For immediate release: 4/23/08

GRDA sponsoring event, encourage lake area to participate…
Fourth annual Grand Lake shoreline cleanup event scheduled for May 10

Grand Lake- Attention Grand Lake Residents, the fourth annual Shoreline Clean-Up will be held Saturday, May 10, 2008. “Lend a Hand for Lady Grand”, sponsored by Grand Lake Sail & Power Squadron, the Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (GLACC) and the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA), is a cooperative effort to increase the safety of Grand Lake’s shoreline, also increasing its beauty.
“We are very pleased we can have a part in working with the power squadron again on this clean-up effort,” said GRDA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Easley. “GRDA’s goal for lake management is to be good stewards of the resources under our control, and keeping the lake shore clean is an important part of that. We encourage all lake residents to take part.”
According to GRDA Director of Ecosystems Management Dr. Darrell Townsend, cleaning up shoreline trash will provide benefits for all Grand Lake Residents.
“Shoreline trash can be harmful to the lake’s ecosystem and wildlife,” said Townsend. “Wildlife and waterfowl can be killed or injured when they are entangled in debris like discarded fishing line or plastic “six-pack” holders. Sometimes, they may also swallow small pieces of plastic bags or other materials they mistake for food.”
To help with the spring clean-up efforts, GRDA will provide trash dumpsters, which will be in place at North Highway 59 at Cedar Oaks and Grand Lake RV Resort (formerly Baker’s RV Ranch).
Lake area residents can use these dumpsters, free of charge, to dispose of shoreline trash (please, no brush or household trash). The dumpsters will be available from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
“Anything we can do to help clean up trash will benefit the habitat and make the area look better. We all want the lake shore to be a safe, clean place,” said Townsend.
For more information, go to www.grda.com.

"Lend a Hand for Lady Grand" by taking part in the fourth annual Grand Lake shoreline cleanup on Saturday, May 10. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Larry Stout, Environmental Committee Chairman for the Grand Lake Power Squadron)