The Lake Lanier Association is involved with the newly formed Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint  (ACF) stakeholder group, ACF Stakeholders, Inc. which recently  incorporated in the state of Georgia.

The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, an independent federal agency established by Congress to assist parties in resolving environmental, natural resource, and public lands issue, has assisted the group in its formation. Brian Manwaring, Program Manager with the institute, has provided facilitation services to the group over the last year.

Board members of this group include the Lake Lanier Association's vice president of technology, Wilton Rooks, who is a member of the Executive Committee of the group.   Other board members and members comprise diverse interests and representatives from the entire ACF basin.  The group's mission is to change the operation and management of the ACF Basin to achieve equitable solutions among stakeholders that balance economic, ecological and social values and to achieve viable solutions which ensure that the entire basin is a sustainable resource for current and future generations.  The organization will be consensus-based.

The group now has a website, www.acfstakeholders.org, which includes the application for membership, the charter/bylaws, organizational chart and presentation material that explains the purposes and history of the organization. Membership is open to any individual, non-profit, business or governmental agency living within the ACF boundaries. For additional information visit the website or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
Final date for dock permit applications approaching

The Corps sent out a press release yesterday reminding the public that October 13, 2009 is the final date for the remaining dock permit applications.  Details on the process can be read in this release.

Vicki BarnhorstExecutive Director

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (Corps) Mobile District at Lake Sidney Lanier reminds property owners there are only 14-days remaining for receiving applications into the lottery for the remaining dock permit requests. 

The Lake Lanier Shoreline Management Plan and accompanying Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) completed in 2004 included a carrying capacity study for Lake Lanier which set the limit of boat docks available on the lake at 10,615.

“Since we are nearing the maximum capacity for boat dock permits and don’t know exactly how many additional requests for permits we will receive, we will conduct a lottery style drawing to give all applicants an equal opportunity and to determine the order of precedence for reviewing the remaining permit requests,” said Lisa Coghlan, Deputy Public Affairs Officer.

If you own property adjacent to Lake Lanier and would like to have your property reviewed for a new dock permit you may visit www.lakelaniersupl.com to obtain the proper form and instructions to submit your Request Letter.  The form may also be obtained at the Lanier Project Management Office. 

Applicants have a 90-day open period that started on July 15, 2009 and runs through October 13, 2009 to submit Request Forms by mail only. Your request form should be mailed to Lake Lanier Permits, P.O. Box 9, Gonzalez, FL, 32560. An outside firm will collect the Request Forms, enter them into a database, and scrub the list for errors and duplicates. Only one request will be accepted per property. Duplicate requests for the same property will be disallowed.

Each week the firm will post on the Lanier drawing website at www.lakelaniersupl.com a list of the requests received from the prior week so you can insure your request form was delivered. About one week after the open period, a final list will be published online representing those requests confirmed for the lottery drawing.

On October 28, 2009 at 9:30 am CDST there will be a random drawing held to determine the order that the requests will be reviewed. This drawing will be webcast live and shown by video feed at the Spring Hill Suites Hotel located across from the Mall of Georgia at 3250 Buford Drive in Buford, GA .  A link to the webcast will be available at www.lakelaniersupl.com or at http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil

The request letters will be evaluated in the order that they were randomly selected to determine if they meet the complete site and eligibility requirements, as outlined in the Shoreline Management Plan. A copy of the plan is posted on Lake Lanier’s website.  Final decisions will be furnished in writing.

A copy of the Official Certified Lottery results will be added to the Lake Lanier Project website and used to track the ranked properties, the results of their evaluation under the Shoreline Management Plan, and the currently available number of dock permits. 

Last Monday, your Lake Lanier Association appealed Judge Magnuson's July 17 Order to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

It was a significant victory for us that Judge Magnuson did not rule against recreation as an authorized purpose, as Florida and Alabama had argued.  However, he did say that unless the Corps obtains authorization from Congress for the water supply levels currently being supported, it must return to "baseline operations of the mid-1970's" at the end of three years.  Not only do we disagree with the Judge's conclusion regarding water supply, but because it is unclear exactly what operational parameters he is contemplating or what the ramifications of those parameters will be for Lake Lanier's recreation-based economy. It is crucial for us to make our voices heard at the appellate level.  The Association will pursue its appeal while also attending to Phase 2 of the litigation, which addresses Florida's press for increased flows across the state line.

We must not give up!  In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever for us to protect our homes, lives, and livelihoods that depend upon this great Lake.  We must continue to press our case in court, and to pursue Congressional re-authorization of LakeLanier for recreation as well as water supply.  Your Association needs your support NOW - please give generously to help us represent you effectively both in court and in the statehouse.

A reminder that the 21st  Annual Shore Sweep is this Saturday, September 19 – rain or shine!

