The City of La Grande Public Works Department launched the annual leaf-removal project on Tuesday, Nov. 12 and will continue the effort until all streets have been cleaned once or until winter weather stops the effort.

City crews planned to start in the area of Memorial Pool and then planned to move south and then east.

Officials asked residents to refrain from parking on the street when leaf-removal operations are in the area, as street sweepers will not be far behind.

The project’s goal is to remove leaves from city streets to prevent them from clogging the city’s stormwater sewage system. Because the goal is to remove only the leaves that fall into the streets, residents are asked not to rake or place leaves in the roadways. If crews see evidence that leaves have been moved from private property to the street, those leaves will not be removed.

City residents can dispose of leaves at no charge at City Garbage Service, 3412 Highway 30, until Nov. 30.

Contact the Public Works Department at 541-962-1325 with questions.