Published: September 29, 2009 11:20 am      

ŒFriends' help clean Lake Cumberland

Monticello — The rain held off to make the Annual Friends of Lake Cumberland clean-up

another success story. On September 19 a determined group of volunteers

combined to make the 20th Annual Friends of Lake Cumberland Cleanup an

important community event.

The Friends 20th annual one-day cleanup produced some terrific numbers.

A total of 567 volunteers, many of them representing a wide variety of

groups, participated. Those willing volunteers collected a total of 2,510

bags of trash and 799 old tires, bringing the total trash collected since

the cleanup began in 1990 to 87,011 bags of trash and 16,169 tires.

Individuals and groups began arriving as early as 8 a.m. with volunteers

departing at 9 a.m. by land and water throughout the morning to gather trash

and debris. Marinas on the lake donated the use of 14 pontoon boats, an

invaluable asset to help with the collection effort.

Local high school Junior ROTC units, Cub Scout Packs and conservation

groups were well represented.

President Steve Syphax was impressed with this year's turn out. He

believes it's a win-win situation for everyone.

"The Friends are happy to be celebrating 20 years of keeping the

shoreline of Lake Cumberland cleaner. The shoreline cleanup only happens

once a year, however its benefits come back throughout the lake and

environment by providing an excellent opportunity for volunteers of all ages

to receive a hands-on learning experience of community service," said

Syphax.

The day's work ended at 2 p.m. and volunteers were rewarded with prizes

and two appreciation picnics, one held at General Burnside Island State Park

near the upper reaches of the lake and another at Lake Cumberland State Park

near the dam.

Groups were awarded cash prizes starting at $500 for first place to $100

for fifth place, based on the most trash collected.

A cash award of $100 was awarded for the most tires collected.

Participants were encouraged to submit a "most unusual item found," the

winner of which took home a cash prize of $50.

Again the lake level was low, which helped make litter and debris

along the shoreline more accessible.

The Friends of Lake Cumberland is made up of local citizens,

organizations and agencies, which care about Lake Cumberland and the

environment. Without each member's help, the annual community cleanup would

not enjoy such success.

Friend's members work with area businesses and organizations to obtain

donations, which are used to pay for everything from t-shirts to picnics to

prizes for the many volunteers.

Anyone interested in becoming a member or learning more about the

organization, please contact President, Steve Syphax at (606) 451-1402.