We are looking for two more site volunteers, one to help out at Port Royale and the other to be at the old road bed for Hwy 53 close to Lanier Bridge.  If you are interested in helping, please call the office as soon as possible at 770-503-7757.  All the information on the various sites and the dropoff locations for large items are on the flyer on our Web site.

We have added one more site for large items being moved by boat which is the old 53 road bed in Hall County, which is the first cove north of Lanier Bridge.  Marine Specialties will have 3-4 barges on the water to assist boaters transporting styrofoam and large debris.  If you are taking large items to marinas in Hall County, please only take them to Aqualand, Gainesville Marina and Clarks Bridge Park and leave them secured and floating in the water by the boat ramp.

Large items in Forsyth County can be taken to Bald Ridge or Port Royale and must be taken out of the water.  There is another drop off site at the end of Beaver Ruin Rd which is accessible by water only on the south side of YD 4 – 5.

The party is at Van Pugh Park North this year from 1 – 3 pm.  Van Pugh North is at the end of Gaines Ferry Road in Flowery Branch.  We need donations of small gifts for raffle prizes for our young volunteers.  If you can donate gift certificates, small gifts or services, please bring them to the office by Friday afternoon or bring them to the party on Saturday.  We’d appreciate as much help as possible this year.

We had a record number of entries for our T-shirt contest this year and we thank all the participants.  The winner is Rose McKenna from Cumming and her design will be on the T-shirts.

We thank you all for your support and look forward to seeing you on Saturday when hopefully the sun will be shining on our fuller lake.

A reminder that the 21st Annual Shore Sweep is this Saturday, September 19 - rain or shine!
We are looking for two more site volunteers, one to help out at Port Royale and the other to be at the old road bed for Hwy 53 close to Lanier Bridge.  If you are interested in helping, please call the office as soon as possible at 770-503-7757.  All the information on the various sites and the dropoff locations for large items are on the flyer on our Web site.

We have added one more site for large items being moved by boat which is the old 53 road bed in Hall County, which is the first cove north of Lanier Bridge.  Marine Specialties will have 3-4 barges on the water to assist boaters transporting styrofoam and large debris.  If you are taking large items to marinas in Hall County, please only take them to Aqualand Marina, Gainesville Marina and Clarks Bridge Park and leave them secured and floating in the water by the boat ramp.

Large items in Forsyth County can be taken to Bald Ridge or Port Royale Marina and must be taken out of the water.  There is another drop off site at the end of Beaver Ruin Rd which is accessible by water only on the south side of YD 4 - 5.

The party is at Van Pugh Park North this year from 1 - 3 pm.  Van Pugh North is at the end of Gaines Ferry Road in Flowery Branch.  We need donations of small gifts for raffle prizes for our young volunteers.  If you can donate gift certificates, small gifts or services, please bring them to the office by Friday afternoon or bring them to the party on Saturday.  We'd appreciate as much help as possible this year.

We had a record number of entries for our T-shirt contest this year and we thank all the participants.  The winner is Rose McKenna from Cumming and her design will be on the T-shirts.

We thank you all for your support and look forward to seeing you on Saturday when hopefully the sun will be shining on our fuller lake.

The event will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., and volunteers may pick up bags to collect trash from the shoreline at one of the designated sites on the lake, as listed below.   In return for a full bag of trash, the volunteers will receive a 2009 Shore Sweep T-shirt, and an invitation to the Shore Sweep volunteer appreciation party which will take place from 1 pm until 3 pm at Van Pugh Park North in Flowery Branch. Party attendees will enjoy free food and beverages, entertainment and a chance to win raffle prizes.

Shore Sweep Sites

• Gwinnett County
• Lanier Harbor Marina
• Hall County
• Aqualand Marina
• Clarks Bridge Park
• Gainesville Marina
• Holiday Marina
• Lake Lanier Islands
• Lazy Days Marina
• Starboard Cove Marina
• Sunrise Cove Marina
• Forsyth County
• Bald Ridge Marina
• Habersham Marina
• Port Royale Marina
• Dawson County
• War Hill Park

Boaters bringing in Styrofoam and large items may take them to the dumpsters on the south side of Young Deer Creek between markers 4 and 5, designated dumpsters at Aqualand Marina, Gainesville Marina, Bald Ridge Marina, Clarks Bridge Park, Starboard Cove Marina and War Hill Park. Marine Specialties’ barges will again this year be on the main lake to help volunteers in boats take large items to designated dumpsters.

We are looking for site volunteers for Shore Sweep, which involves being at one of the locations from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., handing out trash bags, maps and general information and giving volunteers a T-shirt when they return with full bags of trash. If you are interested in helping, please email us.

Please send us directions to any areas of the shoreline you have seen recently which have a lot of trash so we can try to send volunteers to those locations.

