Respect Our

Resources: 

Prevent Illegal

Dumping

Fanning the Flames

of Change: Banning

Burn Barrels

Don't Kid Ab

Trash

Taming Wildcat

Dumping
TWJ: How has household trash 

traditionally been handled on the

reservation?

Ms. Deragon: I was born in 1933 and

grew up in Bayfield, Minnesota, 3

miles south of the reservation. We

had an open dump in Bayfield where

we took our tin cans. We never

burned, except for paper meat wrappers in the cookstove. There just 

wasn’t a lot of trash, not like you see

now. We lived on fresh food, like deer

meat and vegetables from my grandmother’s garden. We composted any

leftover food, which wasn’

because my mother had six 

to feed. 

TWJ: When did you begin 

changes in the way people 

reservation handled their t

Ms. Deragon: The burning 

when packaging changed. B

like bread and meat started 

wrapped in plastic. Traditio

never had anything to burn

don’t come in plastic wrap

Then, about 10 years ago, t

dump closed, and we no lo

The Tribal Voice

Interview with Grace Deragon

and Judy Pratt-Shelly of the Red

Cliff Reservation . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

feature: Preventing Illegal

Dumping . . . . . . 5

Building a Multifaceted 

Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Community Outreach and

Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Keep Sites Clean . . . . . . . . . . 14

Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Resources . . . . 20

Kids Page . . . Insert

• RENIE the Recycling Robot

• Shop for Waste

• Pawnee Environmental

Education Center

• Thermometer Exchange

• Forestry Center Scavenger Hunt

• Creative Projects for Young

Minds

Grace Deragon, Tribal Elder

Backyard Burning on 

Redcliff Reservation: 

A Mother/Daughter Perspecti

Like many tribes, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa h

open burning problem. Many tribal members, especially tho

areas, still burn their household trash in burn barrels. Recent

er, the Tribe has made significant progress on this issue, thanks, in 

to the work of Judy Pratt-Shelly, the Treaty/Natural Resources Divis

and Executive Environmental Programs Director for the Tribe. Red 

“Burn Barrel Incentive Program” has dramatically reduced the amo

open burning, particularly in public housing areas (see box on pag

gram details). The Tribal Waste Journal (TWJ) wanted to know how 

Shelly persuaded people to give up their burn barrels. With this an

questions in mind, we spoke with Ms. Pratt-Shelly and her mother, 

Deragon, on October 12, 2001. The following are excerpts of the 

United States Environmental

Protection Agency

Solid Waste and Emergency

Response (5306W)

www.epa.gov/tribalmsw

Janice Johnson, Editor

Region 5 Contributors:

Dolly Tong and Chad Cliburn

In this issue
TWJ: How has household trash traditionally been handled on the

reservation?

Ms. Pratt-Shelly: I know we had

open dumps, but they didn’t have a

lot of junk in them. And I never

saw them on fire. I was born in

1959, and we weren’t a throw-away

society then. The dumps were kind

of like a shopping mall for us kids.

We’d go there to find a toy or some

old clothes. But there was minimal

household garbage—potato peelings, bones from meat, and chicken

guts—most everything else got composted or eaten.

TWJ: Have you observed any

changes over the years in the way

people on the reservation handle

their trash?

Ms. Pratt-Shelly: In the 1970s,

many changes occurred. Our

lifestyle had changed from a focus

on gathering our food to buying it.

Corporate farms took over, so many

of our people left the land and went

to work outside of the reservation.

Around this time, the Tribe started

burning the dump. I’m not sure why,

but I guess there was a lot more

garbage and the Tribe needed to

increase the life of the dump.

In 1991, another big change

occurred. [Federal] regulations

required all open dumps to be closed

unless they met certain criteria for

municipal solid waste landfills.

Since we don’t have the tax base [to

fund the construction of municipal

solid waste landfills], the Tribe

closed our dump. Compounding the

problem, the neighboring town 

didn’t want tribes using their dump.

Without legal options to dispose of

trash, we experienced a big jump in

illegal dumping and burning.

Instead of having identified places

to put trash, the closure of open

dumps resulted in people dumping

their garbage everywhere.

TWJ: Have you noticed any

changes in people’s attitudes or

opinions concerning open dumping

or backyard burning?

Ms. Pratt-Shelly: We’re a po

Tribe, but the quality of our e

ronment is much more impor

than money. I consider it my

responsibility to protect the h

of Lake Superior for my kids 

future generations. The Lake 

I am—it’s my spiritual center

Besides giving me food, it no

my mind and spirit. I tell peo

that when we burn, we’re put

toxins into a living body that

keeping us here.

TWJ: What environmental m

sages did you hear growing up

Ms. Pratt-Shelly: I grew up i

woods, close to the Earth. Th

doors was my school. I forage

food outside everyday and ga

medicines from the plants. If 

look real closely, you can see 

sprayed our appe orcards wit

DDT and our cows with a substance

to control flies. It wasn’t until the

creation of the various environmental agencies that we heard these

things were dangerous. 

TWJ: Have you noticed any

changes in people’s attitudes

no inkling of what goes around,

comes around. Tribal women take

care of the water. It’s something we

can do to care for the Earth. I’m

fearful that something will happen

to Lake Superior. I realize that it’s

not just one lake, but a giant system

that feeds other lakes and rivers. 

TWJ: How did she persuade 

dad to give up his burn barre

Ms Deragon: She was persist

She said, “That’s going to ma

sick.” It’s better to quit doing 

than listen to Judy (laughs). 

Judy Pratt-Shelly, Treaty/Natural Resources Division Chief

and Executive Environmental Programs Director
The 

roetaprogra, coud se

the toxins from all the backyard

burning. I learned more about the

toxins such as dioxin. Until we

started using burn barrels, there 

wasn’t a lot that we, as individuals,

could do to stop incinerators and

others sources from spewing dioxins

into the air. But with burn barrels,

people can do something: we can

stop using them.

TWJ: How do you recommend solving the illegal dumping problem on

your reservation?

in 1996, we used Indian Health

Service construction funds to open

up a transfer station where tribal

members can dispose of garbage for

a small per bag fee and bring their

recyclables for free. I think people

are starting to recognize that it costs

money to dispose of waste.

TWJ: What about backyard burning? What are you doing about that?

Ms. Pratt-Shelly: The backyard

burning issue is tough. People don’t

like to be told what to do, and they

Housing Director to sprea

about the program. After 

our community meeting, 

Tribal Council drafted up 

tion to ban the use of bur

on the reservation, which 

sequently passed. It’s real

voice of youth that has ch

the open burning issue.

Burn Barrel Incentive Program

The Red Cliff Tribe has significantly reduced the amount of backyard burning on its reservation through a v

tary incentive program that gives people a chance to turn in their burn barrel and receive $20 worth of tra

bags that can be used at the Tribe’s transfer station. Since its inception last year, the Tribe has

picked up 45 burn barrels in the public housing areas. Ms. Pratt-Shelly estimates that these burn

barrels account[ed] for about 90 percent of the burning occurring in the housing area. “No one is

burning in the housing areas anymore,” she said.

