KEOWEE - Summer 2024

FOLKS BOARD CORNER

By Dale Wilde, President, FOLKS

South Carolina is one of the smallest states of the United States, ranking 40th in size, yet it is 10th in the total amount of land being developed. With this rate of development, areas around the state are at risk of overdevelopment of pristine and environmentally sensitive areas. One only needs to drive around the lake periodically throughout the year to see the rapid development of the land along the shoreline and in the wooded areas.

The linkage between land conservation and protective zoning around or near critical waterways is key to preserving Lake Keowee and the streams that feed into it. The importance of clean water cannot be understated and is dependent on clean inflows of water. Without strong protective measures the risk of introducing pollutants and invasive species into our waterways is high. Indeed, the surface soils in the Upstate are mostly loamy sands, sandy loams, and fine sandy loams. These types of soils combined with the steep terrains around the lake and area streams lead to natural erosion, but erosion is an increased threat when overdevelopment or poorly monitored development occurs.

Visionary land conservationist Tommy Wyche recognized this

situation in the 1970s and was instrumental during his lifetime to conserve large tracts of land in the Upstate. Wyche founded Naturaland Trust and was the principal author of several legislative acts that continue to support conservation efforts in the state, which include the South Carolina Heritage Trust Act, the South Carolina Conservation Easement Act, and the South Carolina Mountain Protection Act. His efforts resulted in the protection of over 100,000 acres, most of which is now maintained by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in what are known as Wildlife Management Areas. The areas are open for public use but preserved in perpetuity and protected from development. The cover photo depicts land that has been preserved by Naturaland Trust. Mac Stone, Executive Director of Naturaland Trust provided the cover photo for this issue of KEOWEE

All who call this beautiful area home, have an obligation to preserve and protect it. Conservation can start in your own backyard. Over the years, FOLKS has published numerous articles on how to preserve the native plants in private yards and the importance of not clearing to the shoreline. Should you need assistance on how to preserve your shoreline or your yard, feel free to reach out to us. Lastly, support local conservation efforts with donations that will support their efforts to preserve vital tracts of land.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dale Wilde, President

Howard Gutenstein, Vice President

Sam Savoca, Secretary

David Metzger, Treasurer Dr. John Hains

Stephen Schutt

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Scott Calderwood, Lake Sweep

Paul Gibbons, Adopt-an-Island

Ann Savoca, Adopt-a-Lake

Endowment/Finance David Metzger

Events/Advertising TBD

HEP Committee Rep. Dale Wilde

HEP Committee Alt. Howard Gutenstein

Basin Commission Dr. John Hains

LKSWPT Liaison Suzy McKinney Dale Wilde

Web Administrator Sam Savoca

Communications Melissa Higgs Manager

Magazine Editor Susan Pleadwell

Design Director

Kristy Adair, Community Journals

Advisors Tony Gody Ann Savoca

Greg Prisk

Johnson Au-Yeung

Troy Knauss

Suzy McKinney

Rick Sommer folks@keoweefolks.org facebook.com/KeoweeFOLKS © 2024

is

six times a

and mailed to active FOLKS members. Any reproduction or duplication of this publication, or any part thereof, must be done with the publisher’s written permission. FOLKS is not responsible for the claims made by the advertisers.

Speaker Event Series

BY STEPHEN SCHUTT, FOLKS Board Member, Oconee County PRT Project Manager

We have presented three speaker series events since our last KEOWEE publication. All presentations were well received by members and nonmembers alike.

The March presentation focused on boating on Lake Keowee. Representatives from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) spoke about the importance of knowing boating regulations and responsible boating practices. They also highlighted the history of boating accidents and the importance of boater education. First Sergeant Ron Hedden summed up SCDNR’s focus, “The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is committed to making the waterways of the Upstate a safe environment for recreational boaters, anglers, and aquatic activities through the enforcement of the state boating laws. Region 1 officers patrol the lakes of the Upstate performing safety checks, enforcing no-wake and negligent operation violations, and screening for operators who are boating under the influence. We work hard to be successful at accomplishing this task by partnering with lake residents and the public who are often our eyes and ears that report violations to our dispatch. By working together, we can continue to make the waterways a safe place for all to enjoy!”

