The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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| At Philpott Lake |
Courtesy Photo:
Two volunteers stand with Park Ranger Richard Wigley in front of a pile of trash removed from Philpott Lake this past Saturday.
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Monday, September 17, 2012
An estimated one-half ton of trash was removed from Philpott Lake by volunteers last Saturday.
Thirty-five large trash bags of garbage and debris were removed from various areas in and around the lake, including Twin Ridge, Jamison Mill, Salthouse Branch, Goose Point, Maple Springs, and upper Smith River area.
The lake cleanup was organized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Fifty-two volunteers, including members from the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America and several Benjamin Franklin Middle School students from Melissa Talley's seventh-grade science class, assisted Philpott Lake staff with removing trash from the shoreline of the lake.
The trash consisted mainly of plastic beverage bottles, aluminum cans and food wrappers. Other trash included bait containers, bottle caps and several tires.
Some volunteers used motorboats and kayaks, while others picked up trash in park areas and along trails.
The Boy Scouts from Troop 63 in Martinsville rescued a snapping turtle that was entangled in discarded fishing line.
"Participation increased over last year, and the event was a major success," said Mary Lawson, Philpott Lake conservation biologist.
"We are also celebrating the fact that there was less trash collected than during the previous two annual cleanup events," added Philpott Lake Operations Project Manager Craig Rockwell. "People are taking better care of this beautiful lake, and we appreciate that on behalf of all who enjoy recreating here."
The cleanup was part of National Public Lands Day, as well as the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup. |
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