| If you live anywhere except under a rock, you | | | | more than fifty percent. According to Jeff at the |
| most likely know Lake Lanier in Georgia has been | | | | core of engineers, the revenue collected by the |
| facing its worst drought since it was built in the | | | | core from the parks and campgrounds is down |
| early fifties. In 2007, the lake hit the record low | | | | fifty percent. Talking to Holiday Marina, the fuel |
| of 1050.79, which was a little over twenty feet | | | | sales are down fifty percent. Most of the boat |
| below full pool. Last year the media nationwide | | | | dealers around the lake have cut their staff to |
| was all over the lake level. Pictures were on the | | | | bare bones. Most of the boat sales around the |
| news every day of boats stuck high and dry on | | | | lake are from customers from surrounding lakes. |
| the shore. A cemetery that was never moved | | | | Access points around the lake are down to a |
| became visible. | | | | hand full on each side of the lake. Most of the |
| In 2008, the media has not covered the condition | | | | boat ramps have been closed for over a year. |
| of the lake due to other important issues facing | | | | Due to contributions from the local community, a |
| society. With the lack of media coverage, many | | | | few of the ramps have been extended. However, |
| believe the lake level has recovered and it is not | | | | most of the ramps that were extended were |
| an issue. This could not be further from the truth. | | | | only down to the water's edge. With the lake level |
| As of early November, the lake level is down | | | | being down seventeen feet, most of these |
| approximately 19 feet. Last year at the same | | | | extensions are still unusable. The one ramp |
| time, the lake level was down approximately | | | | extension with the biggest impact was Charleston |
| thirteen feet. If the rest of the year proves to | | | | Park on the west side of the lake. The ramp was |
| be dry, the record low of last year may soon be | | | | extended below the water line so that the ramp |
| broken. The one good note is that the lake level is | | | | would still be open until the lake drops to 1045, |
| not falling as fast as last year. As a result the | | | | which is 26 feet below full pool. |
| expected lake level should not surpass the record | | | | The future of the lake is going to face many |
| low of last year, but that is only a hope. Most of | | | | challenges. The need for water will become more |
| the drop for this year was carried over from last | | | | critical with each passing year. As we all know, |
| year. The million-dollar question is "When will we | | | | the litigation for control of the water will continue |
| get an above normal rainfall for the year?" | | | | for years. Hopefully, our elected officials, core of |
| Hopefully 2009 will be the year we are waiting for | | | | engineers, and court system will make the right |
| to bring us out of the disaster. If it does not | | | | decisions. |
| happen, I believe the number of business around | | | | For those of you who have not been out on the |
| the lake that go out of business will be staggering. | | | | lake, the lake is still safe to travel if you proceed |
| The economic impact of the drought on the | | | | with caution. The core of engineers does a great |
| surrounding counties of Lake Lanier has to be | | | | job marking any shallow areas. This does not |
| substantial. Being on the lake every day as a | | | | mean to throw caution to the wind. Do not take |
| fishing guide, it is easy to see the number of | | | | any short cuts between any islands, stay in the |
| people enjoying the lake is down fifty percent. | | | | main channel when possible, and keep a close eye |
| From my observations, I would dare to say the | | | | on your depth finder. All of the businesses around |
| number of large boats over 24 feet is down | | | | the lake will greatly appreciate the business. |