Laurel Lake Cleanup set for Saturday

One of the rites of spring in the Tri-County area will take place Saturday as Laurel and Whitley counties go head-to-head in the annual Laurel Lake Cleanup.

Volunteers are invited to come out to the spillway off of Ky. 1193 to join in the effort.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with the cleanup kicking off at 9 and going until about noon.

As in past years, Laurel and Whitley counties will be competing to turn out the most number of volunteers and take home the coveted “Cleanup Cup.”

Whitley County halted Laurel County’s 11-year winning streak in 2013. Laurel County reclaimed the cup in 2014 and Whitley returned the favor in 2015, turning out a majority of the more than 200 volunteers.

While picking up trash, volunteers are encouraged to keep an eye out for something to enter in the “catch of the day.”

The annual competition for most unique piece of trash has seen entries including: a color television set, a mannequin torso that had been used for target practice, a potted plant and the remains of a bowling ball.

Jason Nedlo, District Ranger for the London Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest, said the prize for the catch of the day winner is yet to be determined. In 2015 it was a $25 gift card.

Nedlo said organizers will provide gloves and trash bags. In addition, boats will be on hand to lift volunteers around the lake.

“We also have areas that people can drive to,” Nedlo said.

Anyone who would like to volunteer the use of their boat is welcome and encouraged.

Nedlo said there is no age restriction on cleanup volunteers. While the event had to be rescheduled multiple times in 2015 because of weather and lake conditions, Nedlo said forecasts call for suitable, if less than ideal weather.

The event will be held if it is raining. However high winds or otherwise dangerous lake conditions may force postponement.

“With the weather we have forecast, it looks like it will be a go,” Nedlo said, noting it is supposed to be sunny and in the 50s.

More information is available by contacting the London Ranger District at 864-4163.