Anglers in search of that elusive fish whose measurements will grow

each time the story is told may have a better idea where to look beginning later this fall.

Even though Christmas ended weeks ago one final gift from 2002 will benefit the fish and fishermen at Lake Vesuvius for years to come.

The Christmas Tree Recycling Program, sponsored by the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District and the U.S. Forestry Service, came to a conclusion last week after collecting 327 discarded trees, 77 more than last year.

"Not only does this program provide the Forestry Service with valuable fish habitat for the lake, it also helps divert recyclable materials from our area landfills," Dale Mootz, program director for the Solid Waste District, said. "By doing this we get one step closer to reaching the recycling goals mandated for the county by the Ohio EPA."

All the trees will be used to construct the habitats when the lake is refilled and restocked later this year.

Mootz said he would attribute the program's increased success to a greater public awareness.

"The whole concept is symbolic of the attitude that needs to be fostered to make recycling work," he said. "Even recycling something as simple as these trees makes a big difference."

Mike Freidhof, assistant ranger for the Ironton district in the Wayne National Forest, said adding fish habitats is equally beneficial to the aquatic life and the anglers.

"The habitats will be created around the boardwalk and we will mark them," he said. "It really helps the success rate of people fishing."

Lake Vesuvius was drained in February 2001 and should be refilled this fall after the boardwalk is constructed. Then, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will restock the lake, a process that will continue for three or four years, he said.