If you want to repurpose your used cut Christmas tree, you can recycle it for new fish habitat.
Beginning Thursday, December 26, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will be collecting natural Christmas trees across the state. The collection will continue until mid-January.
Habitat Program Coordinator Joseph Zimmerman says Christmas for the Fishes gives people the opportunity to participate in their year-round conservation efforts. Instead of your tree going to a landfill, he says it can be recycled into something that directly helps fish and wildlife in Kentucky.
Donated trees must be free of lights, tinsel, ornaments, and any other decorations. Officials add limbs, wreaths or other brush are not encouraged.
Local drop off locations include:
– Hopkinsville Walmart parking lot located at 300 Clinic Drive between the Walmart and Home Depot
– West Cadiz Park day-use area next to the fishing pond
– Old Kuttawa recreation Area in Lyon County, located at 2856 Lake Barkley Drive in the parking lot near the swimming beach
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff will bundle trees to place in lakes throughout the state to provide fish attractors. Officials indicate this practice not only gives use to discarded Christmas trees, but it also adds food sources and protective cover for Kentucky’s aquatic species.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife receives around 3,000 donated trees each year. Thanks to these habitat supplements, officials say anglers have reported higher catch rates for crappie and bass.
