Corps Accepting Natural Christmas Trees for Lake Hartwell

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is again offering people a place to recycle their used, natural Christmas trees this year.

According to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, its Hartwell Lake Project Office will accept natural Christmas trees for recycling from now through Feb. 15, 2016.

No artificial trees will be accepted and all ornaments and tinsel must be removed before dropping the trees off.

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.

Corps officials say that small trees and brush provide cover for fish, particularly as nursery areas for juvenile fish.

Also, officials say they provide habitat for aquatic insects, essential food during the early stages of most fish species.

In Georgia, trees can be dropped off at either the Big Oaks Recreation Area or the Poplar Springs Boat Ramp.

For more information, contact the Hartwell Lake Manager’s Office toll free 888-893-0678.