Christmas Tree Recycling
Did you know your Christmas tree is a great place for a fish to call home? Consider recycling your tree this year at the lake to help improve fish habitats!
The Corps has issued two press releases announcing the recycling of Christmas trees at Hartwell and Thurmond lakes to improve fish habitat. The trees must be natural Christmas trees (no artificial trees) and all ornaments and tinsel must be removed before drop-off. Dumping of wireframe wreaths, yard debris, and household trash at the sites is strictly prohibited.
The trees will be collected at Hartwell from Dec. 26 through Feb. 15. The trees can be dropped off at the following locations:
• Big Oaks Recreation Area, located on U.S. Hwy. 29, one mile past the Hartwell Dam in Hart County, Ga.
• Twin Lakes boat ramp (Pickens County, S.C.) From Interstate 85 in South Carolina, take exit 14, Hwy 187. Going north on Hwy 187 towards Pendleton, S.C. Immediately after passing Clemson Research Center, take a left on Fant’s Grove Road, follow directional signs to park.
• Coneross boat ramp (Coneross Park, S.C.) From Interstate 85 in South Carolina, take exit 11 on Hwy 24 towards Townville. 1.5 miles past Townville, turn right onto Coneross Creek Road. Directional signs will lead to the park entrance.
• Poplar Springs boat ramp (Franklin County, Ga.) From Lavonia, Ga., where GA 328 crosses I-85, go north on GA 328 for 3.5 miles, follow brown directional signs.
At Thurmond the trees will be collected Dec. 19 through Jan. 9 at the Riverside Middle School at 1095 Fury’s Ferry Road in Evans, Ga. Corps rangers and volunteers will place submerged trees around fishing piers and in other locations to improve fishing habitat. Additional trees will be staged at select boat ramps around the lake for anglers to use. To obtain a list of locations where the trees will be available, contact the Corps’ Thurmond Lake Office at 1-800-533-3478 after January 10. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Thurmond Lake Project Office at 1-800-533-3478.
– Kelly Ann Blanchard
