A Christmas tree recycling program is underway on Lake Hartwell in Northeast Georgia.
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell Lake Office has announced that Corps officials will accept natural Christmas trees no artificial trees for recycling through Jan. 26, 2021. All ornaments and tinsel must be removed before the trees are dropped off. No artificial trees will be accepted.
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.
"Small trees and brush provide cover for fish, particularly as nursery areas for juvenile fish," said Corps Natural Resources Specialist Jess Fleming in a press statement. "In addition, they provide habitat for aquatic insects which serve as an essential food source during the early developmental stages of most fish species."
Christmas trees can be dropped off at designated donation sites located at Big Oaks and Poplar Springs boat ramps in Georgia and Twin Lakes and Friendship boat ramps in South Carolina. Mount Lebanon Elementary School located in Pendleton, South Carolina will also serve as a drop-off location through Jan. 17.
Donated trees also can be picked up by fishermen at any time for personal use. Trees should be anchored in 8-12 feet of water. Corps officials said the Christmas trees should not be placed in the main lake channel or around private docks.
