2020 Post Ice-fishing Season Lake Clean-up (9th Annual)
After all the Ice Shelters have been removed from the lakes, there always is a collection of debris left behind. If this trash remains on the ice and enters the lake after ice-out, it will have a negative effect on the lake's environment. To prevent this trash from falling to the bottom of the lake, we would like everyone to join in on a CITO effort to go out and remove anything remaining on the ice after the Ice Shelters are removed for the season.
Here is the plan:
- Event day: Saturday, March 7, 2020
- Location: Bellaire Park, White Bear Lake, MN
- Time: 10am to 11:45 am
- Parking: In addition to the park lot, there is limited parking on the beach. If ice conditions allow, people can also park on the ice at their own risk.
- Who: Geocachers, Local Scout Troops and Packs, Area Residents, and any others interested in helping out.
Schedule:
- 10am: Kickoff speech by a representative from the Area Water Conservation District and any other local dignitaries in attendance.
- 10:05 am: Please find me at my vehicle to receive a trash bag and instructions as to what area of the lake Geocachers will be cleaning up and head out on the lake to pick up trash. I will park as close to the posted coordinates as possible. Trash will be piled at a designated location nearby for group photos and then placed in park dumpsters. White Bear Township has given permission to use the dumpsters.
- 11:15 am: Group Photo near the trash collected.
- 11:30 am: Everyone return from the lake for a free lunch provided by a local civic organization. This year lunch will be Pizzas donated by the VFW. We will be eating at the picnic shelter. Be sure to put your name on the list with the number of people you bring along so there is enough food.
- 11:45 am: CITO Event all done. Thanks and we'll see you all next year.
According to the Water Conservation District representatives, typical trash items that are left out on the ice are: Pieces of carpet, wood, cans, and bottles (broken and intact). They suggested people bring something along to chop things loose from the ice such as small hatchets or ice choppers and safety glasses for those doing the chopping. It was amazing the items we have found on the ice in past years. Since it's still going to be winter and attendees would normally be wearing gloves, we will not have any available. In each of the last 4 years, over 100 people participated in the lake clean-up. Depending on ice conditions, wearing crampons might also be a good idea to assist in walking or pulling trash to the landing.
As in past years, we will monitor ice conditions. If the lake is not safe, we will re-direct cleanup efforts to public shorelines and nearby parks.
This cleanup is a cooperative effort with local Boy Scout Troops, The MnGCA, White Bear Lake Conservation District, City of White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, and Ramsey County Parks.