LONDON, Ky. (April 16, 2011) – A total of 270 volunteers worked from boat and shoreline today and hauled out 8,400 pounds of trash during the 14th annual Laurel Lake Clean-up. Some of the most unusual items retrieved included a water heater, a stove, and a 1979 Michigan license plate.
Each year, volunteers from Laurel and Whitley counties compete for the “Clean-up Cup.” The cup is a trophy that is awarded to the county with the most volunteers. This year, Laurel County continued their winning streak with 121 volunteers over Whitley County’s 98.
For an event like this to be a success, not only does it take volunteers willing to help, but different agencies working together countless hours to organize, advertise, and coordinate responsibilities.
Dave Robinson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District resource manager, and Park Rangers Daniel Clark, Tyler Matthews, and Spencer Taylor, worked closely with PRIDE, U.S. Forest Service, Laurel County Fiscal Court, Whitley County Fiscal Court, City of London, local business and concerned citizens to make the clean-up happen and to appear as seamless as possible.
“The clean-up went great considering the iffy weather and high winds,” Robinson said.
When asked what he thought of the clean-up, Volunteer Wayne Brooks said, “Several things stood out to me. One was the organization. Mark Davis of PRIDE does an outstanding job getting everything together. Second, I was impressed with the level of safety that the rangers insisted on from the passengers they were transporting. Last, I was amazed at the large number that showed up on a cold, rainy morning to clean up for the few that take no responsibility for their trash. I am glad that I was a part of this movement to keep Laurel Lake and its banks clean.“
With this year’s clean-up effort complete, planning begins for next year. Undoubtedly, with the support of everyone involved this year, next year will be as successful.
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