HOOVER, Ala. (WBRC) – What do you do with your Christmas trees after the holiday has passed? The city of Hoover and Alabama Power have the answer for you.
As they have done in years past, Hoover and Alabama Power have teamed up to help repurpose discarded live, non-artificial, Christmas Trees. Alabama Power uses the trees in a fish habitat enhancement program.
“Since 1993 we have been repurposing Christmas trees and building structures to place in our company managed reservoirs as fish attracting devices,” Alabama Power explains. “And as a matter of fact, we have recycled over 60,000 trees in that time. We bundle trees together and anchor them with concrete blocks, then record the locations with a GPS for the public to access. We usually work with fishing clubs, lake associations, school fishing teams, or any interested parties to conduct this program.”
Alabama Power goes on to say as reservoirs get older, things began to decline so they are making sure they are going back and enhancing some of those areas.
“As reservoirs age, the natural structure, trees and stumps that fish use as cover, begin to deteriorate. We are simply going back and enhancing some of these habitats. When we do, algae begin to form which attract macro invertebrates, insect colonies etc. which in turn attract small fish. Ultimately, they will attract larger fish, and then fishermen, creating a complete food chain. So, we are basically providing the basis for a mini ecosystem when we place these structures.”
Hoover residents are encouraged to drop off their trees anytime between Dec. 26 – Dec. 31 at the new drop-off location behind the Hoover Public Library.
You can also place your discarded trees curbside for a home pickup and then request a “bulky pickup item” through the My Hoover Connect App, by emailing myhooverconnect@hooveralabama.gov, or by calling 205-739-7311.
Trees that are picked up curbside will not be used in the Alabama Power Program.
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