Hartwell Lake cleanup begins Aug. 1

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Lake Hartwell Association will host the 34th annual Hartwell Lake Cleanup Campaign, Aug. 1 through Sept. 20. Volunteers from scout groups, civic clubs, subdivision residents, businesses, families and friends are encouraged to pick up litter and other non-natural debris on and around Hartwell Lake. Volunteers may sign up by completing a registration form, http://bit.ly/hartwellcleanup. Completed forms may be sent via email, fax or mail (contact information is included on the form). Volunteers may also sign up by calling the Hartwell Lake Office at 888-893-0678, ext. 329, or by visiting the Hartwell Lake Visitors Center at 5625 Anderson Highway, Hartwell, Georgia. Upon registering, volunteers will receive more detailed information, including safety tips and litter collection areas. All registered participants will be invited to a volunteer appreciation picnic on Sept. 20, which includes children’s activities, food and door prizes. “In this, our 25th anniversary year ‘for the sake of the lake,’ I would encourage all members of the Lake Hartwell Association to join in this annual cleanup campaign and celebrate with us once again at the picnic, ‘a job well done,” said Herb Burnham, executive director for the Lake Hartwell Association, a non-profit organization that promotes cooperation, assistance and information exchange among those concerned with Hartwell Lake. “Our annual cleanup is an opportunity for people who care about Hartwell Lake to roll up their sleeves and give something back to the very lands and water they use and appreciate,” said Nancy Sumners, Corps natural resources specialist and campaign co-coordinator. “Our forests, waters, and parks of Hartwell Lake are a national treasure. We want to keep them clean, safe and functional for people, aquatic life and wildlife.” The Hartwell Lake Cleanup Campaign coincides with National Public Lands Day, a nationwide observance for volunteering at public lands. The cleanup is also part of Georgia’s statewide “Rivers Alive” program and South Carolina’s statewide “Beach Sweep River Sweep” program. Last year’s campaign won the Rivers Alive Government Partner award, demonstrating the quality of the cooperative effort between the Corps of Engineers, the Lake Hartwell Association, and other volunteers.