It took over 100 volunteers and two weekends to collect several tons of trash and debris from Lake Brownwood, and coordinators of the effort are pleased with the results.

“We took out about 7 tons of trash and garbage from the lake bed over the last two Saturdays,” said Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Marketing Manager Ray Tipton.  “We are pleased with the results and think it made a real improvement at the lake.”

In addition to the garbage, Tipton said that volunteers collected about 130 tires and almost 3 tons of scrap metal which were all recycled. 

“The volunteers made the real difference here,” Tipton said. “We appreciate everyone who came out to help.”

Dozens of Howard Payne University students also volunteered to clean up the lake by participating in their periodic community service project, SWARM. 

 “The Howard Payne kids worked hard and helped clean up a lot trash,” said Lieutenant Troy Henderson of the Lake Patrol.  “We had the roll-off (Dumpster) almost overflowing.”

Waterfront property owners also participated by cleaning up areas around their properties and bringing it to the designated drop-off locations. 

The Lake Brownwood cleanup was a joint effort by the Brown County Water Improvement District, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Early Chamber of Commerce, Lake Brownwood Community Development Council, and Keep Brownwood Beautiful.  Property owners and volunteers helped to pick up trash and debris in the dry bed of Lake Brownwood on August 13 & 20 that were exposed due to the low water level.

Organizers said that if the lake continues to decline in the coming months, another cleanup will likely be organized.

Pictured above volunteers help move trash and debris to the drop-off site Saturday, August 20 at the boat ramp near the Lake Brownwood spillway.