Dip in your oars and help clean up Inks Lake’s shores
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
HOOVER’S VALLEY — Whether intentional or not, Inks Lake gets a bit “trashy” during the year.
But on Oct. 19, you can do something about it. Inks Lake State Park is hosting a canoe and kayak shore cleanup 2-4 p.m.
“During the summer, a lot of trash ends up on the lake,” park interpreter Sean Jones said. “And the way the wind blows and the lake’s geography is, a lot of it ends up here in the cove.”
Inks Lake, one of the smallest of the Highland Lakes chain, might not get the traffic Lake LBJ gets, but it still enjoys robust attention. Unfortunately, because of its size and geography, trash often gets funneled into the water. While there are many homes along the shore, a portion of the lake remains undeveloped, and garbage can get caught up in the trees and bushes at the edge of the water.[box]IF YOU GO
WHAT: Canoe and kayak shore cleanup
WHEN: 2-4 p.m. Oct. 19
WHERE: Inks Lake State Park, 3630 Park Road 4 West in Burnet County
COST: Free with park entrance fees
FOR MORE: Contact Sean Jones at sean.jones@tpwd.texas.gov or (512) 793-2223[/box]
During the clean-up, Jones said the park will provide “grabbers” and trash bags. The park does have a limited number of canoes and kayaks, but people with their own are encouraged to bring them.
“We’ll just head out and clean up the shoreline and lake,” Jones said. “It’s something we like to do, especially now that summer is over.”
There is no fee to participate in the clean-up, but park entrance fees apply. The fees are $6 for people 13 and older; $3 for people 65 and older; and free for children 12 and under. People should meet behind the park store.
The park is located at 3630 Park Road 4 West in Burnet County. Contact Jones at sean.jones@tpwd.texas.gov or (512) 793-2223 for more information.
Other activities at Inks Lake State Park include:
- Sunset Cruise, Oct. 17 and 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tour the lake from Inks Dam to Buchanan Dam on electric boats. Pre-registration required; $20 for adults, $16 for Texas State Park Pass holders and $16 for senior adults and children. Call (512) 793-2223 for information. Park entrance fee required.
- Fishing with the Ranger, Oct. 18 from 6-7 p.m. Everybody is welcome to the free, catch-and-release instructional program. No license required for adults while fishing on state property. Room for up to 30 participants. The park does have some poles and worms available. No cost except park entrance fee. No reservations required.
- Stumpy Hollow Hike, Oct. 19 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. A Highland Lakes Master Naturalist guides this one-hour hike. People can learn about the various wildlife habitats and vegetation. The program is free, but park entrance fees apply. Meet at the Pecan Flats trailhead.
- Geocaching 101 Workshop, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. This program introduces people to the world of modern treasure hunting, also known as geocaching. People will learn the basics of geocaching and what equipment they need (hint if you own a smartphone, you’re well on your way to adventure). The program costs $3 along with park fees. Pre-register by calling (512) 793-2223.
daniel@thepicayune.com