When residents turn in their burn barrels, they sign a pledge acknowledging that they understand

that burning trash in barrels causes harmful pollution. Program participants receive a certificate,

along with 10 free trash bags. Ms. Pratt-Shelly credits much of the success among the housing

residents to the cooperation she received from Red Cliff’s housing director, who notified residents that open burning was not allowed in the housing area.

Red Cliff’s Junior Tribal Council, consisting of elected tribal members 16 to 25 years old, proved

to be an equally important ally in the Environmental Department bid to rid the reservation of

burn barrels. After learning about the potential harm the various pollutants could be causing

from tribal members at a community meeting, the Junior Tribal Council swiftly drafted and

passed a resolution banning the use of burn barrels on the reservation. “It’s really been the

voice of youth that has championed the open burning issue,” declares Ms. Pratt-Shelly.

“It’s now up to the Senior Tribal Council to ensure that open burning is

unlawful on the reservation.” The Senior Council has passed a motion to

implement a burn barrel ban. The ban is undergoing final review and will

be put out for public comment before being finalized.
Develop a Solid

Foundation: Offer Waste

Disposal Alternatives and

Address Past Habits

Illegal dump sites scar Indian lands

and other rural communities across

the nation. Tribal and non-tribal

members from on and off reservations illegally dump household

waste, white goods, scrap tires, old

cars, construction debris, and other

materials for two major reasons.

First, community members dump

illegally to avoid curbside pickup

charges or transfer station tipping

fees. Second, illegal dumping is

habit for a number of individuals.

In some cases, generations of families burned their trash or dumped

it in the woods. These practices

are linked to a time when tribal

members produced less waste,

before commercial items and packaging became popular. Tribes have

discovered that it is useful to consider the forces driving illegal

dumping as they develop solutions

to the problem.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of

Texas decided to open a transfer station and cover all disposal costs for

its members as an incentive for

proper waste disposal. Tribal members continued to use burn pits and

other illegal disposal methods, however. Consequently, the Tribe’s Solid

Waste Department conducted an

aggressive door-to-door campaign

explaining the dangers of illegal

dumping and the benefits of using

the transfer station. The transfer

station became popular as awareness

increased. This example shows that

a successful illegal dumping prevention plan should include affordable

waste disposal alternatives and

break old habits.

Build on the Foundati

Implement a Multiface

Program

In 1999, the Lac Courte Orei

Conservation Department dra

“Honor the Earth” illegal dum

prevention plan. The plan rep

a coordinated effort to clean u

existing dump sites and encou

residents to use the new tribal 

fer station instead of dumping 

ly. It embodies a multifaceted

approach, developed by EPA R

5, that a number of tribes hav

useful. This approach includes

• Cleanup and site mainte

• Community outreach an

involvement

• Targeted enforcement

• Program measurement

While all of these componen

important, tribes can shift em

between them as their illegal 

ing programs mature and sour

funding change. At the begin

might be important to devote 

lion’s share of available time a

resources to site cleanup to el

nate immediate health threat

Later, community outreach an

geted enforcement help keep 

clean. Measurement complem

cleanup, outreach, and enforc

by helping tribes focus their e

Respect Our Resources: Prevent Illegal Dumpin

“Getting people involved in

your project is huge.

Reservation Business

Committee (RBC) approval

is the first step. Once you

have the RBC resolution,

you can take it to schools

and other organizations and

ask them to participate.

Having community members involved in the

process—schools, clinics,

human resources—makes

the project run smoother.”

—Deanna Himango, Fond du Lac

Resource Management Division
justify spending, and track success.

Working in concert with expanded

solid waste management options, the

program components go beyond

treating the symptoms of illegal

dumping—they get to the root of

the problem.

Mobilize the Community:

Obtain Support from 

Tribal Leaders

Support from the Tribal Council,

Reservation Business Committee,

and elders increases the success of

an illegal dumping program. When

tribal leaders deliver messages about

illegal dumping and respect for the

land, they have a powerful influence. Leaders can ask tribal agencies

to get involved, mobilize community support, and leverage funding and

other resources.

Partnering for Success: Your

Community Offers Many

Talents and Resources

The Gila River Indian Community

held an illegal dumping workshop

for tribal officials attended by a

councilman, the Police Chief and

police officers, tribal rangers, a prosecutor from the Law Office, the

Chief Judge and Assistant Judge, a

livestock officer, and representatives

from the Department of

Transportation, Emergency

Management, and Public Works.

cies can significantly

improve program success. Each partner

must have a clear

understanding of the problem and

his or her responsibility. 

It is also important for tribes to form

partnerships with non-tribal groups.

For example, a number of tribes find

it useful to work with surrounding

counties to resolve jurisdiction

issues. Jurisdiction gets particularly

complicated when a reservation is

not contiguous. In Oklahoma, the

Pawnee Nation Reservation consists

of approximately 28,000 acres of

allotted and tribal land interspersed

with private, county, state, and federal land. The Pawnee Nation

Department of Environmental

Conservation and Safety worked

closely with the Pawnee and Payne

county sheriff departments to iron

out jurisdictional issues for illegal

dumping enforcement.

Some tribes also find it helpful to

work with neighboring county and

Behavioral change does no

overnight. It takes constan

and sustained enforcemen

people from dumping illeg

generations, many illegal d

have been using burn barr

throwing trash in the woo

they are unaware of the en

tal and health implication

actions. They may need to 

illegal dumping is harmful 

once before changing thei

Patience and persistence m

ally lead people to reconsi

methods of waste disposal. 

McBride of the Red Lake 

of Natural Resources belie

patience was critical in his 

gal dumping program. He 

other tribes, “Don’t give u

long process. If you keep p

the message it will be hear

important to remember th

illegal dumpers might not 

afford or access current wa

options. Affordable and ac

waste disposal alternatives 

part of any long-term strat

Publicity can be a valuab

maintaining an illegal du

gram. Keeping illegal dum

issues in the public eye:

• Sustains program mo

• Generates support a

standing.

• Helps justify continu

• Helps enforcement e

through press release

increase awareness o

ment actions.

Feature: Prevent Illeg

“Be patient and do what

you can. Don’t be discouraged by the people who

refuse to cooperate...

Hammer your message

home with the people who

do want to help.”

—Brett McConnell, Lac Courte

Oreilles Conservation Department

Contractors clean up an illegal dump site on White

Earth Reservation.
g pg 

according to risk. The Lac Courte

Oreilles Conservation Department

initiated informal conversations

with community members to locate

major illegal dump sites on the

reservation. Department staff then

worked with the Lac Courte

Oreilles Ojibwa Community

College to develop a geographic

information system (GIS) map of

the sites. The San Carlos Apache

EPA also used a GIS mapping system to pinpoint abandoned debris.

The Tribe distributed copies of the

map to cleanup workers to assist in

locating hard to find dump sites.

The Gila River Indian Community

maps and categorizes its dump sites

into three levels according to risk.

The Community focuses cleanup

efforts on level one sites, which

pose a substantial health threat.

Maps and ranking systems help

tribes channel limited cleanup

resources to areas where they are

most needed.

tion by allowing contractors to bid

on its Cherry Lake Road

cleanup project. A contractor came up with a bid that

was significantly lower than

the Tribe had anticipated.

