In the latest Balancing the Basin Colonel Tickner addresses the issue of winter drawdowns. He, I'm sure, is genuine in his effort to do what is right. While it is obvious the NOAA has been heard from, it is equally obvious there was no representation from Lake Stakeholders in this decision. Had Lake Stakeholders (ones who are actively involved in the huge Recreation Infrastructure around our lakes) been involved, there would have been a much different dialogue.
I do not doubt that Colonel Tickner has the best of intentions but the road to failure is paved with good intentions. What is missing from the discussion is that following the existing guide lines has led to horrible consequences 3 times in the past 10 years. Also missing is consideration for the fact that we now have 3 lakes collecting winter runoff instead of just Lake Thurmond such that a 2' drawdown now is virtually identical to the 4' set in the original guidelines.
Another disturbing undertone in the message from Colonel Tickner is his plan to make no changes in the drought plan which has failed us miserably. We understand the logic of doing more studies to understand the system better. But we also recognize that the Corps needs to factor in the lessons of the past 3 droughts and improve on release rates as well as back off on the drawdown. While studies are needed to truly optimize the system, existing experience is more than sufficient to permit numerous changes that would better protect our recreational infrastructure.
All I can say is we need for all Lake Stakeholders to continue to bombard your congressmen and the Corps with a request to recognize the increased lake storage capacity for run off and decrease the draw down accordingly. And we need to demand that experience learned from recent droughts be applied to make improvements to our drought plan.
Jon Clerry, Spokesman for Save Our Lakes Now
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