Adopt-a-Highway Program Fades in Colorado Counties

Locals notice growing litter problem along highways in Montezuma and La Plata counties.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:00am

An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph depicting a hazy, dreamlike highway landscape in warm, earthy tones, conveying a sense of neglect and environmental degradation.Faded Adopt-a-Highway signs and neglected roadside litter mar the scenic beauty of Colorado's highways, raising concerns about community engagement and environmental stewardship.Durango Today

A reader from Mancos, Colorado has noticed an increase in litter and trash along the highways in Montezuma and La Plata counties, and wonders what happened to the Adopt-a-Highway program that used to help keep the roads clean. The reader suggests the program may need more participation or needs to be revived to address the growing environmental and aesthetic issue.

Why it matters

The Adopt-a-Highway program was an important community-driven initiative to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of local highways, which can impact both the environment and the impression visitors get of a region. The decline of the program in these Colorado counties is concerning for residents who take pride in their local communities.

The details

The Adopt-a-Highway program typically involves volunteers or organizations adopting a section of highway and regularly cleaning up litter and debris along that stretch of road. However, the reader has noticed a significant increase in trash and litter along the highways in Montezuma and La Plata counties, suggesting the program may no longer be functioning as effectively in these areas.

  • The reader has noticed the increase in highway litter over the past year while driving for work in the region.

The players

Pascale Bauman

A resident of Mancos, Colorado who frequently drives through Montezuma and La Plata counties for work.

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What’s next

Local officials and community organizations may need to assess the status of the Adopt-a-Highway program in Montezuma and La Plata counties and explore ways to revive participation and clean-up efforts to address the growing litter problem along the highways.

The takeaway

The decline of the Adopt-a-Highway program in parts of Colorado is a concerning trend that impacts the local environment and the impression visitors get of the region. Reviving community engagement and clean-up efforts could help restore the appearance and sustainability of the state's highways.