SAVANNAH, Ga. – The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell Lake Project Office will accept natural Christmas trees (no artificial trees) for recycling Dec. 26, 2017, through Jan. 25, 2018.
The recycled trees will be used as fish attractors in Hartwell Lake. 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.
“Small trees and brush provide cover for fish, particularly as nursery areas for juvenile fish,” Corps Park Ranger Jess Fleming said. “In addition, they provide habitat for aquatic insects – essential food during the early stages of most fish species.”
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.
“These trees can be picked up by fishermen any time for personal use in other areas of Hartwell Lake,” Fleming said. “Trees should be anchored in 8 to 12 feet of water. Do not place Christmas trees in the main lake channel or around private docks.”
Mount Lebanon Elementary in Pendleton, S.C. will also be a drop-off location. Trees can be dropped at the school from Dec. 26 through Jan. 18, 2018. 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 at 888-893-0678, or visit their website at http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/hartwell. For a list of fish attractor locations and GPS coordinates, visit them online at http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/hartwell/fishing.htm.
– 30 –
Release no. 17-044