The Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA) collected over seven tons of waste during their annual lake cleanup between March 30 and April 6.

Mike Riley, the chairman over the LMLPA cleanup, said he was expecting a thousand volunteers this year to cleanup Logan Martin Lake shorelines.

“We tried to get the word out by encouraging people to tell their friends, church groups, civic groups, everyone to come out and help,” Riley said.

The LMLPA had 734 volunteers total (exceeding the yearly average of 500 participants), while the Choccolocco Creek Watershed Alliance had 100. 

Riley added that cleaning up the roadways can be as equally important as cleaning the waterways. “Litter from the roadways perpetuate the problem, and it’s best not to litter at all,” said Riley. The fine for littering in Pell City is 200 dollars.

Although the annual cleanup is hosted by LMLPA, it is in conjunction with the Alabama Power Company “Renew our rivers” program. This statewide program involves thousands of volunteers cleaning the waterways of Alabama and the southeast.

The Alabama Power Company likes to collaborate with grassroots organizations to promote conservation. According to apcshorelines.com, Alabama Power has 30 cleanups set for 2019 across the state. 

On April 6, the LMLPA hosted a picnic for volunteers. Hot dogs and chips were provided by Toast Eatery, while drinks were supplied by Coca Cola Bottling of Anniston. There was also live music by Steve Shaffer. 

Next year’s event will be March 28 through April 4, 2020. Want to learn more?  Go to www.lmlpa.org for more information on what Logan Martin Lake Protection Association will be doing such as Frog Night, Paddle Boat Derby and Car show in July.