Department of Natural Resources Officer Kevin Dyer, Jim Wentworth of the US Forest Service, Carolyn Koroa, TVA Senior Manager, Federal Principles and Guidelines River Operations, and David Bowling, TVA Senior Manager River Forecast Center were featured speakers at the May Education/Information Meeting of the Lake Nottely Improvement Association.

Koroa and Bowling gave an informative overview of TVA's mission and specifically addressed Nottely lake levels. A video presentation showed the extent of the damage caused by a frayed turbine in the dam generator which has led to difficulty controlling the water level. TVA is diligently working on the repair and estimates completion near Labor Day. They took questions from the audience and have taken action on several concerns.

US Forestry's District Wildlife Biologist, Jim Wentworth's presentation explained the USFS's projects on Lake Nottely's Davenport Mountain and on 1000 USFS acres on the east side of Nottely (between Hwy. 129N and the lake near Deaver Road and Forrest Drive).

Timber harvests and invasive plant species control will encourage the return of wildlife fields. Opening up pine stands, cutting back kudzu, and planting hardwoods will help restore the forests and forest floors. Both projects are in their final stages.

Officer Dyer spoke about lake safety issues, targeting items that are required to be on watercraft, and answered many questions regarding recent incidents on the lake. He also addressed crime concerns expressed by those in attendance.

Officer Dyer’s recent experience with rescue/recovery after the May 27 F-3 tornado destroyed portions of Lake Burton (which he also patrols) led him to address the need for lakeside 911 identification. Dyer said, "The DNR and UC Sheriff's Department have difficulty locating properties from the waterside when 911 help is requested. Lake Burton residents recently participated in a non-mandatory 911 Boathouse/Dock Sign program. The 911 signs were invaluable for rescuers who were able to quickly locate properties and victims. Seventy-five percent of the homeowners had labeled their properties in the last 6 months, never expecting to be hit by such a storm in the dark of night."

Since the DNR presentation, LNIA has partnered with DNR, UCSD, and Commissioner Lamar Paris to develop a similar 911 Dock ID program. Details will be announced at the LNIA Annual Meeting/Picnic, Saturday, June 25th at 3pm, Poteete Creek Park. All LNIA family members, lake users, and those interested in lake issues are invited to attend. Jim and Donna Guess of Jim's

Smokin' Que' will provide the Barbeque, please bring a side dish to feed four.

Carol Koroa

Jim Wentworth