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Deal Lake Commission plans April lake cleanups as officials report trash, recycling and dead birds along shoreline
Summary
Commissioners announced a spring cleanup with Key Club volunteers on April 4–5 and discussed recurring issues with overflowing trash/recycling containers and reports of dead birds; staff will coordinate pickup and public messaging.
Deal Lake Commission members said March 20 they will lead a multi-site spring cleanup in early April and urged closer coordination on recycling and trash collection after residents reported overflowing containers and litter entering lake waters.
The commission said volunteer groups will support the effort: Kiwanis and Key Club volunteers will help with an event tied to an Asbury Park youth visit; commissioners said the Key Club expected roughly 250 students for a cleanup concentrated in Asbury Park and Interlaken, with other towns participating on April 4 and April 5. Commission staff said they will consolidate collected trash at designated pickup points for county collection.
Commissioners also raised recurring maintenance issues - Trash and recycling: Commissioners and residents described recycling and trash blowing from open dumpsters and small cans into the lake during high winds. Commissioner Margo and Commissioner Carol said they have repeatedly picked up litter themselves and encouraged towns to secure dumpsters and adjust pickup frequency. - MTD (stormwater) devices: Commissioners discussed whether municipal crews should inspect and, if necessary, clean MTDs (structural trash-capture devices) before the main cleanup season; they decided to check the MTDs and report back on whether additional cleaning is needed. - Dead birds and health guidance: Commissioners reported finding several dead birds near the flume, including a cormorant and geese, and discussed avian influenza guidance. Staff said they had posted DEP/health-department guidance on social media advising residents not to handle dead birds and to report sightings to the appropriate agencies.
Next steps and outreach Commission staff will finalize cleanup marketing and logistics, coordinate with town clean-communities staff to arrange pickup, and post health and wildlife guidance in the commission newsletter and on social media. The commission encouraged residents to secure trash and recycling to reduce debris entering the lake.