The contractor used heavy

equipment to clean up the

large items, and the Tribe

hired local residents to pick

up the remaining items by

hand. Tribes can also keep cleanup

costs down by asking waste disposal

companies to donate equipment or

waive tipping fees.

Securing the Sites

Tribes have discovered that many

illegal dumping areas continue to

experience problems after being

cleaned up. Cleanup plans are more

successful when they include a

visionary strategy to deal with future

illegal dumping incidents. In addition to outreach, education,

enforcement, and expanded waste

management, this strategy involves

trols make illegal dumping m

ible, limit access 

illegal dumping 

spots, and keep f

dump sites from 

ing back to their 

ous condition. R

Lake Band of

Chippewa strate

posted more tha

“No Dumping” s

accesses to off-road areas and 

high risk locations. The signs 

that dumping is prohibited an

ishable by fine. They also inc

the pertinent tribal resolution 

ber. The Tribe keeps litter aw

the “No Dumping” signs to g

message credence. The Wyan

Environmental Department w

with Ottawa County to clean 

4-acre area on the reservation

cent to a county road. The co

provided equipment and man

to dig a ditch along the shoul

the road to prevent more peo

from driving off the road to d

The Wyandotte Environmen

Department also cleaned up a 

er dump site near a local scho

The Tribe used a fence to lim

access to the area. The White 

Natural Resources Departmen

plemented its Cherry Lake Ro

cleanup project with a beauti

effort. One of the consequenc

using heavy equipment to cle

site was that most of the onsi

etation was destroyed. The

Minnesota Department of Na

Resources donated 1,000 tree

Before and after shots spell success for a White Earth cleanup project.
illegal dumpers

are not caught?

Who cleans up?

Tribes have

developed systematic site

maintenance plans. When the

Seminole Nation of Oklahoma discovers new illegal dump sites, it

hires Seminole County to clean

them up. Fond du Lac conducts an

annual spring cleanup event. During

the event, community members

have an extra opportunity to report

dump sites that sprang up over the

year. The Tribe hires crews of three

to five people to clean them up.

Reservation Business

Committee (RBC)

and funded by the

Tribe. Tribal funding

can augment federal

cleanup funding from

EPA, the Bureau of Indian Affairs

(BIA), and the Indian Health

Service (IHS). Gila River combined IHS and tribal funding to initiate a “Beautification 2001” project

to clean up sites that pose a substantial health risk. Even if tribes

do not have money to spare for

cleanup projects, tribal leaders can

still increase community participation. The Fond du Lac Natural

front of the school.

Diversify Cleanup

Resources: Build

Partnerships

The Pawnee Nation Dep

Environmental Conserva

Safety staff knew that ma

reservation’s illegal dump 

a severe health threat. Th

however, did not have th

ment or finances for clea

department turned to BIA 

BIA responded by provid

ing, personnel, and equip

the project. By partnerin

Feature: Prevent Illeg

Spotlight on the San Carlos Apache EPA 

In 2000, the San Carlos Apache EPA worked with BIA and IHS to collect unwanted and abandoned cars 

white goods and haul them to a landfill or scrap metal yard. San Carlos Apache EPA staff pinpointed aban

debris on a GIS generated map of illegal dump sites on the reservation. A tribal EPA technician also ventu

out into the field with spray paint and marked some of the abandoned cars to make them easier to spot.

Guided by the map and spray paint, BIA and IHS used heavy equipment to pick up the items. BIA and IH

cled as much as possible and hauled items that did not have recycling potential to a landfill. BIA focused 

abandoned items while IHS collected unwanted items from residents’ homes.

A local scrap metal vendor agreed to buy cars and scrap metal with reuse or recycling potential

from the Tribe. Many of the automobiles, refrigerators, and other goods collected contained hazardous materials such as batteries, oil, and freon. The Tribe used money from the sales of the

scrap metal to cover the costs of removing these hazardous materials.

In their unwanted car removal efforts, the agencies were concerned about trespassing on private

property. To alleviate this concern, the San Carlos Apache EPA developed a waiver for residents

to sign. The waiver gave BIA and IHS permission to pick up old cars and released the agencies

from liability. The waiver also required residents to enter the vehicle identification number and

other basic information about the car. The scrap metal hauler could not take the vehicles without this information. IHS, BIA, and the tribal attorney reviewed and approved the form.

By working together, the agencies collected more than 900 unwanted

and abandoned cars!
ditch to prevent future dumping

incidents. The county provided

equipment and manpower for the

project. This example highlights an

important cleanup resource: labor.

In several cases, partnerships helped

tribes avoid using precious cleanup

funds to pay for expensive labor. All

volunteers and non-professionals

should attend safety briefings before

participating in cleanup. During

the summers of 2000 and

2001, the Red Lake

Tribe’s welfare-to-work

program provided

workers for an annual

tire collection effort.

Workers removed tires

from streams, rivers,

lakes, and other illegal

dump sites across the reservation. The Red Lake Courts’

C.R.A.F.T. (Creating Restitution

and Follow Tradition) Program has

also provided laborers for site

cleanups. BIA and IHS provided

labor for a San Carlos Apache EPA

project that involved collecting

unwanted and abandoned cars and

white goods.

Publicity Helps Preserve

Clean Sites

Publicizing cleanup events sends a

clear message to illegal dumpers and

concerned community members.

Illegal dumpers learn that their

actions are unacceptable and come

at a cost to the community.

catalyze community interest in its

illegal dumping prevention program.

The Solid Waste Department contacted residents and tribal businesses

to locate volunteers and the tribal

Environmental Planning Office provided trash bags. In a one-day

event, community members cleaned

up along many of the reservation’s

highways. The White Earth Natural

Resources Department took a different approach. It worked with

tribal and local papers to

make the Cherry Lake

Road cleanup project

famous.

Publicizing cooperative

cleanup efforts demonstrates the power of partnerships. High publicity,

cooperative cleanups can reinforce alliances between tribal, county, state, and federal agencies. For

example, the Gila River Indian

Community worked with the City

of Phoenix on a number of joint

cleanups. These projects generated

awareness both on and off the reservation and fostered a positive

working relationship between

the two communities. The

White Earth Natural Resources

Department worked with the

Minnesota Department of Natural

Resources, the surrounding counties,

and private groups to develop three

demonstration cleanup projects.

The partners selected high profile

sites, such as a location next to a

church, and worked together 

clean them up. The projects 

strated that tribal and non-tr

agencies are serious about wo

together to solve the reservat

illegal dumping problem.

costs.

• Use site controls such as 

lighting, barriers, and lan

ing to secure cleaned site

• Develop a long-term site 

tenance plan.

• Secure tribal leadership

involvement and support

• Partner with tribal, count

state, and federal agencie

• Conduct and publicize h

profile cleanups.
audience, allowing you to customize

outreach campaigns to meet situation-specific needs. Identifying your

audience is actually a multi-step

process. The first step is to determine who is dumping illegally. It

might be useful to investigate existing illegal dump sites for clues. Most

illegal dump sites within the Gila

River Indian Community, for example, are located along the border of

the reservation, indicating that

most of the illegal dumpers are from

outside of the community. Armed

with this information,

the Gila River

Department of

Environmental

Quality designed an

outreach campaign

that extends beyond

the borders of the

reservation.

