---

With only a few remaining splotches of snow lingering on the shadiest hillsides in this area, I can finally say spring is here!
The weather has begun to warm up. My mother and I spotted some daffodils peeking their way out of the ground. Driving in the country, calves are frolicking around with their mother cows in the pasture.
In bigger cities like Madison though, I have noticed the ugly side of spring.
Some have called it "snirt," a combination pile of snow and dirt usually found in the corners of large parking lots. Dirty and brown, these "snirt" piles often contain the garbage of people who couldn't place it correctly into a garbage receptacle.
Even driving along on Highway 151, the trashy remains of winter are beginning to be seen.
At a time when we should all be rejoicing the arrival of spring, I am hung up on all the garbage that has been left after the snow melted.
In Wisconsin, littering constitutes a fine up to $500.00. For large items such as furniture or appliances, this fine doubles to $1,000.
In comparison, littering is considered a misdemeanor in the state of Wyoming. A litterbug in Wyoming could be imprisoned for up to six months, receive a fine up to $750.00 or both. The court may also require up to 40 hours of community service.
Home to beautiful mountains, Yellowstone National Park and many historic hiking trails, maybe Wisconsin should take a note from Wyoming. Wisconsin is a beautiful place too, and should be respected in that way by its residents and visitors.
I have never met anyone who has received a fine for littering. But maybe more people should receive them so we can preserve the natural beauty we find in our state.