Amy Allen, US Forest Service, presented the Cleanup Cup to Laurel County’s Solid Waste Coordinator, Jim Ed McDaniel, surrounded by his daughters. Amber Owens, Whitley County Fiscal Court, is on the far right. For more photos from the event, visit http://bit.ly/ILTR2I.

The 24th annual Laurel Lake Cleanup netted two tons of trash, thanks to 224 volunteers who braved rain and a chilly temperature on April 21.

The volunteers — along with 30 staff members from agencies that organized the event — hauled in 4,397 pounds of garbage in three hours.

All volunteers received a free T-shirt, lunch and a chance at door prizes, which included one-day pontoon rental at Holly Bay Marina and overnight stays at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and Double Tree Inn.

“Laurel County again won the Cleanup Cup competition for the most volunteers, with Whitley County coming in at a respectable second place,” announced Amy Allen, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the US Forest Service’s London Ranger District.

“Thanks to all who worked so hard to make the Laurel Lake Cleanup a safe and successful event again this year,” Allen said.

“We appreciate the volunteers who did their part to make this scenic area look its best before recreation and tourism seasons begin,” said Mark Davis of PRIDE.

“The weather didn’t cooperate, but people turned out any way, and we had a good time together,” Davis said. “You can see photos at http://bit.ly/ILTR2I.”

“This three-hour event made a huge difference, but keeping the lake clean is a daily responsibility for those blessed to live here,” Davis added. “Let’s pull together to cut down on litter, which ends up in the lake.”

The Laurel Lake Cleanup was organized by the Friends of Laurel Lake, the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Laurel and Whitley County Governments, PRIDE, London-Laurel County Tourism Commission, and concerned citizens and businesses in the Whitley and Laurel County area.

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Filed under: News, Spring Cleanup