The next step is to

identify the unique

characteristics of your

illegal dumpers and tailor outreach

efforts accordingly. For example,

because the counties surrounding

the Gila River Indian Community

have a large population of Spanish

speakers, the Gila River Department

of Environmental Quality recognized

the need for new “No Illegal

Dumping” signs with an international symbol for “no dumping.”

Knowing why individuals are dumping illegally will help make your outreach campaign more effective.

Again, illegal dump sites may contain clues. Dump sites that consist of

primarily household trash might

indicate that current waste disposal

options are too costly or inconvenient. Dump sites located next to

closed dumps or burn pits might

indicate that traditional habit is driving the

problem. Informal conversations with community members can

also expose the reasons

behind illegal dumping.

After identifying who

is responsible for illegal

dumping, expand the

audience to include

people who can influence the behavior of the illegal

dumpers. Educate people who can

pass the information on and maximize message impact. For example,

if traditional habit is driving illegal

dumping, educate children and tribal leaders about the problem. When

these groups explain the dangers of

illegal dumping, the community

tends to listen. Refer to the Kids

Page to learn creative ways to educate children about illegal dumping.

As you think about the target audience, do not forget about enforcement. Conservation officers,

ment procedures. The Fo

Band of Lake Superior C

developed language in its 

Waste Ordinance to clari

and enforcement for illeg

and educated tribal conse

officers about their new r

ties. Finally, it is importa

remember that other com

members can play a role 

ment by reporting suspici

ing activities and new ill

sites. Building broad com

support through outreach 

cation can also sustain pr

funding and momentum. 

reasons, the target audien

include the entire commu

Create a Powerful

Message: Keep it S

and Incorporate Cu

Tribes have found it is use

develop a clear, simple me

which the target audience 

The message can be as sim

Dumping” or “Keep it Cle

message can then be supp

information persuading th

to comply, including:

• Listing fines and pen

• Indicating that areas 

surveillance.

• Showing photograph

sites.

• Quantifying the cost

ing up sites.

• Listing proper dispos

practices.

Feature: Prevent Illeg

They need to be aware of

the problems created by

dumping on the sides of the

road, in creeks, etc.

—Olen Carr, Seminole Nation

Environmental Officer

Source: Gila River Indian

Community
pamphlet at public events and

includes it with hunting and fishing

license applications.

Several tribes have also incorporated culture into illegal dumping outreach efforts. Cultural messages

personalize an education campaign

and catch the eyes of community

members. For example, the Red

Lake high school students produced

an educational video with the main

message, “Put Garbage in its Place.”

The secondary message built upon

the Red Lake Tribe’s historical and

cultural philosophy, “Treat Mother

Earth with respect.” The students

further incorporated tribal culture

and tradition into the video by

including a spirit narrator. The spirit explains where waste goes,

describes the impact of illegal

dumping on the community, and

informs polluters that they are abusing Mother Earth.

The White Earth Natural Resources

Department discovered a creative

way to combine culture with sustained education and outreach. The

department coordinated production

• Pawnee Nation—The Department of Environmental Conservatio

and Safety publishes information from the Solid Waste Disposal 

in local papers. 

• White Mountain Apache—The Solid Waste Department produce

brochure that includes excerpts from the solid waste code, the c

side pickup schedule, a hotline number for reporting illegal dum

a picture of an illegal dump site, and a reminder list for proper w

disposal. The department distributed a copy to each resident thr

the reservation’s post offices.

• Alabama-Coushatta—The Solid Waste Department sent out mem

about the new transfer station to each tribal member and condu

door-to-door visits to approximately 60 percent of the residence

• White Earth—The Natural Resources Department distributes mag

nets, posters, and notepads that educate residents about proper

waste disposal.

• Seminole Nation—The Tribe uses a tribal radio program to enco

age community members to report illegal dump sites and distrib

stickers with slogans such as, “You Pollute It, You Drink It!”

• Fond du Lac—The Resource Management Division produced a 1

minute video titled, “Environmental Stewardship: Protecting Our

Mother Earth,” which incorporates testimonials from respected e

and community members as well as footage of the reservation a

illegal dump sites. The video included strong cultural overtones

through the narration and music. The Resource Management

Division also developed four commercials that air on local TV st

tions. One commercial juxtaposes a pristine site with a shot of

garbage on the side of the road. In this commercial, a hunter tea

a young boy about protecting the land.

• San Carlos Apache—The tribal EPA used public access channel

announcements to advertise cleanup efforts.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Natural Resources Department
Earth tribal member and environ

mental quotations from chiefs of

various tribes. Portions of the calendar were printed in Ojibwa and the

back page contains information

about the Tribe’s Solid Waste

Ordinance and illegal dumping. It

also requests that residents report

illegal dumping incidents to the

Natural Resources Department.

Increase Message Potency:

Get Support from Tribal

Leaders

Fond du Lac discovered that tribal

leaders deliver powerful outreach

messages. The Tribe’s Resource

Management Division employed the

same strategy in its illegal dumping

prevention video by including testimonials from respected elders.

Similarly, the White Earth Natural

Resources Department decided to

include quotations from tribal chiefs

in its calendar.

Partnerships and Outreach

Campaigns Go Hand in

Hand

Partnerships and outreach activities

complement one another. Outreach

is required to generate support and

create partnerships. In turn, partnerships are crucial to conducting fur

ed other community mem

through a resolution. A L

Oreilles Band of Lake Su

Chippewa warden was ed

illegal dumping issues bef

ited Community Circle m

talk about illegal dumpin

Gila River Indian Comm

a workshop to educate tr

rangers, police officers, pr

judges, and other individ

the problem. The White 

Natural Resources Depar

formed an illegal dumpin

consisting of all the majo

involved with, and affect

illegal dumping. Solid pa

Feature: Prevent Illeg

Spotlight on the Lac Courte Oreilles

The Lac Courte Oreilles have discovered the secret to successful community outreach. The Tribe’s outreach campaign leverages support from children, tribal leaders,

and enforcement officials and focuses on changing the behavior of illegal dumpers.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Conservation Department works with faculty at the Lac

Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College to implement a week-long education program in the reservation schools. Students learn about proper waste disposal, recycling, and illegal dumping. The week culminates in a coloring contest with a recycling

theme. All of the students take home magnets that list the tribal transfer station hours.

Support from tribal leaders is part of the Lac Courte Oreilles’ recipe for success. The conservation depart

developed a letter on solid waste management, and the Tribal Council voted to send it to all of the reserv

residents. The letter explains the benefits of using the tribal transfer station and highlights the penalty for 

dumping and the associated health and environmental threats. The Tribal Council also supported efforts t

licize the illegal dumping program through the tribal paper. In one issue, the entire front page was dedica

illegal dumping. The article included an eye-catching title and a large photograph of a dump site.

The conservation department also asked a tribal warden to spread the word about illegal dumping. The w

traveled to the Tribe’s “Honor the Earth” powwow and Community Circle Meetings throughout the reser

to reach a large audience. He set up a huge geographic information system map and showed the commu

members exactly where the dump sites were and how big they were. He compared traditional methods o

waste disposal with the new transfer station and described the environmental hazards associated with ille

dump sites. The presentation closed with a short video on illegal dumping.
ferences sponsored by the Arizona

Department of Environmental

Quality and U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency.

