Raystown Lake cleans up with volunteers at annual event

Published May 1, 2013
Over 100 volunteers helped with the 2013 Raystown Lake Cleanup Day.

Over 100 volunteers helped with the 2013 Raystown Lake Cleanup Day.

Volunteers sort recyclables from litter collected at Raystown Lake Cleanup Day.

Volunteers sort recyclables from litter collected at Raystown Lake Cleanup Day.

RAYSTOWN LAKE, Pa.  – More than 100 volunteers dedicated their time and energy to keeping Raystown Lake beautiful as part of an annual cleanup day.

Each year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Raystown Lake partners with the Friends of Raystown Lake and local community to remove trash and other materials from the lake and area surrounding it. 

“Although our goal is to remove trash and other items from the shores of Raystown, the event also serves as a platform to encourage people to be good stewards of our natural resources,” said Jude Harrington, Operations Manager.  “If our volunteers carry the environmental stewardship message to others beyond this event, we have been successful.  We are grateful to all the volunteers and Friends of Raystown for their efforts to help us keep Raystown Lake beautiful.”

This year, the group gathered approximately 1,400 pounds of trash and 1,000 pounds of recycling materials from the shoreline.  Volunteers were provided gloves and trash bags.

Each year volunteers from across the region play a critical role in the health and beauty of our important water resource by helping to remove tons of recyclables, trash, tires, appliances and more from the shores of Raystown Lake.

“The efforts of the community and volunteers across the region make an enormous difference in ensuring a healthy and safe lake and park,” Harrington said.  “Lake Cleanup Day is a simple and effective opportunity for families, civic groups, scouts, students and individuals to volunteer and show support for their community and Raystown Lake.” 

In addition to individual volunteers and families, volunteers from the Huntingdon area middle and high schools, Saxton Boy Scout Council, Raystown Striper Club, Pennsylvania Striped Bass Association, Juniata College Field Station, Youth Forestry Camp #3 and Lake Raystown Resort helped with the clean up.

Planning for the 2014 cleanupday is already underway and interested parties can contact Park Ranger Melissa Bean at 814-658-6812 or  melissa.j.bean@usace.army.mil for more information.