Lend a hand to Lady Grand and join in the efforts to clean our shoreline to make it cleaner and safer for all users of the lake including fish and birds. The breakdown of dock foam into pellets is hazardous to birds. Many types of birds have been found to feed on these pellets, most likely because they mistake them for fish eggs or other types of food.Ingestion of debris can lead to starvation or malnutrition if the ingested items block the intestinal tract, preventing digestion, or accumulate in the digestive tract, making the animal feel “full” and lessening its desire to feed. Marine mammals, turtles, birds, fish, and crustaceans all have been affected by entanglement in or ingestion of floatable debris.
Entanglement in debris is also a problem. An animal might try to use a piece of floatable debris for shelter, as a plaything, or as a source of food (if other plants and animals are already trapped in the debris or if the debris resembles prey that is part of the animal’s normal diet).It can also cause strangulation or suffocation.
Mark your calendar for the annual shoreline clean-up for June 22. You do not want to miss an opportunity to dispose of dock Styrofoam or other debris at no charge. Excluded are tree limbs, tires and household garbage. No commercial dumping of dock foam will be allowed. Large roll-off dumpsters will be available from 9AM to 3PM at the Disney State Park, Ketchum Church of Christ, Bernice State Park and Grove Springs Park on O’Daniel Parkway in Grove (behind McDonald’s restaurant).
This annual event was started by the Grand Lake Sail & Power Squadron in 2005 in partnership with the Grand River Dam Authority. Over the years, large amounts of debris have been removed, especially loose pieces of dock foam. But more help is needed. Civic and church groups, local scout groups and individual shoreline property owners are being asked to identify a neighbor who is unable to physically remove debris from their shoreline property and offer to help.
With over 1300 miles of shoreline, Lady Grand needs all of us to pitch in and help. Speakers are available to talk to groups about the benefits of this project. For more information contact Lori Starks, GRDA at (918) 256-0644.