High-Profile Events Generate

Community Support

High-profile events quickly and dramatically increase community

awareness. They can also reinvigorate illegal dumping prevention programs. Several tribes have found it

useful to hold regular community

collections to focus attention on

proper waste disposal. Fond du Lac

works with the Western Lake

Superior Sanitary District to hold

household hazardous waste (HHW)

collections twice a summer.

Residents drop off their

HHW for free and

receive prizes for participating. Last summer, the

Tribe also held an electronics waste collection

event for VCRs, TVs,

computers, and other

electronics. Once a year,

the White Mountain

Apache Tribe subsidizes a

“Clean Your House Day,”

in which tribal residents

are encouraged to bring their white

goods to large bins placed throughout the reservation. Delaware

Nation conducts a HHW and white

goods collection during the week of

Earth Day. Pawnee Nation sponsors

recycling days for pesticides. All of

these collection events provide residents with safe alternatives to illegal

circle meetings, festivals, and other

events draw large crowds and can

often accommodate a booth or presentation on illegal dumping. The

White Earth Natural Resources

Department distributes outreach

materials at the annual health fair.

Keweenaw Bay passes out a pamphlet on illegal dumping at the July

Powwow. The Fond du Lac

Resource Management Division

plays its illegal dumping video at

community events.

Equip Enforcement

Officials with Essential

Resources

It is important to supply enforcement officials with the training,

support, and equipment

they need to be effective.

EPA’s Criminal

Enforcement Division,

the U.S. Forest Service

Law Enforcement Office,

and other federal agencies can sometimes assist

with surveillance operations. Sometimes tribal

officials are authorized

only to enforce tribal

civil laws, but illegal

dumping generally constitutes a violation of tribal criminal law. Tribes

must acknowledge such limitations

and work around them. The

Alabama-Coushatta addressed the

problem by sending four tribal security officers to police officer training

because certified police officers have

the authority to enforce both 

civil and criminal law. In 199

Pawnee Nation upgraded its 

vation officers to rangers. Lik

police officers, rangers can en

tribal criminal laws and have 

to special law enforcement tr

for which conservation office

not qualify.

Enforcement officers also nee

equipment to carry out surve

investigation, and citation du

At the minimum, they need 

cles to conduct routine patro

stakeouts. For illegal dumpin

spots, some tribes provide vid

veillance systems, which can 

duce cost savings over time b

they reduce the staff time req

for vigilant surveillance. The 

du Lac invested in hidden ca

for several of its illegal dump 

As a result, the Tribe’s conser

officers issued more illegal du

tickets than in the past. Equi

such as cameras are also impo

for investigating and docume

illegal dump sites.

• Be creative and explore a 

ety of outreach options.

• Obtain tribal leader suppo

• Perform outreach to build 

nerships.

• Use partnerships to increa

the success of outreach.

• Take advantage of high-pr

events.

Delaware Nation
A strong solid waste ordinance out

lines acceptable waste disposal

methods and prohibits illegal dumping. This section focuses specifically

on creating and enforcing the illegal

dumping provisions of an ordinance.

It is important, however, to coordinate enforcement actions with all

components of your solid waste

ordinance.

An illegal dumping provision should

include clear definitions of key

terms, outline investigative procedures, set penalties and fines for

noncompliance, and delegate

enforcement authority. Ordinance

language must be precise to avoid

gray areas. For example, the

Seminole Nation Solid

Waste Ordinance requires

enforcement officers to

investigate illegal

dump sites.

Prosecution can proceed only if the officers find at least

three pieces of evidence linking a specific individual to the

crime. Officers search

through bags of abandoned trash

for envelopes or documents with

names and addresses. The ordinance

gives responsible parties the opportunity to clean up their trash, but if

they fail to comply, officers are

directed to issue a citation that

includes a fine.

Tribes use penalties and fines to support their illegal dumping prevention programs. Penalties can be as

step further, offering

offenders an out-of-court

settlement that includes

cleaning up the site and

paying an administrative fee. The Tribe uses

these administrative

fees to help fund the

enforcement program.

If offenders fail to

comply, the Tribe’s

Environmental

Regulatory

Commission

charges the administrative fee and a fine for

cleanup. Illegal dumping cases roll

over to a Pawnee or Payne County

court if offenders still refuse

to pay the fine.

Jurisdiction is complicated for many

tribes, particularly

when reservations

are not contiguous

or when they border several counties. Designing illegal

dumping regulations

and penalties that are consistent with those of surrounding

counties alleviates part of the problem. The Fond du Lac Reservation

shares property with St. Louis and

Carlton Counties. The tribal

Resource Management Division

invited both counties to participate

in developing a solid waste ordinance for the Tribe. The illegal

dumping provisions in the resulting

ordinance mirrors those of the

counties. Consequently, t

servation officers can issu

dumping citations on cou

erty within the reservatio

It is critical to involve tr

as you develop the ordina

because, ultimately, they 

approve it. After the ordi

finalized, they can also h

moting it to community 

The Alabama-Coushatta

ple, received an environm

tice grant in 1999 to dev

waste management plan. 

Solid Waste Department 

ordinance and is now wo

the Tribal Council to refi

final ordinance will codif

dumping regulations, spe

and give tribal police offi

enforcement authority.

Feature: Prevent Illeg
tion is to invite key enforcement

parties to participate in an illegal

dumping task force to open up lines

of communication. This way, parties

can learn about their responsibilities

and refine a plan to make the

enforcement process run smoothly

from start to finish.

The Wyandotte Environmental

Department included the tribal

Police Department and the Ottawa

County Sheriff’s Office on its illegal

dumping task force. The department

educated tribal and county enforcement officials about the Tribe’s

Solid Waste Ordinance. The three

agencies developed a coordinated

system for cleanup and enforcement

that delegates responsibility for surveillance, site investigation, and

prosecution. The tribal and county

enforcement officials formalized procedures through a written agreement that allows for “cross

deputization.” The tribal police

patrol roads that run through the

reservation and notify the

Environmental Department when

an illegal dump site is discovered. If

the dump site is small, the department cleans it up. If it is large, the

department contacts the Ottawa

laborated to develop consistent enforcement protocols, and they cre

a single citation form for both trespassing and illegal dumping. The f

makes it easy for police officers or rangers to tack an illegal dumpin

lation onto a trespassing violation.

The Community’s Solid Waste Ordinance allows law enforcement o

cials to confiscate vehicles involved in illegal dumping incidents and

assess a fine. Vehicle impoundment increases the chance that an ille

dumper that does not reside on the reservation will appear in court 

Police, prosecutors, and judges established a system to make the

impoundment process run smoothly. The Community uses an outsid

company to impound the vehicles.

