Community Volunteers Come Together for Norris Lake Spring Clean-Up Event in East Tennessee

Community Volunteers Come Together for Norris Lake Spring Clean-Up Event

The Norris Lake Project Team organized their yearly spring clean-up on March 23-24, inviting more than eighty enthusiastic volunteers to participate. This event took place across various launch sites surrounding the beautiful Norris Lake, which is a vital recreational and economic resource for the East Tennessee region.

Stephanie Wells, Director of the Anderson County Tourism Council, expressed the significance of these initiatives, stating, _"Since 2009, volunteers from the counties surrounding Norris Lake have been showing up to help with these clean-up efforts. We continue to arrange two major public clean-ups annually – one in spring and the other in fall – because Norris Lake serves as a recreational destination for residents and visitors alike, and protecting its shoreline is essential.”_

The second day of the clean-up saw collaboration with organizations like Keep Tennessee River Beautiful and Living Lands and Waters, highlighting the community spirit driving this effort. Key partners contributed by lending boats and providing necessary launch facilities for the clean-up operation. Volunteer participants received gloves, bags, and T-shirts courtesy of generous sponsors, including the Norris Lake Project and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Wells highlighted the collaborative nature of the event, remarking, _“We can’t conduct these clean-ups without the ongoing support from our partner sponsors, such as Tennessee Wildlife Resources, TVA, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Their assistance also extends to local litter grants that fund street trash collections, a significant source of debris that ends up in the waterways.”_ The impacts of extreme weather, particularly Hurricane Helene's storm winds, were also noted as contributing factors to the litter found during this year’s clean-up.

Julie Graham, Executive Director of the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council, emphasized that these efforts go beyond just trash removal: _“We aim to raise awareness about the recreational assets that surround Norris Lake. This region boasts three national scenic byways, three state parks, a kayak/canoe blueway, and over ninety-five miles of hiking and biking trails, along with countless historic and cultural sites that visitors can explore.”_

Norris Dam, the first dam constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, adds an important historical dimension to the area, enhancing its appeal as a major recreational site in this rural part of East Tennessee. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Norris Lake stands as more than just a leisure spot; it holds a significant place in the nation's history.

The Norris Lake Project Team, a grassroots movement comprised of individuals, organizations, businesses, and agencies, is dedicated to maintaining the water quality of Norris Lake and preserving the surrounding land. This initiative encourages local stakeholders to help keep Norris Lake among the cleanest and safest recreational resources in Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, and Union counties.

This coming weekend, additional trail work days are scheduled along the Norris Watershed Trails in Anderson County and WMA OHV trails in Campbell County.

Those interested in volunteering with the Norris Lake Project can visit www.norrislakeproject.com for event details or to register. Registrations can also be made on the morning of a scheduled clean-up. Please note that minors must have an adult supervise and a registration and release form signed by a parent. For further inquiries, you can call 865-659-2829 or email [email protected].

The Norris Lake Project Team thrives on collaboration between various organizations, including the Anderson County Tourism Council, Campbell County Government, Claiborne County Government, Union County Chamber of Commerce, Norris Lake Marina Association, TVA, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Norris Dam State Park, and Big Ridge State Park, alongside local citizens.