On June 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Whitaker Bank will be holding a community service event to clean up waste and pollution at Cave Run Lake. All members of the community are encouraged to attend this free event and help with the beautification of the lake.
Recent storms and flooding have led to various forms of pollution and waste washing up into the lake, polluting the water and lakeside. Tyler Brown, Rowan County’s Environmental Service Coordinator, says most of the pollution at the lake is plastic.
“It’s not just people who are out on the lake; it’s from the flood waters washing stuff into the lake from the community and surrounding counties,” said Brown.
Additionally, Cave Run Lake brings revenue and economic opportunity for Rowan County as it attracts tourists from all over the state and country. Dylan Lambert, Director of Operations for Rowan County Fiscal Court, encouraged the community to take pride in the beauty of the lake to keep tourists coming.
“I think it’s important to highlight to everyone in the community just how big of an economic impact on tourism that our lake is for us. Being able to keep that clean and somewhere people want to come back and bring their families and spend their money in our community is a vital importance not just for our enjoyment but for people who travel here,” said Lambert.
The first 50 volunteers at this event will receive a free T-shirt as well as food provided by Whitaker Bank. Tyler Brown said those who need community service hours can get signatures from officials there, including himself and Dylan Lambert. Volunteers are asked to meet at the spillway located at Cave Run where trash bags and grabbers will be provided.