DEQ supplied rangers and police officers with a map of dump sites t

get patrolling efforts. Workshop attendees agreed that law enforceme

would contact DEQ about cases involving businesses dumping illega

DEQ works with law enforcement officials and prosecutors to develo

these cases. Workshop attendees also decided to coordinate with th

Community’s Public Information Office to issue press releases about

enforcement actions to increase awareness and deter potential offen

DEQ met with Maricopa County and Pinal County to share joint str

gies for enforcement. The counties helped DEQ develop guidelines 

determining illegal dumping fines consistent with their own. Workin

with surrounding counties to establish illegal dumping protocol incre

the likelihood that non-community members will accept the tribal

process if they are caught. The DEQ and Maricopa and Penal Coun

have a positive working relationship and frequently share informatio

Gila River rangers do their best to patrol reservation borders and illeg

dumping hot spots. They perform routine patrols, conduct stakeouts 

night (a popular time for illegal dumping), and respond to illegal

dumping reports from residents. As a result, the Community is

having more success with catching and prosecuting illegal

dumpers. In one high-profile case, a waste material

pumper truck driver was caught discharging waste into

an irrigation canal next to Gila River. The driver

received a citation for trespassing on Community

land, and the company received an illegal dumping

citation. The company, DEQ, and the tribal prosecutor reached a settlement in tribal court under

which the company had to clean the contaminated soil and pay an $8,302 penalty to the

Community. DEQ developed a press release

on the case for local newspapers.
County Sheriff’s Office, which has

an officer who specializes in illegal

dumping incidents. The “trash cop”

investigates the site for clues about

the illegal dumper. If the offender is

caught, he or she is prosecuted at

the county court. If the offender can

not be found, the Tribe and county

work together to develop a cleanup

plan.

Developing common reporting procedures can also alleviate jurisdictional tension. The White Earth

Natural Resources Department is

working with tribal, county, and

state enforcement officers on developing common illegal dumping citation forms. The White Earth

Reservation shares property with

Mahnomen, Clearwater, and Becker

Counties in a checkerboard pattern.

ticipate in illegal dumping task

forces. Gila River Department of

Environmental Quality staff delivered a presentation on the Tribe’s

Solid Waste Ordinance to representatives from the tribal court system

at an illegal dumping workshop.

Attendees learned that the ordinance states that illegal dumpers

can be fined up to $10,000 dollars.

The workshop increased cooperation between the tribal court system

and police department. Prosecutors

and judges understand that illegal

dumping is a big problem and support police officers by taking illegal

dumping cases seriously.

Partnerships with counties allow

tribes to pursue offenders even if

they do not have a tribal court system. If illegal dumping occurs on

county land within reservations,

tribes can potentially prosecute offenders in county

courts.

After the illegal

dumping task force

develops a detailed

enforcement plan,

regular meetings

maintain communication between partners

and reinforce the importance

of teamwork. Communication is

critical to Pawnee Nation’s illegal

dumping enforcement plan. Under

the plan described earlier, tribal

rangers, the Environmental

Regulatory Commission, and

Pawnee and Payne County courts

share enforcement and prosecution

An illegal dumping hotlin

enforcement success and b

munity support for your p

Tribes can empower reserv

dents by providing them w

ber to call when they witn

dumping activities. Becau

cult for enforcement offic

patrol rural communities, 

members who are on the 

provide a greater chance o

an offender in the act. Th

Earth Natural Resources D

produced a calendar that 

phone number for residen

when they witness illegal 

incidents. The San Carlo

Tribe encourages resident

tribal EPA to report illega

The Seminole Nation off

reward for information lea

conviction of an illegal du

advertises its reward pr

the radio and in th

newspaper.

Publicizing en

actions deter

offenders an

community m

that the Tribe 

preventative a

Seminole Nation 

the names of illegal d

the police report section 

newspaper, and the Gila 

Indian Community follow

ment actions with a press 

This publicity makes illeg

look bad and takes advan

positive community press

Feature: Prevent Illeg

enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges.

• Partner with county, state, and

federal agencies.

• Finalize a detailed enforcement plan.

• Develop common reporting

procedures.

• Communicate consistently

with your partners.

• Provide enforcement officials

with appropriate training, support, and equipment.

• Start an illegal dumping 

hotline.

• Publicize enforcement actions.
tion you can gauge your program’s

effectiveness, progress, and successes by measuring program milestones. Publicizing program goals

and achievements can help community members understand the program and increase support. The

sections below describe in detail

how measurement plays a role in

each phase of your illegal dumping

prevention program. 

Cleanup

One of the first steps in the cleanup

process is identifying and inventorying existing illegal dumps sites. This

initial count serves as a baseline by

which to measure cleanup progress.

Establishing a baseline allows you to

track increases or decreases in the

occurrence of illegal dumping and

identify new dump sites. Estimates

of the amount of waste at each

dump site can also be useful in helping plan and prioritize site cleanups.

The Pawnee Nation Department of

Environmental Conservation and

Safety, for example, performs a yearly site assessment of its reservation

to identify new dump sites. In its

initial assessment in 1996, about 40

sites were identified; each contained

between 2 to 3 tons of waste. The

Pawnee use this information 

direct their cleanup efforts, a

ensure that previously cleane

are not being reused. The Paw

Nation’s cleanup efforts have 

very successful, evidenced by 

fact that the most recent asse

identified only four remainin

gal dump sites.

The Seminole Nation also id

and inventories illegal dump 

on its land. When the Tribe 

fies a new site, it shares this i

mation with the neighboring 

The “IDEA” Cost Estimating Model

EPA Region 5 has created a useful tool for assessing and measuring the costs of illegal dumping activities. On

function of the IDEA (Illegal Dumping Economic Assessment) Cost Estimating Model is the ability to model th

costs of cleanup activities for a single illegal dump site, specific groups of sites, or all of the illegal dump sites 

a reservation. The IDEA model’s other functions include: 

• Conduct cost analyses for different cleanup methods, equipment investments, 

and other illegal dumping-related activities.

• Assess indirect costs of surveillance and prevention activities.

• Compile actual cleanup and enforcement costs.

For more information on the IDEA Model visit 

<www.epa.gov/region5/illegaldumping>, or contact:

Paul Ruesch

U.S. EPA Region 5

77 West Jackson Boulevard (DW-8J)

Chicago, IL 60604

Telephone: 312 886-7598

E-mail: ruesch.paul@epa.gov

Before and after shots at Seminole Nation demonstrate cleanup project s
extremely successful cleanups

include a collaborative project

involving the San Carlos Apache,

the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and

Indian Health Service that removed

more than 900 abandoned cars from

the reservation, and the Cherry

Lake Road dump cleanup by the

White Earth Band of Chippewa that

removed 2,000 tons of household

trash and other bulky items.

Publicizing such measurements is an

excellent way to show the community the extent of the illegal dumping problem and what progress is

being made in addressing the problem. For example, the Gila River

Indian Community tracks and publicizes the number of illegal dump

sites it has cleaned to demonstrate

to the community its commitment

to rectifying the illegal dumping

problem. 

Enforcement

Measuring the effectiveness of a targeted enforcement program can be

as simple as counting the number of

enforcement actions taken (e.g.,

citations, settlements, penalties collected, hours of community service,

completed, arrests, vehicle

impoundments). The Gila River

Indian Community, for example,

recently took steps to strengthen

and better coordinate its enforcement program. Since taking these

steps, rangers confiscated more than

30 vehicles involved in illegal

dumping acts. By tracking these

types of enforcement actions and

have already issued more than 30

citations.

