Lumpkin County Commissioners took a look at the preliminary master plan for the Yahoola Creek Reservoir this week.
Lumpkin County Development Authority Executive Director Rebecca Mincey said following over a year of discussion, community input, feedback and more, the board took a look at the preliminary master plan by Lose Design during a work session Tuesday.
Mincey said as the plan has come together, it's been worth the wait.
"We're open for business but we also have a quality of life here in Lumpkin County that's unique to the North Georgia mountains," said Mincey. "I think the plan itself really capitalizes upon that quality of life from passive and active recreation, but also from strategically placing some development that can add to our tourism industry, bring in tax dollars and really help to grow our local economy."
They will review the final master plan on January 5, 2021, and Mincey said pending any changes, the board will move forward with the final plan later in the month.
The reservoir project concept plan includes 19 sections, from the entrance and welcome center, varying types of lodging or shelter, activities and recreation spaces, boat access and green space. Mincey said during the process, they were able to identify some easier projects while they prioritize the list of projects.
"There's some low hanging fruit that's come out of it, for example, let's improve on the trail system that exists," said Mincey. "As well as some much more longer term capitol investment projects that could be used as a destination." She cited the proposed conference center, a lodge, and camping areas contributing to that part of the plan.
The full presentation for the preliminary master plan can be found here. The Yahoola Creek Reservoir Project begins on page 17.
The master plan encompasses the area around Lake Zwerner, roughly between a Y-shape created by Georgia 9 North and Georgia 52.
