The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell Lake Project Office will collect natural Christmas trees (no artificial trees) for recycling Dec. 26 through Feb. 15. The recycled trees will be used as fish attractors in Hartwell Lake. Trees will be tied in bundles, weighted with concrete anchors, and submerged in various locations marked with fish attractor buoys.
“By recycling used Christmas trees in Hartwell Lake, we provide cover for fish and enhance nursery habitat for juvenile fish,” said Corps Park Ranger Jess Fleming. “The trees are also beneficial to aquatic insects, which are essential food for most fish species.”
Christmas trees can be dropped off at the following locations. Please note that all ornaments and tinsel must be removed before drop-off.
Big Oaks Recreation Area, located on U.S. Hwy. 29, one mile past the Hartwell Dam in Hart County, Ga.
Twin Lakes boat ramp (Pickens County, S.C.) From Interstate 85 in South Carolina, take exit 14, Hwy 187. Going north on Hwy 187 towards Pendleton, S.C. Immediately after passing Clemson Research Center, take a left on Fant’s Grove Road, follow directional signs to park.
Coneross boat ramp (Coneross Park, S.C.) From Interstate 85 in South Carolina, take exit 11 on Hwy 24 towards Townville. 1.5 miles past Townville, turn right onto Coneross Creek Road. Directional signs will lead to the park entrance.
Poplar Springs boat ramp (Franklin County, Ga.) From Lavonia, Ga., where GA 328 crosses I-85, go north on GA 328 for 3.5 miles, follow brown directional signs.
These trees can be picked up by fishermen any time for personal use until Feb. 15 at any of these locations. Trees should be anchored in eight-to-twelve feet of water. Do not place Christmas trees in the main lake channel or around private docks.
Trees can also be dropped off from Dec. 26 through Jan. 15 at Mount Lebanon Elementary School in Pendleton, S.C. The school is located at 2850 Lebanon Rd. The drop-off area will be roped off near the entrance to the school.