It started with 1,000 tires and a dumpster filled with garbage. That was the first Albert Lea Lake cleanup in 1995. Since then, the Lakes Restoration Committee has organized a water cleanup effort every year:

– Removal of 8 tons of scrap metal from Albert Lea Lake

– Annual cleanup of area lakes and rivers

– Outreach program to encourage farmers to put in filter strips

– Partnerships with schools on storm water education projects

– Partnership with government units that wrote the “Seven Scenarios” report for Albert Lea Lake

The committee remains active, and has scheduled a cleanup of Albert Lea Lake for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Sign-in will be at the Pelican Breeze boat landing at Frank Hall Park. The committee, working with Crystal-Pierz Marine, will provide garbage bags, gloves, refreshments, and prizes. Volunteers will also receive a free T-shirt, sponsored by T & J Upholstery and Security Insurance, as a thank you.

To sign up for lake cleanup, volunteers may call Bruce Haugsdal at 373-2743.