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Imsre Riverside Improvement Project

Region: Baltics, Central and Eastern Europe, Lithuania
Author: Zigmas Morlencas, “Mituva” Club of folk artists of Jurbarkas
Consortium Member: Baltic Ecological Programs Office (ECOLOGIA)
Status: Needs Funding Budget: $2200 Collected: $0 Needs: $2200
Goal: To clean up the riverside, and to build paths which connect the river bank with areas of the town of Jurbarkas

Information about our organization

“Mituva”, the Club of folk artists of Jurbarkas, was formed by the residents of Jurbarkas district and town in November 1996. Our club now has 42 members.
Our main tasks are to:

Specifically, "Mituva" club Aims of this project:

  1. Put in order the riverside of Imsre in Jurbarkas town;
  2. Protect the natural zone of the basins of the Nemunas, Mituva and Imsre Rivers;
  3. Establish a recreation and communication zone for the inhabitants and guests of Jurbarkas.
Jurbarkas is situated in the confluence of three rivers (Nemunas, Mituva and Imsre). Its layout was created by the relief of these rivers’ valleys. Slopes of Imsre valleys strongly influenced the spatial structure and historical plan of Jurbarkas town. Putting in order the riverside of Imsre, it is necessary to maintain the riverbed and natural relief of its valleys. Riverbed and valleys of Imsre are suitable for to paths for walkers and bicyclists. That would improve communications between the housing estates, hospital, cemetery, public park, dockside area of the Nemunas, and industrial district.

Besides that the riverside of Imsre could serve as a recreation zone for inhabitants. In the arranged amphitheatre, various events, festivals or lessons of geography or history could be held. This project tries to reconcile natural environment and relaxation areas for residents of town. This project would also stimulate the inhabitants to take care of the attractiveness of their town.

Objects of this Project:

  1. Collecting sweepings from the riverside of Imsre in Jurbarkas and preparing to take away,
  2. Taking away collected sweepings,
  3. Cutting out dead trees and bushes from the riverside of Imsre.
After that other tasks would follow:
  1. Strengthening part of riverside stones in the embankment of Imsre,
  2. Arranging two landing docks on the embankment,
  3. Arranging the recreation zone: path for walking and bicycling, little park with small benches and sculptures of folk artists, etc.,
  4. Arranging playing fields, tennis courts, and little amphitheatre,
  5. Arranging path for walking and bicycling, with small benches,
  6. Planting new trees in the riverside,
  7. Arranging path for walk and bicycle, with sculptures done by local folk artists,
  8. Establishing relaxation center.
Once "Mituva" has completed the first steps of this project, we expect to attract additional support from local organizations, private persons and local authorities, and perhaps additional international support.

Expected Results

The completed projects would allow town tourism to develop - beautiful surroundings will attract not only locals but also guests. During the implementation of this project, we will remove many of the sources of pollution of the river. In addition to that, an effective riverside security zone will be created. Water quality indicators of Imsre, Nemunas and the Baltic Sea which they flow in to should show improvement also.

Together with Jurbarkas Rotary club, our "Mituva" club of folk artists has already put in order the approaches of Imsrë for several years, and wants to continue these works. Along the part of Imsre’s riverside in Jurbarkas that has already been put in order, we have arranged recreation areas and wood sculptures. It is a pity that only a small part of our riverside looks attractive. Therefore members of club “Mituva” in assistance of town institutions and inhabitants would like to implement this project and above mentioned tasks.

Budget

Note: Hired workers (not club members) will cut the trees with special equipment, then with special equipment they will place these trees and bushes to trailers and deliver to the landfill. The cost estimation /hour is for the workers and for the landfill vehicles only. Club members and also community members who join this project will not get paid any money; they all work as volunteers.

Collecting sweepings, preparing to take away (duration 215 hours) $1.16/hour $250
Removal of collected sweepings (127 cubic metres) $7.88/cubic metre $1,000
Cutting out dead trees and bushes (225 hours) $3.33/hour $750
Virtual Foundation administrative fee $200
Total Requested from Virtual Foundation $2200