Corps Hartwell Lake Office accepting Christmas trees for recycling

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District
Story by Tracy Robillard

Date: 12.13.2012
Posted: 12.13.2012 15:00
News ID: 99266
Park rangers turn used Christmas trees into fish habitat

HARTWELL, Ga. - ‘Tis the season for Christmas tree recycling at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Lake Hartwell! From Dec. 26 through Feb. 15, the Corps will collect used, natural Christmas trees (no artificial trees) that will be used as fish attractors throughout Lake Hartwell.

“By recycling used Christmas trees in Hartwell Lake, we provide cover for fish and enhance nursery habitat for juvenile fish,” said Corps Park Ranger Jess Fleming. “The trees are also beneficial to aquatic insects, which are essential food for most fish species.”

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

Christmas trees can be dropped off at the following locations. Please note that all ornaments and tinsel must be removed before drop-off.

• Big Oaks Recreation Area, located on U.S. Highway 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, Highway 187. Going north on Highway 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 Highway 24 towards Townville. One-and-a-half 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.

These trees can be picked up by fishermen any time for personal use until Feb. 15 at any of these locations. Trees should be anchored in eight to 12 feet of water. Do not place Christmas trees in the main lake channel or around private docks.

Trees can also be dropped off from Dec. 26 through Jan. 15 at Mount Lebanon Elementary School in Pendleton, S.C. The school is located at 2850 Lebanon Road. The drop-off area will be roped off near the entrance to the school.

For more information, contact the Hartwell Lake Manager’s Office toll free 1-888-893-0678. For a list of fish attractor locations and GPS coordinates, visit: http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/hartwell/fishing.html