Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment Community topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lake James volunteers report nearly nine tons removed, hundreds of volunteers; commissioners accept report
Summary
Lake James Area Wildlife and Nature Society told commissioners volunteers and partners removed 8.98 tons (plus additional un‑dumpstered material) in the recent cleanup; the board voted 5‑0 to accept the report and thanked volunteers and sponsors.
Volunteers and partner organizations reported substantial trash removal from Lake James at the Burke County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 21.
Howard Morgan of the Lake James Area Wildlife and Nature Society presented the group’s annual cleanup report, saying county records show 8.98 tons removed from four county‑provided dumpsters; Morgan also said roughly one additional ton remained at a site that could not be loaded into the dumpsters. He identified large items recovered (refrigerators, oil drums, dock parts, Styrofoam and boat floats) and said volunteers used 13 boats during the cleanup after storm damage limited state park boat‑ramp access.
Morgan thanked partner organizations and volunteers, including Lake James State Park, Burke County Sheriff’s Department (who provided a police boat on the water), Lake James Environmental Association, local dock builders and several businesses that provided food and supplies. Morgan said the cleanup drew about 82 students and 47 adults who signed in for the event, and that students receive community‑service letters that encourage participation.
Commissioners voted 5‑0 to accept the report as presented and publicly thanked volunteers. The presentation also noted continuing large items that will require Duke Energy or contractor removal and requested continued county and partner support for dumpsters, supplies and volunteer safety gear.
Why it matters The cleanup removes debris that can harm water quality and navigation and reduces long‑term maintenance costs. The report documents volunteer engagement and identifies remaining heavy debris that may require utility‑level removal resources.
Follow up Organizers asked for continued county support for dumpsters and supplies, increased vest availability for volunteers and engagement with Duke Energy concerning large debris removal.
