Donated trees are to be repurposed as fish habitat in lakes across the state

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (WVDEP) Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP), in conjunction with West Virginia State Parks and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), is hosting a Christmas tree recycling event Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Charleston’s Capitol Market.

The collected trees are to be repurposed as fish habitat in lakes around the state, including Cheat, Tygart, Stonewall Jackson, Stonecoal, Burnsville, Sutton, Summersville, Big Ditch, Sherwood, R.D. Baily, Beech Fork, and East Lynn lakes, and the Apple Grove Hatchery in Mason County.

There is no limit to the number of trees each person can donate, and there is no size limit. Prior to being donated, all the decorations – including artificial snow, lights, tinsel, and bulbs – must be removed from the tree. The trees must be real trees, and the branches must be attached to the tree; individual branches of trees cannot be accepted.

WVDEP and WVDNR staff will be at the Capitol Market to help unload trees from cars and trucks. Those who donate trees can register for prizes, including three one-night stays at North Bend State Park and $25 gift certificate to Capitol Market. Each person who donates a tree will receive a free gift, courtesy of WVDEP-REAP.