The Mountain Home Project Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is sponsoring a lake-wide clean-up day Saturday from 8:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at Norfork Lake and is asking for the public’s help. The event will take place rain or shine, unless conditions on the lake are unsafe because of weather conditions.
Corps Deputy Operations Manager Mark Case says an unprecedented amount of woody debris and household items have been washed into the lake due to recent flooding, making it not only unsightly, but also unsafe for boating and swimming. Memorial Day is quickly approaching, and many will want to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of the lake.
Case says a multifaceted attack is the plan to help make that happen.
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The Corps is asking for volunteers to bring their boats, work gloves, life jackets and whatever else they might need for a day of beautification.
Case says Lake Norfork is the focus right now due to less debris being deposited on Bull Shoals.
Employees will begin their work on the lake later this week.
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Any man-made debris, including lumber, may be dropped off at any Corps of Engineers parks on Norfork Lake.
Trash should be placed near boat ramps or roadways in the parks, but they ask to please don’t block ramps or roads. Large items may be towed to areas adjacent to park boat ramps and placed on the shoreline where Corps personnel will remove and dispose of it.
If the items are too large Case says the Corps has special equipment.
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Trash bags will be available at all Norfork Lake marinas. If assistance with large items is needed or if other issues arise while on the lake, the day of the cleanup, volunteers can call 870-425-2700, extension 1400.
The Corps of Engineers will attempt to return any identifiable personal items to the rightful owner.
As always, Case says, safety is paramount. It is suggested to wear a life jacket and use extreme caution when operating a boat on the lake.
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