Lake is a great asset

The image a community portrays has much to do with how it's perceived by others. And a neat, clean, well cared for community will attract visitors — and keep them coming back.

Green River Lake has much to do with our community's attractiveness.

Whether it's fishing, water sports, camping or simply relaxing with friends, there's literally something for everyone to enjoy at the lake. There are also several miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

But if those areas are used as a dumping ground for garbage, why would anyone want to visit?

Each year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sponsors a lakeshore cleanup, which gives volunteers a chance to do their part in helping take care of the environment.

This past Saturday, more than 200 people showed up to help rid our lakeshore areas of garbage that has been dumped. It's a shame that such an effort is needed every year.

We're grateful to those who showed up this year — and in past years — to volunteer their time and energy to return Green River Lake to its beautiful state.

And that's important ... so that we can all enjoy the lake for years to come.