Herrington Lake has 325 miles of shoreline in Mercer, Boyle, and Garrard Counties and provides much of the drinking water for all three counties. In 11 years the HLCL has removed many tons of debris, dead wood, and abandoned docks from the lake.
In 2011 alone, a three man crew worked for 107 days and filled too many dumpsters of trash to count. The dumpsters are provided by Kentucky Utilities. An estimated 754 tons of wood were also collected and burned.
Alexander reminded those attending the meeting that as of September, 2011, using anything other than encapsulated flotation under docks is illegal in all three counties. All existing flotation is grandfathered, but new docks and replacement flotation must be encapsulated in heavy plastic. It is hoped that this will reduce and eventually eliminate loose Styrofoam, which does not degrade and cannot be recycled.
Much of the cleanup at Herrington Lake still depends on boaters and residents who voluntarily pick up debris on the banks or floating in the water and carry litter bags in their boats. For help removing large items or to report an abandoned dock, call 859-548-2257.
The HLCL is supported by membership dues, fund raising activities, donations, and grants. Alexander reported that 73 percent of the $101,373.00 raised in 2011 went directly to cleanup. In the 11 years since its inception, the Conservation League has raised $905,066. “This year we’ll make a million,” said Alexander. Over the years, 75 percent of the money has gone directly to the cleanup. The HLCL overhead continues to run around 3 percent a year. The remaining expenditures are the cost of making money, like paying the golf course for our annual golf outing.
A $20,000 Bluegrass PRIDE grant established recycling at all seven marinas and boat ramps in Garrard County. Another part of the grant provided portable, reusable ashtrays and litter bags to be given away at those marinas.
Fund raising activities planned for the coming year include a Spring Fling on June 9 at Sunset Marina, with music, food, and a cornhole tournament. A new indoor event is planned for August with music, food, silent auction, and more. September 19 brings the popular Golf Outing at Peninsula Golf Resort.
Melvin Price of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, a division of Homeland Security, was at the meeting to explain the services of this volunteer organization which is devoted to maritime security, search and rescue, vessel inspections, and public education. The Auxiliary will be conducting a Boating Safety class on May 19 at 9:00 am at Sunset Marina. Price said that some insurance companies will offer a discount to graduates of this class.
