Recycle Your Real Christmas Tree with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife

It's not quite time to take down your real Christmas tree unless you want to, but when you do, you have an option that will help wildlife here in Kentucky.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is collecting real trees throughout the state for its "Christmas for the Fishes" program.

Here is how "Christmas for the Fishes" works:

Trees must be free of all lights, tinsel, ornaments, and other decorations. Limbs, wreaths, or other brushes are not encouraged for donation.

"Fish flourish in an environment that is full of different types of cover including trees and logs. The donated trees will help restore woody structures in lakes that decay over time, providing protective cover and shade for a variety of fish species."

Local drop-off locations include here in Daviess County at Grimes Avenue Transfer Station at 2129 Grimes Avenue in Owensboro (phone 270-229-4484 ext. 4) and the Northwest District Fisheries Office in Calhoun, McLean County, phone (270-273-3117). See the complete list of drop-off sites and contact information HERE. Note that sites are open during daylight hours and are not staffed.

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"Donated trees will be anchored to environmentally-friendly weights and submerged at various depths in different lakes and reservoirs across Kentucky to provide places for fish to feed, shelter and spawn. They make great refuge and feeding habitat for game fish, as well as small fish and invertebrates that are crucial for a thriving ecosystem."

The practice not only uses discarded Christmas trees but also provides food sources and protective cover for Kentucky's aquatic species. Anglers have reported higher catch rates for crappie and bass due to the natural tree supplements.