ELBERTON, GA - The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Richard B. Russell Lake Office and the Georgia and South Carolina Departments of Natural Resources have joined in the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer initiative to improve and enhance public lands. Volunteers are now being sought in support of a campaign to cleanup the shoreline and islands around Russell Lake that begins on August 29 and concludes on September 29, National Public Lands Day.

The cleanup effort provides an opportunity for people who care about the lake to roll up their sleeves and give something back to the lake and public lands enjoyed by so many. Volunteers from scout groups, civic organizations, church groups, schools, businesses, along with entire families can participate.

Cleanup times and dates, as well as locations, are flexible. Corps park rangers can help with volunteer schedules.

Anyone interested in volunteering can obtain sign-up forms online at www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/russell. Simply fill out the form and return by mail to the Russell Lake Office at 4144 Russell Dam Drive, Elberton, Georgia 30635-9271. Forms will also be available at Corps of Engineers’ lake offices and state parks. Once registered, volunteers will receive more detailed information including safety tips and litter collection and drop-off locations. 
Trash bags will be provided for cleanup. All participants will receive lake maps, sports bottle, t-shirt and a coupon for one fee-free day in any federal park.

“Our forests, lakes, and recreation areas are a national treasure and keeping them clean means keeping them safe and beautiful for people to enjoy,” said Angela Jones, Russell Lake Park Ranger. 

For more information, contact Park Ranger Jones toll free at 800-944-7207, ext. 3407, or 706-213-3407.