To the editor:

Regarding Ned Kehde’s recommendation (Public Forum, May 28) that the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks develop a litter removal program for the area lake shores similar to KDOT’s “Adopt-a-Highway” program, I thought I would share my experiences.

We live alongside a major highway (U.S. 24-40). My observation over the last two decades of the KDOT program has been that the amount of highway litter has slowly but significantly decreased.

Not only the amount collected, but the amount deposited has decreased. There is less to pick up!

I think there is a principle behind this. The more we model “good” behavior, collaboration and cooperation – you know, the ethical, caring and responsible stuff – the more “other folks” respond in kind. It’s the same “stuff” that coaches use to produce teamwork and successful basketball and football teams. We reinforce one another, not merely in talk, but in action.

Positive results are never guaranteed, but it sure ups the odds in our favor.

As far as I can tell, this principle really works – in families, in teams and in communities (local, national and international).

So here’s to cleaner lake shores and more.

Artie Shaw,

Lawrence