With the unveiling of Georgia's comprehensive litter prevention and abatement campaign, Litter. It Costs You, there's a new bird in town. Based on the official state bird, the brown thrasher, "The Brown Trasher" is a colorful new mascot that represents a great new program that's really taking flight. "The Brown Trasher" is calling on youth across Georgia to apply their creativity by hatching ideas to give him a new name. Official rules and an entry form are available online at litteritcostsyou.org by clicking on "Name Our Mascot Contest."

Targeting litter will require people throughout Georgia, including children, to educate others about the problem, enforce litter laws and eradicate litter from our communities. "The mascot naming contest is a great way to get Georgia's youth involved in the fight against litter," said Beth Brown, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Director of Communications. "We will continue to look for ways to involve all members of our community, and if you're a kid interested in naming 'The Brown Trasher,' even if you think it's a birdbrained idea, we want to hear your suggestions for naming our fine feathered friend."

Starting September 1, all Georgia children in grades K-5 will have the opportunity to name "The Brown Trasher." Encouraging children to participate in the naming contest is also an excellent way to introduce the topic of litter and to get the younger generation involved with litter education and cleanup. Lesson plans and activities also are available online at litteritcostsyou.org.

"I'm so excited about getting a new name. This is a contest that just can't be beak, uh, beat," crowed the Brown Trasher. "I hope kids throughout Georgia will come up with some good ideas. I know the kid who wins this contest will have really put some thought into a new name, that he or she really worked hard and didn't just wing it."

All entries must be postmarked by October 27, 2006, and the winner will by notified by November 10, 2006. The winning child and teacher/guardian will be invited to attend a special recognition ceremony with the "Brown Trasher." The winner will also be featured on the Litter. It Costs You Web site. If you have any additional questions about the contest, please contact Beth Brown at (404) 463-2092, or send an email to bbrown@gadnr.org.