The Pawnee Nation likewise

employs this practice. Specifically,

they count the number of citations

issued by rangers and the number of

out-of-court settlements reached. In

the first year of the enforcement

program, 14 citations were issued

and nearly all of the violators

cleaned up their trash. The following year, rangers began assessing

penalties through out-of-court settlements and leveling an administrative fee. All of these cases were

settled to the Tribe’s satisfaction.

Outreach and Education

Measuring the success of outreach

and education efforts, while at times

difficult, can be an extremely useful

assessment and planning tool. Most

outreach and education programs

have two primary goals: reaching as

educational materials dis

the number of survey resp

received; the number of p

tacted via door-to-door c

or the number of informa

requests received from th

Measurement can also be 

identify the most effectiv

and education methods a

planning future initiative

Alabama-Coushatta Dep

Solid Waste, for example

that its door-to-door cam

reached a much larger pe

the population than prev

Prior efforts, consisting o

tions at tribal community 

by department representa

proved to be largely ineff

to the low public turnout

department representativ

unteers spoke to 60 perce

households on the reserv

through the door-to-door 

Measuring the size of pot

ences can also help direc

cation and outreach effor

Pawnee Environmental E

Center, a collaborative p

between the Tribe and th

Pawnee, Pawnee Public S

Pawnee County Conserv

District, and the Pawnee 

Foundation, serves more 

50,000 students from area 

By distributing environm

reach materials, includin

dumping information, th

center, the Pawnee Natio

reach a large number of c

Feature: Prevent Illeg
Environmental

Conservation and

Safety (DEC&S), for

example, measures its

outreach success by

tracking the number

of phone calls

received after the

Pawnee Environmental Education

Center opened. According to Monty

Matlock of the DEC&S, the number

of calls reporting illegal dumping

incidents skyrocketed after the center opened in 1998. Mr. Matlock

attributes this to an increased awareness created by the Tribe’s outreach

materials, not to an increase in actual incidents. Similarly, the AlabamaCoushatta measures the success of its

outreach efforts by tracking the

increase in the number of residents

using the Tribe’s transfer stations

after its door-to-door outreach campaign. 

Measuring the Overall

Impact of Programs and

Policies

While measuring the success and

effectiveness of your illegal dumping

prevention program’s individual

components is important, the ultimate measurement will be the overall impact your integrated program

is having. The Fond du Lac and several other tribes track changes in

the number of illegal dumping incidents occurring each year to assess

the overall impact of their integrated prevention programs. The White

outreach initia

tives. The Red

Lake track the

number of calls

reporting illegal

dumping incidents

as a measure of its

program’s impact.

Measuring and comparing clean up

costs and the other costs associated

with dealing with illegal dumping to

proper waste management costs is

another useful exercise. Some tribes

will observe an increase in their disposal costs as illegal dumping

decreases. This is because more people are using the proper waste disposal services. Comparing these

small cost increases to the overall

cost of managing illegal dumping

can be an effective way of justifying

investments in the integrated illegal

dumping program, such as enforcement officers’ salaries, outreach and

education initiatives, and other prevention efforts.

Measuring changes in the occ

rence of illegal dumping can 

used to assess the impact of n

solid waste management prog

or policies. For example, in 1

the San Carlos Apache EPA 

the three open dumps histori

used by tribal members. Alm

immediately, illegal dumping 

reservation increased. The du

occurred at several existing si

14 newly identified sites.

Recognizing the increase in i

dumping as a manifestation o

vation residents’ refusal to pa

waste collection services, the 

Carlos Apache EPA began in

gating alternative waste man

ment options. In response, tw

transfer stations were built. T

transfer stations are convenie

located and feature white goo

drop-off zones and reasonable 

fees. The Tribe is still gauging 

munity willingness to use the

facilities in lieu of illegally di

of waste, but the initial respo

appears encouraging.

• Measure the size of the a

ence outreach and educa

materials reach to determ

the most effective method

• Track enforcement action

their impact on behavior.

• Use these measurements 

publicize and promote yo

program.
Don’t Trash It! Super Fun (EPA530-K-95-005)

Environmental Protection: Native American

Lands: Second Edition. The Center for Indian

Community Development, Humboldt State

University (Grades 1-12) (http://tismil.

humboldt.edu/epa/index.html)

Planet Protectors Club Kit (EPA530-E-98-002)

Planet Protectors Create Less Waste In the

First Place! (grades K-3 activity book) (EPA530-

K-99-06)

The Quest for Less (a teacher’s guide to reducing, reusing, and recycling) (EPA530-R-00-008)

Hazardous Waste Management

Collecting Used Oil for Recycling/Reuse: Tips

for Consumers Who Change Their Own Motor

Oil and Oil Filters (Brochure) (EPA530-F-94-008)

Household Hazardous Waste Management: A

Manual for One-Day Community Collection

Programs (EPA530-R-92-026)

Used Oil (EPA530/SW-89-039a)

Managing Hazardous Waste in Your

Community (EPA530-E-00-001)

Solid Waste Management

A Collection of Solid Waste Resources: Fall

2000 Edition (CD-ROM) (EPA530-C-00-003)

The Consumer’s Handbook for Reducing Solid

Waste (EPA530-K-96-003)

Grant Resources for Solid Waste Activities in

Indian Country (EPA530-R-98-014)

IDEA Cost Estimating Models: User’s Guide

EPA Region 5 (EPA905-B-00-002)

Illegal Dumping Prevention Guidebook EPA

Region 5 (EPA905-B-97-001)

Partnerships in Solid Waste Management

(EPA530-F-97-050)

Preparing Successful Grant Proposals

(EPA530-F-97-051)

Indian Country (EPA530-B-98-004

Recycling Guide for Native Ame

(EPA530-K-95-006)

Resources on Waste for Your Ho

Community (EPA530-B-98-002)

Training and Technical Assistance 

Tribal Solid Waste Managers (EPA

Waste Reduction Tips for Hotels 

in Indian Country (EPA530-F-00-0

Waste Transfer Stations: Involved 

Make the Difference (EPA530-K-0

EPA Web Sites

Office of Solid Waste Kids Page

(www.epa.gov/osw/kids.htm)

Illegal Dumping Prevention Project 

(www.epa.gov/region5/illegaldump

Waste Management in Indian Co

(www.epa.gov/tribalmsw/)

Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Livingston,

TX • Darrell Battise, Solid Waste Department •

936 563-4391

Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma

Anadarko, OK • Rebecca Ware • 405 247-

2448 • aapanahkih@westerndelaware.nsn.us

Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Cloquet, MN • Deanna Himango, Natural

Resources Division • 218 878-8007 •

deanna.himango@fdlrez.com

Gila River Indian Community Sacaton, AZ •

Patricia Mariella, Ph.D., Executive Director,

Department of Environmental Quality • 520

562-2234 • mariella@gilanet.net

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Baraga, MI

• Mike Sladewski, Keweenaw Bay Tribal Center

• 906 353-6623

Lac Courte Oreilles Chippewa Tribe Hayward,

WI • Brett McConnell, Environmental

Specialist, Lac Courte Oreilles Conservation

Department • 715 865-2329

Pawnee Nation Pawnee, OK • Monty

Matlock, Director, Pawnee Nation Department

of Environmental Conservation & Safety • 918

762-3655 • cri@cimtel.net

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Indians Bayfield, WI • Judy Pratt-Shelly,

