Corps Accepting Christmas Trees for Recycling

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell  Lake Project Office is now accepting natural Christmas trees for recycling

Trees can be donated from now through February 15, 2015 for Lake Hartwell.

The Corps says that for the Hartwell project, Christmas trees may be dropped off at the Big Oaks Recreation Area or Poplar Springs Access in Georgia.

Corps officials say the recycled trees will be used as fish attractors.

They go on to explain that trees will be tied in bundles, weighted with concrete anchors, and submerged in locations marked with fish attractor buoys.

Corps rangers and volunteers will then place submerged trees around fishing piers to improve fishing habitat.

U.S. Army Corps Park Ranger Jess Fleming says that trees and brush provide cover for fish, particularly as nursery areas for juvenile fish.

He adds that they also provide habitat for aquatic insects, essential food during the early stages of most fish species.”

Fleming says all tree trimmings, including ornaments, tinsel, lights and garland, must be removed before dropping off trees.

Recycled trees may be picked by fishermen any time for personal use until February 15 at either of those Hartwell drop-off locations.

Trees should be anchored in eight-to-12 feet of water.

The Corps reminds people that dumping Christmas trees, wire frame wreaths, yard debris, and household trash in the main lake channels or around private docks is strictly prohibited.

For more information, contact the Hartwell Lake Project Office at 888-893-0678.