The Lake Lanier Association held its annual meeting recently with nearly 500 people in attendance at Port Royale Marina.
“We are thrilled to have such a strong turnout for this annual event that has become a standing method for the Lake Lanier community to get updates on current issues at Lake Lanier,” said Joanna Cloud, the executive director of the association.
An LLA stewardship report was provided by Wilton Rooks, current president, and included updates on a number of programs and services provided by the association:
Current status on abandoned boats including prosecution efforts from local enforcement agencies
Government relations update including the Senate and House Resolutions for LLA recognition in the 2018 legislative session
The solar lights program is nearing its completion of installing lights on top of the hazard markers on the lake
Shoreline erosion programs supported by local counties and philanthropic lake advocates continue in the expansion of the riprap installation on lake islands
The association is looking forward to celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Shore Sweep annual clean-up event in September this year
Promoting passage of Georgia HB 357 regarding boat titles. This legislation has been driven by the LLA along with the Marine Trade Association of Metro Atlanta
Mark Masters, Executive Manager of the ACF Stakeholders, discussed the history of this grassroots effort by water interests in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama to develop a water management plan that would benefit all of the water users in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Rivers basin. The plan resulted from investments of two million dollars by private interests and is based on hundreds of model runs conducted by the Georgia Tech Research Institute.
The plan included adding two feet to Lake Lanier for additional storage, reducing use of Lake Lanier water for hydropower, returning more water to the lake, increased water conservation by consumers as well as additional water efficiency measures by industry and agriculture. The LLA was a founding member of ACFS and has been a member of the Governing Board and Executive Committee since 2008.
Rich York, executive vice president of the LLA Board of Directors, was awarded “Volunteer Service of the Year” for his efforts on solar lights and shoreline erosion efforts.
“A Taste of the Lake” food sampling provided by four lakeside restaurants - Fish Tales, Pelican Pete’s, Pig Tales and Skogies. The Norton Agency was the signature sponsor of the event this year.