Treaty/Natural Resources Division Chief and

Executive Environmental Programs Director •

715 779-3700 • judyps@ncis.net

Red Lake Band of Chippewa Red Lake, MN •

Ken McBride, Environmental Program Director,

Red Lake Department of Natural Resources •

218 679-3959

San Carlos Apache Tribe San Carlos, AZ •

Loretta Stone, Program Specialist, San Carlos

Apache EPA • 520 475-2218 •

scatepa@mail.theriver.com

Seminole Nation of Oklahoma 

• Mickey Douglas, Coordinator, 

Nation of Oklahoma Environmen

Office • 405 382-5112 • mdoug

White Earth Band of the Minnes

Tribe Mahnomen, MN • Monic

General Assistance Program Coo

Earth Natural Resources Departm

935-2488 • welakes@tvutel.com

White Mountain Apache Tribe 

• Becky Johnson, Solid Waste D

Environmental Planning Office • 

ext 263

Wyandotte Nation Wyandotte, 

Collier, Environmental Departme

2297 ext. 241 • bcollier@rectec.

The Tribal Waste Journal would like to thank everyone who shared illegal dumping prevention st

this issue. Interviewee contact information is provided below for those who are interested in le

more about specific tribes’ programs. 

To be placed on our mailing list or submit a success story, send an e-mail to Janice Johnson at <johnson.janice@
Ki

dsPage

Of the EPA Tribal Waste Journal

Ensure A Clean

Future: Educate

Children About

Illegal Dumping

As the voices of the future, children inspire a community conscience and they can have a significant impact on illegal dumping

prevention programs. Illegal dumping is a habit for many living on

reservations, and today’s children

could be tomorrow’s illegal

dumpers. Tribes can break the

cycle by teaching children about

the dangers of illegal dumping

and providing them with environmental values. Children tend to

share their enthusiasm with parents and other adults, compelling

them to think about the harmful

effects of illegal dumping.

Children may even motivate adults

to change their behavior and

ensure a bright future. 

RENIE the Recycling Robot

The Wyandotte Tribe created RENIE (Recyclable

Environmental Needs in

Education), a remote-control robot, to educate children about proper waste

management and recycling.

RENIE is a legend due to

the dedication of Barbara

Collier and the rest of the

Wyandotte Environmental

Department. Ms. Collier

designed RENIE as an attractive trash truck with a smile

for a grill. She secured grant funding to have a company

produce the robot. Although the project was expensive, it

paid off. RENIE truly captures the imagination of children

and makes it fun for them to learn about environmental

issues. The Environmental Department prepares

PowerPoint presentations, and RENIE delivers them to a

captivated audience. One of the most successful presentations involved placing waste reduction and reuse into a

cultural context by reminding children that Native

Americans used every

part of the buffalo. They

didn’t waste anything

and, consequently, did

not produce trash. RENIE

has visited approximately

100 schools, reaching

children in numerous

tribes and towns.

“Outreach activities with the schools assisted in

getting the message of preventing illegal dumping

into the hearts and minds of the young as well as

into the families of the Fond du Lac Community.”

—Deanna Himango, Fond du Lac Natural Resource Division

Thermometer Exchange

Deanna Himango works for the Fond

du Lac Resource Management Division

and agrees that it is important to bring

environmental messages close to

home. She conducted a door-to-door

mercury thermometer exchange with

the reservation’s ninth and tenth

graders. Before venturing out into the

community, students learned about the

health threats associated with disposing of hazardous materials at dump

sites. After Ms. Himango’s lesson, they

went to private residences with nonmercury thermometers and exchanged

them for mercury thermometers.

May 2002
Pawnee

Environmental

Education Center

In 1997, the Pawnee Nation decided to

take environmental education to the

next level by building an environmental education center. The City of

Pawnee provided land for the project,

donating 25 ecologically diverse acres

that include earthen ponds, upper- and

bottom-land forest, an old aquaculture

facility, and a series of rock buildings.

The Pawnee Nation, City of Pawnee,

Pawnee Public Schools, Pawnee

County Conservation district, and

Pawnee Education Foundation pooled

their resources in a total community

effort to get the center running. They

decided to use the rock buildings as

classrooms. Americorps and the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service also contributed by supplying volunteers to

build boardwalks and by providing

earth-moving services to replace the

plumbing.

The environmental

education center

serves more than

50,000 students in

surrounding schools. Educators gather

curriculums from sources such as

Project Wild (a national environmental education program) and tailor

programs to take advantage of the

center’s unique ecological setting.

Classes visit on field trips and learn

about everything from biodiversity

and soil conservation to proper solid

waste disposal. Programs frequently

focus on watersheds and activities

that threaten water quality, such as

illegal dumping, and certain programs

are designed to include parents.

The center has instilled a strong

environmental conscience throughout the community. Since it opened,

the Pawnee Department of

Environmental Conservation &

Safety has experienced a flood of

phone calls from community members reporting illegal dumping incidents. The Tribe has discovered that

the easiest way to reach parents is

through their children and that the

best way to deliver an environmental

message is to bring it close to home.

Shop for Waste

Sixth graders in the White

Mountain Apache participate in

a program called “Shop for

Waste.” Becky Johnson, who

works in the Tribe’s

Environmental Planning Office,

developed the program to teach

children about the waste stream.

Ms. Johnson encourages students to conduct a waste assessment in their own homes to find

out what is being thrown away.

She asks them to determine

which products could be recycled and which resources are

non-renewable. Students list

waste prevention activities, discuss recycling, and identify environmentally preferable products.

The program also touches on

proper solid waste disposal and

the dangers of illegal dumping.

Forestry Center Scavenger Hunt

Ms. Himango reaches younger students through a scavenger hunt at the Tribe’s Forestry Center. School groups

have to answer questions about recycling and illegal dumping to obtain clues that lead them to hidden items. The

center’s natural setting makes the message more powerful.

Ms. Himango explains, “It hits home that we won’t continue to have places like this if illegal dumping continues.”

Ms. Himango asked students to answer the following pollution prevention questions before distributing scavenger

hunt clues:

What are some ways you could reduce your paper use?

What are some ways you could reduce your food waste?

What are some ways you could reduce

the amount of waste at home?

What are some ways you could help

your community prevent pollution?

What can you do to make your

home more energy efficient?

Creative Projects for

Young Minds

• The Lac Courte Oreilles Conservation Department

holds an annual poster contest, with a recycling

theme, for elementary school students. Winners are

published in the tribal paper.

• Red Lake High School students developed and produced an educational video around the theme,

“Put Garbage in Its Place.”

• The Delaware Nation prints illegal dumping activity

sheets with “Tidy Turtle” and “Rude Rat,” characters that are culturally significant to the Tribe.

• The White Earth Natural Resources Department distributes a video titled, “Respect the Earth: It’s

Home” to Head Start programs and elementary

schools across the reservation. 

• The Pennsylvania Resources Council sponsored a

“Lens on Litter” photo contest. Contestants take

photos that expose the scenic, health, and environmental impacts of illegal dumping.

• On Earth Day, Fond du Lac students cleaned up

and adopted the road in front of their schools.