Hartwell Lake seeking Christmas trees for fish attractors

The Hartwell Lake is currently seeking used Christmas trees for fish attractors, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Hartwell Lake Project Office will be accepting natural Christmas trees for recycling beginning Dec. 26, 2017, through Jan. 25, 2018.

The recycled trees will be used as fish attractors in Lake Hartwell.

Trees will be tied in bundles, weighted with concrete anchors and then submerged in various locations marked with fish attractor buoys.

All ornaments and tinsel must be removed before dropping the trees off.

Wire-bound wreaths are not accepted.

According to Corps Park Ranger Jess Fleming, small trees and brush provide cover for fish, particularly as nursery areas for juvenile fish; in addition, they provide habitat for aquatic insects.

Christmas trees can be dropped off at Big Oaks Recreation Area and Poplar Springs boat ramp in Georgia.

Trees can also be dropped off at Twin Lakes and Friendship boat ramps in South Carolina.

For more information, contact the Hartwell Lake Manager’s Office at 888-893-0678, or visit their website at www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/hartwell.