NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

April 15, 1998

CONTACT: Adriene Furukawa (407) 856-5300

EARTH DAY CLEAN UP AT CLEAR LAKE SET FOR APRIL 25

Clear Lake in Orlando is the target of a  Earth Day clean up project that organizers hope will help spruce up the area and make fishing in the lake a more pleasurable experience.

But with environmental clean ups in April being about as common as sunny days in Florida, how can people decide where they want to put forth their efforts?

"We're hoping that the people who live around the lake, and those who like to fish Clear Lake or use George Barker Park, will develop a sense of pride about their area, and come out and help clean the place up," said Adriene Furukawa, organizer of the event and a fisheries biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Clear Lake is one of the FWC's Fish Orlando! lakes and was selected for this unique program because it offers urban anglers both pier and bank fishing opportunities. Unfortunately, over the years the area has become a bit of a dumping ground which is bad for the environment as well as being an eyesore.

"Earth Day is a day to give back to our resources. While corporate sponsors and governmental entities are organizing this clean up, it won't be a success without the support of community volunteers who are willing to get out there and get their hands dirty," said Furukawa. "It seems like a small price to pay when we consume so much on a daily basis. So please, come join us, do your part and make fishing better for Orlando."

Volunteers should wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring sunscreen, insect repellent and gloves. Trash bags will be provided.

The clean up is being presented by the FWC, the city of Orlando and Keep Florida Beautiful, and will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. until noon at George Barker Park located at the north end of the lake. After the clean up all participants are invited to the park for free t-shirts, refreshments and prizes provided by Disney World and Sports Authority.

For more information or directions to the park, call Furukawa at (407) 846-5300. This is a Fish Orlando! project, dedicated to bringing better fishing opportunities to Orlando.