Be a part of the solution to lake pollution! Annual Lake Cleanup Day at Raystown Lake

Published May 3, 2019

The Friends of Raystown Lake and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are calling on volunteers to participate in a shoreline cleanup at Raystown Lake during the annual Lake Cleanup Day May 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tatman Run Recreation Area (rain or shine).

Each year, volunteers remove approximately 2,000 pounds of trash from the shoreline to enhance the health and beauty of this important water resource. Last year in particular, heavy rains associated with Hurricane Florence led to heightened lake elevations, resulting in a large amount of trash along Raystown’s shorelines.

Trash debris litters Raystown Lake following heavy rains associated with Hurricane Florence in Sept. 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Alicia Palmer)

“Lake Cleanup Day is a simple yet effective opportunity for families, civic groups, scouts, students and individuals to volunteer and show support for their community and Raystown Lake,” said Supervisory Park Ranger Jude Harrington.  

Volunteers will be provided gloves and bags and treated to breakfast and a pulled pork lunch. In an effort to reduce the use of plastic at the cleanup site, volunteers are encouraged to bring a bucket or reusable bag and a reusable water bottle. Participants should be prepared to work outdoors and wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen.

USACE is especially in need of volunteer boats and operators to transport volunteers and bags of trash. All interested volunteers should contact Park Ranger Jacob Hohman at (814) 658-6813, or via e-mail at Jacob.T.Hohman@usace.army.mil to register and receive additional information.


Contact
Park Ranger Jacob Hohman
814-658-6813
Jacob.T.Hohman@usace.army.mil

Release no. 19-006