OWLS HEAD — The Clean Shores Society of Maine has proclaimed Jan. 11 as “B-Day,” the day when their “Assault on the Beach” will officially begin.

On that day, and on Saturday, Jan. 12, the group will begin removing the accumulated refuse from a 2 1/2-mile stretch of beach, beginning with the Owls Head Lighthouse, and finishing near Broad Cove.

“This is an important day for us,” said Society President Mark Sisco.”We have several school groups that have agreed to pitch in and help, and we hope to have quite a few volunteers from the communities. We’ve chosen to start this project in the middle of winter for several reasons.

“First of all, physically it’s a challenge, and we know that the people who have volunteered to help out are really committed to seeing this thing work. And second, we want people to know we mean business. We’re committed to completing the entire harbor by April.”

Project director Randy Libbey added, “It’s an exciting goal. We know we’re doing a good service for the environment and for the community, and the people of Rockland have offered us terrific support.”

The group plans to have the next cleanup sometime in February, and according to Sisco, they are on track for giving the whole harbor shoreline a good scrubbing by April, providing that the funds can be raised.

They plan to recycle as much as possible, and the group has been exploring various options for recycling such materials as tires, wood, and plastics. “Economics are always a factor in recycling efforts, particularly trucking costs,” said Sisco, “but we’re trying hard to find alternatives to throwing it all on the dump.”

All those wishing to help out can call or write the Clean Shores Society, P.O. Box 249, Jefferson. Also, signup sheets will be posted at Shop ‘n Save Supermarket, the Chuck Wagon Restaurant, and the Reading Corner.