We are fast approaching the time the Corps plans to drop our lakes more than 2' for the winter. The 10 week projections show Lake Thurmond more than 2' down as of November 16. If you want our lakes to be full next spring and summer we cannot afford for the Corps to follow the current guide curve which calls for the lakes to drop 4' over the winter.
The corps can and has argued that they need extensive studies before they can determine how low they take release rates. But the amount they drop the lakes over the winter has nothing to do with all this. The 4' basis used in the past was set up based on having just Lake Thurmond to collect the higher rainfalls that occur in Winter and Spring. We now have 3 lakes instead of just Lake Thurmond and 2' now is the same safety valve 4' used to give when all we had was Lake Thurmond. Additionally, the100yr rain event that occurred this summer showed the lakes would not have exceeded full pool if we had started 2' below full pool.
I have heard that the Colonel has agreed to look into this in the fall. It would not be a bad idea to go ahead now and make your thoughts known to the Colonel, your congressional representatives, and your governor (both Governors have expressed great interest in keeping our lakes full). Waiting until November to see what the Corps does is too late to save next Spring and Summer.
Incidentally, Gary Gerard who is a candidate for Paul Broun's vacated seat has expressed interest in helping us solve our dilemma with the Corps. He will be at Soap Creek Marina for a meet and greet at the restaurant building, Thursday September 26 between 5 and 6:30. Aside from meeting Mark, this would be a good time for you to find out how serious he is about helping us with the Corps and make sure he knows your concerns.
Jon Clerry, spokesman for Save Our Lakes Now
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