. Every attempt will be made to assign segments requested, but in the event of conflicts, the closest available road segment will be offered to interested groups.

Recognition signs

The county's program does not provide the blue and white recognition sign seen along other highways because of the sign cost. The county will install a sign if the purchase and installation costs ($150 per sign) are included with the permit application. A group desiring signs may request a sign at either or both ends of the adopted segment.

Participation

Anyone interested in participating in this Adopt a Highway program should fill out the Rice County Permit form and Terms and Conditions form and return it to the Rice County Highway Department.

Minnesota's Adopt a Highway program

The state of Minnesota Adopt a Highway program asks community and church groups, businesses and other organizations to adopt a highway by picking up litter on both sides of a roadway for at least two years.

Groups looking for a shorter-term environmental project may want to consider Pick a Highway, a one-time litter pickup on an assigned segment of state highway. MnDOT provides the bags, safety vests, training and bag retrieval. Volunteers contribute approximately four hours of labor. 

Contact an Adopt a Highway coordinator to learn more.