LAKE CLEAN-UP SCHEDULED

On Saturday February 18, 2023, CULP staged its first lake clean up effort to help ensure that Lake Placid remains clear of debris and over grown vegetation while the dam is being prepared.

A group of over 30 fantastic volunteers began the Saturday morning at 8:00 am sharp with breakfast tacos and a short orientation / discussion of safety protocols’ and the area to be cleared. The group concentrated on the lake bed area that has become overgrown between I-10 and Son’s Island. This area was chosen due to the rapid growth of vegetation since the lake was drained in October 2021 and to the concern that if this area is not maintained it could potentially cut the lake in half and make access to / from the upper portion of the lake impossible. Additionally, the heavy vegetation would impede water flow during a flood event, potentially increasing the risk of flooding upstream. This could not have been possible without the efforts of Mark Dietz, who chairs CULP’s lake cleanup committee. Mark was instrumental in securing the machinery and operators that were so vital in making this a very successful one-day clean up event. Specific thanks goes out to the individuals that donated their equipment and operating expertise including:

Matt DaveyTravis EngelkeKyle KolbeAdam Van Lear

A very special thanks also goes out to Mr. Junior Zipp, a long-term lake property owner that allowed us access to the river bed through his property known as Zipp Camp. We would also be remise if we did not express our sincere appreciation to the volunteers including:

Bill Fisher

Mark Dietz

Jeanette West

Clark Weldon/Kim Weldon

John Martin

Doug / Sandy McEwen

Ed / Liz Hilsdorf

Keith Strimple

Jessica Halm

Scott Noel

Estevan / Ruth Guerrero

Carlette / Jack Harrison

Shawn Gibson

Todd Dyer

Donna Baker

Steven Blakeley and his workmen

Devin Thompson (and his tractor)

Others of the lake community that could not attend the clean up but provided underwriting for the breakfast tacos, BBQ lunch and other supplies included:

Jim Boynton

Kevin Rodriguez

Eva Moravec

CULP is so very proud of each and everyone who donated their time, effort, equipment and monetary support in this first of what will be many clean up events. It is truly amazing to see what our lake community can accomplish when we all work for a common goal, the preservation and love of our Lake Life!