As summer approaches, Logan Martin Lake will become a hub of boats, swimmers and fishers. Before the lake becomes the place to be for St. Clair residents, the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA) hopes to clean it up through the organization’s Renew our River initiative.

Renew our River is an annual event that began in 2001 on Logan Martin Lake. Since then, over 170 tons of trash has been removed from the lake. This year, the cleanup begins April 2 and provides community members an opportunity to actively be a part of maintaining the lake.

Event organizers were recipients of a proclamation for their efforts at the March 28 Pell City City Council Meeting. City Manager Brian Muenger presented the proclamation, saying how the City appreciates the Renew our River event and how important it is that the lake remains a clean place for the community.

“What’s important for Logan Martin is keeping it clean,” Mike Riley said. “We want to make sure it’s in good shape so people can enjoy it as much as possible.”

LMLPA works around the year to maintain conditions of the lake. Members of the organization are adding to a more educated community, which leads to a cleaner lake, according to Mike Riley of LMLPA.

“We have a large membership here on the lake. And with that, comes awareness,” Riley said. “People look around and are conscientious of their behavior and treating the lake well by not littering and participating in events like this to keep it maintained.”

This year’s Renew our River event is slated for April 2-9. Participants can go to designated sites at 8 a.m. and noon on April 2 or April 9 to pick-up supplies like gloves, t-shirts, and bags. After cleaning up the lake, participants return trash bags to the sites.

This is the first year that Lakeside Park and the Civic Center will be a cleanup site, with Nancy Crow and Lisa Gaither serving as site captains. For more information on participating at this site, or others, visit the organization’s Facebook page or go to lmlpa.org.