The Norris Lake Project Team is looking for volunteers to help with the Fall Five County Norris Lake Cleanups on September 22nd and 29th, and October 6th.

“Since 2011, volunteers from the counties surrounding Norris Lake have picked up over 200 tons of trash,” said Stephanie Wells, director of the Anderson County Tourism Council.  “This fall,  our groups have grown so much that we have expanded the number of dates and location so that we can focus on all five counties because Norris Lake is not only a recreational destination for residents and visitors, it is an economic driver for all five counties and we need to protect its shorelines.”

The three areas that will be targeted this year are: around Lone Mountain Shores on September 22nd; Waterside Marina on September 29th; and Twin Cove Marina on October 6th.  All cleanups will start at 9 a.m. with registration and end at 1 p.m. The launch locations can be found online at www.norrislakeproject.com/upcoming-cleanups/ or call (865) 457-4547 for location information.

There will be boats available to shuttle volunteers to and from the cleanup sites that are not accessible by land and barges will be used to transfer the trash back to the shore.  However, volunteers are welcome to bring their own boats.  All volunteers are encouraged to wear appropriate shoes, preferably boots, bring gloves and bring a life jacket.

“We conduct these cleanups to not only clean up the illegally dumped trash but to also raise public awareness,” said Julie Graham, executive director of the Middle East Tennessee Tourism

Council. “We want to encourage boaters, campers and other users of the lake to dispose of their trash properly and eliminate the need for these cleanups.”

The Norris Lake Project Team is a grassroots effort of individuals, organizations, businesses and agencies to preserve the water quality of Norris Lake, conserve the land surrounding the lake and encourage the stakeholders of the lake to do their part in keeping Norris Lake the cleanest and safest recreational asset in Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger and Union counties.

If you are interested in volunteering, visit www.norrislakeproject.com to find a location near you, to register and to get more information. Volunteers can also register the morning of the cleanup. Please note that minors must be accompanied by an adult and have a registration and release form signed by a parent.  Call (865) 457-4547 or email info@norrislakeproject.com for more information.

The Norris Lake Project Team is a partnership with the Anderson County Tourism Council, Campbell County Chamber of Commerce, Union County Chamber of Commerce, Norris Lake Marina Association, Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Norris Dam State Park, Big Ridge State Park, Anderson County Litter Grant, Campbell County Litter Control, Highlands HOA, Norris Shores HOA and Lone Mountain HOA.