Huntington District

 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking volunteers for the 3rd Annual Yatesville Lake Spring Cleanup on Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m. to noon.

 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will team up with the Eastern Kentucky P.R.I.D.E. (Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment) and Lawrence County to conduct this event to promote environmental responsibility and create a litter-free lake.

 If you are interested in participating in this year’s cleanup, please pre-register by calling 606-686-2412 or by email to LRH.Yatesville@usace.army.mil with “Yatesville Lake Spring Cleanup” in the subject line.  

 Volunteers should meet cleanup sponsors at the Lawrence County Park, Shelter # 3 by 9 a.m. Signs will be posted directing participants to the recreation area. Once registered, volunteers will travel to one of three pre-designated litter pick-up sites.

 Trash bags, gloves and vests will be provided at each site. Once volunteers have picked up the litter in their area, they will reconvene at the Lawrence County Park and receive a t-shirt and a lunch donated by a local sponsor.

 Media wishing to cover the cleanup are asked to contact the Huntington District Public Affairs Office at 304-399-5353.

   The tornados that struck eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia March 2, 2012,  damaged park facilities at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility at East Lynn Lake in East Lynn, W.Va. 

   Damage was confined to East Fork Campground, and includes toppled trees at campsites, damage to electrical and phone lines, and damages to other facilities. 

   The staff is working with utility companies to repair the damage and clear away debris. Cleanup and repairs are ongoing with the hope that the facilities will be available for the normal campground opening in May. The opening date will depend on a variety of factors, including the restoration of power and telephone lines, debris removal and the general repair of facilities without interruption from spring floods or other events.

   Reservations for camping are still being accepted through the National Recreation Reservation Service, but the campground will not open until work is completed and it can be safely used by the public. All day use areas, shelters and the marina are unaffected by damages from the tornado. 

   For more information, write to Resource Manager, East Lynn Lake, 683 Overlook Trail Road, East Lynn, W.Va.  25512, call the project at 304-849-2355, or stop by the Park Office at the office adjacent to the East Lynn Dam.

   HUNTINGTON, W.Va.… Dewey Lake has three volunteer positions open for the upcoming recreation season, which is mid-May through mid-October. Volunteers must be capable of physical work duties in an outdoor environment and will be needed to perform light maintenance duties as well as assist the Park Ranger staff.

    Volunteers may be provided with a designated campsite with electric, water and sewer hook-up in exchange for 25 hours of volunteer work per week per site. A volunteer application must be filled out by those interested in obtaining a campsite in exchange for volunteer work.

    Single-day or short-term volunteers are also welcome. Please contact the Lake Office for more information regarding volunteer opportunities at Dewey Lake.

    For more information, write to Zack Abbott, Park Ranger, Dewey Lake, HC 70 Box 540, Van Lear, K.Y. 41265, or call at 606-886-6709.