The Lake Lanier Association thanks Dawson County, Keep Forsyth County Beautiful, Hall County,
J & J Disposal, Martin Docks, and Marine Specialties for their commitment to Shore Sweep and their assistance with trash collection and disposal.  It also thanks Publix and Coca-Cola for helping with refreshments for the volunteer party. A complete list of sponsors can be seen on the Shore Sweep flyer on our Web site.

We thank all the dedicated Shore Sweep volunteers for their participation and support and look forwarding to seeing them again on September 19!

For more information, please contact the office at 770-503-7757.

The Lake Lanier Association will hold its twenty-first Annual Shore Sweep on Saturday, September 19, 2009.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., and volunteers may pick up bags to collect trash from the shoreline at one of the designated sites on the lake, as listed below.   In return for a full bag of trash, the volunteers will receive a 2009 Shore Sweep T-shirt, and an invitation to the Shore Sweep volunteer appreciation party which will take place from 1 pm until 3 pm at Van Pugh Park North in Flowery Branch. Party attendees will enjoy free food and beverages, entertainment and a chance to win raffle prizes.

Shore Sweep Sites

• Lanier Harbor Marina
• Aqualand Marina
• Clarks Bridge Park
• Gainesville Marina
• Holiday Marina
• Lake Lanier Islands
• Lazy Days Marina
• Starboard Cove Marina
• Sunrise Cove Marina
• Bald Ridge Marina
• Habersham Marina
• Port Royale Marina
• War Hill Park

Boaters bringing in Styrofoam and large items may take them to the dumpsters on the south side of Young Deer Creek between markers 4 and 5, designated dumpsters at Aqualand Marina, Gainesville Marina, Bald Ridge Marina, Clarks Bridge Park, Starboard Cove Marina and War Hill Park. Marine Specialties' barges will again this year be on the main lake to help volunteers in boats take large items to designated dumpsters.

We are looking for site volunteers for Shore Sweep, which involves being at one of the locations from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., handing out trash bags, maps and general information and giving volunteers a T-shirt when they return with full bags of trash. If you are interested in helping, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it directions to any areas of the shoreline you have seen recently which have a lot of trash so we can try to send volunteers to those locations.

The Lake Lanier Association thanks Dawson County, Keep Forsyth County Beautiful, Hall County, J & J Disposal, Martin Docks, and Marine Specialties for their commitment to Shore Sweep and their assistance with trash collection and disposal.  It also thanks Publix and Coca-Cola for helping with refreshments for the volunteer party. A complete list of sponsors can be seen on the Shore Sweep flyer on our Web site.

We thank all the dedicated Shore Sweep volunteers for their participation and support and look forwarding to seeing them again on September 19!
 
For more information, please contact the office at 770-503-7757.  

Join us for the  21st Annual Shore Sweep on September 19, 2009 from 8 a.m.— 1 p.m .

Pick up trash bags and return filled bags for your free T-shirt and an invitation to the 21st Annual Shore Sweep Volunteer Appreciation Party at Van Pugh Park North in Flowery Branch from 1—4 pm. Call 770-503-7757 for more information.

SHORE SWEEP SITES

Hall County

• Aqualand Marina
• Clarks Bridge Park 
• Gainesville Marina
• Holiday Marina  
• Lake Lanier Islands
• Lazy Days Marina
• Lanier Harbor Marina 
• Starboard Cove Marina   
• Sunrise Cove Marina 

Forsyth County

• Bald Ridge Marina
• Habersham Marina  
• Port Royale Marina  

Dawson County

• War Hill Park

The Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club (LCKC) is hosting the National Championship this weekend from August 20 - 23, and needs volunteers with boats to help at the event.

They will need approximately 4 boats -  two deckboats or pontoons and two smaller boats (jon/tracker style) for safety boats. It is our understanding that the company which was to provide these boats has let them down at the last minute.

If anyone would like help, LCKC would be very grateful and will reimburse your gas.

If you are interested, pleased contact the LCKC representative, Tim Watson, directly at 404 915 8145, or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Approximately 300 athletes from all across the United States and from several other countries are expected for the three days of competition. In addition to individual honors, the athletes will be vying to bring the title of National Champion Team home to their club. Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club has won this title seven times in the past twelve years, and hopes to make it eight times by the end of the competition.

The Corps of Engineers/Savannah District will hold a public meeting this coming Thursday, August 6, on the proposed Glades Reservoir in North Hall County. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Georgia Mountains Center in Gainesville.

Hall County submitted an application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Savannah District, requesting a permit to build this water supply reservoir. The public hearing is part of a public comment period which the Corps has extended to 60 days because of the recent Tri-States ruling in federal court.

If you are unable to attend the meeting and would still like to comment, please send your written comments before September 6 to:

Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Piedmont Branch
Attn: Mr. Justin Hammonds
1590 Adamson Parkway, Suite 200
Morrow, GA 30260-1777

Reference:  Glades Reservoir, USACE Project Number 200700388.

The Lake Lanier Association supports this project, and you can read its position statement on the Web site.