More than 50 volunteers who participated in the March 3 Second Annual Alamo Lake Cleanup helped collect three dump-truck loads of trash from the lake shore and surrounding area.

"This would not have been accomplished without these volunteers," said Stewart

Kohnke, wildlife manager and event coordinator. He said that volunteers have donated over 475 hours of volunteer time this year.

Kohnke said he is proud that Alamo Lake was referred to as "the cleanest lake in the state" by outdoor columnist Bob Hirsch after last year's cleanup. "People are more apt to keep a campsite clean if they find it clean. This year we had more people and picked up less trash, proving that volunteers can make a difference."

Volunteers included 31 Wenden Young Marines, Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club members, Desert Splash Bass Club, and other local residents. One of the Young Marines stated, "I didn't know that picking up trash could be so much fun."

Kohnke would especially like to thank the Wayside Inn campers that put in 100 hours each year "picking up everything from the kitchen sink to a complete truck frame including the engine block."

The cleanup is an annual event and if you or your group would like to participate next year contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Yuma office a7 520-342-0091.

Arizona Game and Fish Dept.

EDITOR: Rory Aikens at (602) 789-3214 or email raikens@gf.state.az.us or Frosty Taylor at (602) 789-3223