Due to social distancing recommendations, we understand that some volunteers might want to clean up on their own, rather than meet the group Saturday morning. Below are a list of spots, called “litter zones,” where volunteers are needed. Please review the safety tips prior to leaving.
Volunteers can pick up equipment, including trash bags, gloves, and goodie bags (snacks, water, t-shirt, and lake map) on Thursday or Friday ahead of the Saturday clean up at the Murphy Mainspring Conservation Trust office. (46 Valley River Avenue) Choose a “Litter Zone” and be able to work at your own pace. If you know an area in need – make that your litter zone.
Litter needs to be dropped off to Hanging Dog Boat Ramp before Sunday morning. Cherokee County’s Sheriff’s office will be transporting the trash to the Landfill on Sunday.
Trash Drop Off Locations: Hanging Dog Boat Ramp, Cherokee Lake (area to be determined)
Litter Zones:
Hanging Dog Campground and Picnic Area
Payne Street Boat Ramp
Hiwassee Street Boat Ramp
River Walk and Canoe Trail (Thomas St, McClellan St, Depot St)
Duke’s Hideaway Marina – 555 Duke Lodge Rd
Shook’s Marina – 11003 Joe Brown HWY
Cherokee Lake
Panther Top Rd (Beech Creek Campground)
Mickens Branch Rd Boat Ramp
Bear Paw Marina – 200 Dean Aldrich Dr
Shorelines in all locations can be cleaned by foot or boat. Participants who have their own boats are encouraged to get on the lake and make a day of it. If you have a favorite area that is in need, take your boat to that location. Remember the lake level is lower this time of year, making access to trash that settles in coves easier to access. Most of the trash will be in cove tree lines and around heavy day-use areas.
Please take photos of the trash you remove and your cleaning crew. Share your images on our Facebook pages @MainspringConservationTrust and @HiwasseeLakeBigSweep with #HiwasseeLakeCleanup
