`PAPER TO TREES' RECYCLING EFFORT TO END

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Almost 1,200 new trees will arrive in Cape Girardeau this spring thanks to recycling efforts of hundreds of local residents.

Wednesday marks the final day for the Department of Natural Resources' "paper to trees" recycling project in Cape Girardeau.

Individuals or groups trade a three-foot stack of newspapers for a coupon that is redeemable for a green ash, red maple or thornless hackberry tree. Each group or individual is limited to two coupons.

Newspapers can be turned in at the Public Works Building from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

After Wednesday, individuals may still bring newspapers to the building to be recycled, but coupons for trees will no longer be distributed. Recyclable materials may be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Cindy Carroll, with the Missouri Division of Natural Resources, Division of Energy, is coordinating the project statewide. In addition to Cape Girardeau, papers are being traded for trees in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, Kirksville and Chillicothe.

A total of 15,000 trees were available in the state. Of those, 1,500 trees were available to Cape Girardeau recyclers.

As of Saturday, 1,182 coupons had been distributed. "There is one last day for collection on Wednesday," said Carroll.

If some coupons are left over, they will be routed to other cities. In Kansas City, between 500 and 700 people are on waiting lists; a waiting list was also established in Springfield.

The project got off to a slow start in January. Carroll blamed the ice, snow and cold weather for keeping people at home. The program was extended through February and the response has increased markedly, she said.

"We feel it's been successful statewide," Carroll said. "In fact, we're going to be giving out in excess of the 15,000 trees statewide."

Locally, trees will be delivered April 5-7 at the A.C. Brase Arena Building: April 5 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; April 6 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and April 7 from noon to 6 p.m.

Carroll said the trees are 4- to 6-feet tall, balled in burlap and an estimated $20 to $25 value.

"Every coupon holder is entitled to a tree," Carroll said. "But the varieties (red maple, green ash or hackberry) will be distributed on first come, first serve basis."

Bob Jackson, director of the DNR's Division of Energy, has said the newsprint collected through the project will be recycled for use as cellulose insulation.

A three-foot stack of paper equals the fiber of one tree.

"It keeps the paper from going into landfills, and allows people to plant trees that will help conserve energy," he said. "Also, the papers are used to make cellulose insulation, which is used in homes to improve energy efficiency."

He said the program is part of the DNR's Operation TREE (Trees Renew Energy and the Environment). In accordance with Operation TREE, the DNR also is planting trees in state parks and requiring people who reclaim mining lands to plant trees.

Glenda Quinn of the League of Women Voters in Cape Girardeau County is working with the Public Works Department to help administer the city's recycling efforts.