Fuquay-Varina Fishing Spot Will Close to the Public

Mike Poehlman has been bringing his son to the same fishing hole in Fuquay-Varina for two years. The 21-acre lake and 13 acres of land around it belong to the local American Legion.

"This is what kids growing up are supposed to do, go out and fish and have some fun," says Poehlman, while out with his family. "But when they don't have access to places like this, it makes it that much harder to get out."

Unfortunately for the Poehlmans, some people have turned the scenic site into a junk heap. Cans and bottles litter the shoreline. Tires, construction debris and other junk are piled up nearby.

American Legion member Emery Lacy believes the problem is due to "the lack of respect for the land and the pond."

"We know it's probably only one or two percent of the people, but which one or two percent?" Lacy says.

The culprits have never been caught. Members of the American Legion have been cleaning up after them for years, but no more. The Legion recently made a tough decision to close the lake to the public.

Poehlman is disappointed, but he understands. "I can understand with trash and people not respecting it. You just don't want to make it a cesspool of stuff," he says.

The American Legion plans to post "no trespassing" signs around the lake on October 1. Members hope the sheriff's department and state wildlife officers will help police the lake area once the signs are posted.