Seems to be a lot of debris in the lake lately.  I have been in communication with GA Power about it.  They are concerned about it as well, because it jams up the flashboards at the dam.  The are seeking solutions for the problem.

I found this solution that was installed in the Cumberland river in Kentucky:

http://www.kypride.org/photos/categories.php?cat_id=270

This could be installed up the rivers to prevent debris from entering the lake.  I think this would be a huge improvement for our lake, and based on the pictures, it looks like it works very well.

I sent this to GA Power, and it was supposedly forwarded to the "higher-ups" for consideration.  If anyone has any influence at GA Power, I think this would definitely something worth pursuing.

I suppose it's difficult to tell, do we think 80% of the lake debris comes down the rivers?  As opposed to wash in from the shoreline?

Based on what I've seen do we get more trash from the south river than from the Alcovy or T'haw creek?

I should think next steps would be figuring out how to sell it to the property owners where the gates are installed.  The Kentucky examples might help in that regard too.

I'm sure you'd also have to figure out environmental impact.  impact to fish populations, water fowl etc.  Based on the pictures perhaps that's not too big a deal.

How much does trash (particularly trees) cost the dam operation a year?  Perhaps the trash gates would pay for themselves in a relatively short term.

You would want to go about as far up the rivers as you can safely navigate.  Otherwise you are preventing boat traffic and upstream property owners may not like that.

-Russ

We don't have any influence with GA Power, but love this idea. I have kidded my wife that we need a trash gate at the County line so we can have the "upstream" county's pick-up there own trash. We live on the South river (the first cove past the old Walker Marina) and I believe that Russ' comment is totally correct. There is more trash from the South (and Yellow) rivers than the A or T. Also, I believe that 80% of the trash comes down river. I watch it daily come down the river, circle the sandbar and end up in my front yard. I'm retired and willing to help push this idea. Have you tried the Jackson Lake HOA? We've gone to a few meetings, but have not met many people or felt too comfortable yet trying to get involved with what we've seen.

Gene and Pam Spencer