“Since 2009, volunteers from the counties surrounding Norris Lake have been showing up to help with these clean-up efforts,” said Stephanie Wells, Director of the Anderson County Tourism Council. “We continue to organize two large public clean-ups annually – one in the spring and one in the fall – because Norris Lake is not only a recreational destination for both residents and visitors, but also an economic driver for all five counties. Protecting its shorelines is crucial.”
On the second day of the two-day event, Keep Tennessee River Beautiful and Living Lands and Waters joined the effort. Key partners like Blue Springs Dock, Flat Hollow Marina, Stardust Resort Marina, Sequoyah Marina, and Beach Island Resort Marina supported the clean-up by loaning boats and offering use of their launches to stage dumpsters. Volunteers were provided with gloves, bags, and t-shirts, generously supplied by the Norris Lake Project and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Wells added, “We can’t conduct these clean-ups without the support of our continuing partner sponsors, including Tennessee Wildlife Resources, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Their support also extends to local litter grants that fund road trash pick-ups. A significant point of entry for trash comes from the roads and bridges that cross the waterways. Hurricane Helene storm winds and rain also contributed to litter in the lake at this year’s event.”
“We conduct these clean-ups not only to remove trash but to raise awareness about the recreational assets surrounding Norris Lake,” said Julie Graham, Executive Director of Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council. “There are three national scenic byways, three state parks, a kayak/ canoe blueway, and over ninety-five miles of hiking and biking trails within the greater watershed of Norris Lake, as well as numerous historic and cultural sites for visitors to explore. Norris Dam was the first dam built by the Tennessee Valley Authority and the reservoir serves are a major recreational asset in this rural region of East Tennessee. As we approach America’s 250th upcoming celebration, Norris Lake is not only a place to play, but also an important slice of American history.”
The Norris Lake Project Team is a grassroots initiative made up of individuals, organizations, businesses, and agencies focused on preserving the water quality of Norris Lake, conserving the surrounding land, and encouraging local stakeholders to help maintain Norris Lake as one of the cleanest and safest recreational assets in Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, and Union counties. Trail work days are scheduled this upcoming weekend on the Norris Watershed Trails in Anderson County and WMA OHV trails in Campbell County.
If you’re interested in volunteering with the Norris Lake Project, visit www.norrislakeproject.com to find an event near you or to register. Volunteers can also sign up on the morning of a scheduled clean-up event. Please note, minors must be accompanied by an adult and have a registration and release form signed by a parent. For more information, call 865-659-2829 or email [email protected].
The Norris Lake Project Team is a partnership between the Anderson County Tourism Council, Campbell County Government, Claiborne County Government, Union County Chamber of Commerce, Norris Lake Marina Association, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Norris Dam State Park, Big Ridge State Park, Anderson County Litter Grant, and local citizens.
SOURCE Norris Lake Project
