Christmas tree recycling drop-off at Hartwell Lake

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA  – The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell Lake Office  will accept Christmas trees for recycling Dec. 26 through Feb. 15, 2010.  The recycled trees will be used as fish attractors in Hartwell Lake.  Trees will be tied in bundles, weighted with concrete anchors, and submerged in various locations marked with fish attractor buoys.  Small trees and brush provide cover for fish, particularly as nursery areas for juvenile fish.  They also provide habitat for aquatic insects, essential food during the early stages of most fish species.

For fish attractor locations and GPS coordinates, visit the Corps’ Hartwell Lake website at http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/hartwell/fishing.htm .

Trees can be dropped off at Big Oaks Recreation Area located on U.S. Hwy. 29, one mile past the Hartwell Dam in Hart Co., Ga., at the Twin Lakes and Friendship boat ramps in S.C., and Poplar Springs boat ramp in Ga.  Trees should be anchored in eight-to-12 feet of water and should not be placed in the main lake channel or around private docks.  These trees are available for pick-up by fishermen anytime for personal use until Feb. 15.

Mount Lebanon Elementary School located at 2850 Lebanon Rd. in Pendleton, S.C. is another drop-off location, from Dec. 26 through Jan. 15, 2010.  The drop off area will be roped off near the entrance to the school.  These trees will be placed around the new fishing pier at the Twin Lakes boat ramp.  

For more information, contact the Hartwell Lake Project Manager’s Office toll free at 1-888-893-0678, or visit them online at http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/hartwell .