The America’s Boating Club - Golden Corner Lakes group also spoke about their efforts to provide boater education classes. The 2023 boater education law mandates that boaters born after July 1, 2007 are required by law to pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat, personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft powered by 10 hp motor or more. This law has prompted people of all ages to enroll in boater safety classes.

Terry Allen, owner of For The Birds store in Salem, hosted our April speaker event. He spoke about backyard birds and how to attract them—provide habitat, food, shelter, and water. He covered all the basics including how to start identifying the birds that visit your yard. Terry’s store carries many products that can help you attract birds to your yard including premium birdseed that will leave less mess and fewer weeds because it does not carry many of the fillers that you find in big-box store birdseed. He also commented on the many different bird houses and feeders that you can use to attract a wider variety of birds. If you need information on birds in your backyard, make sure to stop by his store, as he is always ready to answer your questions.

On May 9, we held a speaker series on snakes in the Upstate. Speakers Stephen Schutt and Gina Spear covered the common snakes in this region of South Carolina, why we fear snakes, and how to tell whether they are venomous or not. They brought several live specimens to view after the talk for those brave enough to view them up close. This event was geared to help people overcome their of fear snakes as it discussed ways to deal with that fear. It was also a great way to learn how to identify the snakes in your yard.

The next Speaker Series events will be:

• June 13, 2024—The History of the Area Before the Lake

• August 8, 2024—TBD

• September 11, 2024—Nuisance Bears

Sign up for all speaker series events on our website (keoweefolks.org).

Our 2024 Jack Lewis Watershed Stewardship Scholarship Recipients

BY SUZY MCKINNEY, FOLKS Technical Advisor and Scholarship Liaison

Friends of Lake Keowee Society (FOLKS) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Jack Lewis Watershed Stewardship Scholarship: three students from D.W. Daniel High School—Hallie Ray, Henry Laurence, and John Patrick Chandler and three students from Walhalla High School—Isaac Kanagy, Lili Galloway, and Jade Becerril. FOLKS established the Jack Lewis Watershed Stewardship Scholarship to provide college financial support to high school students showing a strong interest in natural resource conservation and the environment. FOLKS’s intent is that these scholarships will not only engage students in our community but also inspire them to be advocates for the environment, whether local or global.

Each scholarship recipient is a resident of either Oconee or Pickens County, a full-time high school student in good academic standing, and classified as either a sophomore or junior during the 2023–2024 school year. To fulfill the scholarship requirements, each recipient will monitor a designated stream segment for a period of six months, adhering to SC Adopt-a-Stream protocol. Each will prepare a Pre-Assessment of the assigned monitoring site, which will include an initial summary of site conditions prior to sample collection, and then will document using photographs and uploading monitoring data to the SC Adopt-a-Stream database. Students will present the results of their sampling efforts to the FOLKS Board of Directors and the Scholarship Selection Committee.

Funding for this year’s scholarships is made available through the FOLKS’s operating budget and endowments from the Cliffs Residents Outreach (CRO) Keowee Falls and the CRO Vineyards. The CROs’ focus centers on funding initiatives that relate to education and human services.

FOLKS convened a Scholarship Selection Committee that included FOLKS supporters and members of local communities and businesses. These individuals reviewed the 11 applications, and selected the recipients based on the Committee’s collective input. We would like to acknowledge each of the Selection Committee Members:

Nancy Johnston is a retired school librarian, and currently serves on the board of Oconee United Ministries. She is a certified Master Gardener and a member of the Master Gardeners of the Foothills. She has also served on the board of Keep Oconee Beautiful Association.

Kay Wade has called the Jocassee area of Salem, SC home for the past 13 years. Kay and husband Brooks Wade are coowners of Jocassee Lake Tours. She also works with children and adults through the nonprofit Jocassee Wild Outdoor Education to raise awareness of this unique and important place called the Jocassee Gorges.

Stephanie Burns is the retired CEO and Chairman of Dow Corning Corporation. She is a director on three public company boards: Corning, Hewlett-Packard, and Kellogg, and also serves on the board of The Reserve at Lake Keowee Charitable Foundation. She lives on Lake Keowee and enjoys the outdoor lifestyle including golf and monitoring more than 30 bluebird boxes.

Dr. John Hains is a FOLKS board member. For many years, he has been a regular author of limnology articles for The Sentinel newsletter (recently renamed KEOWEE magazine). Dr. Hains is a retired associate professor for the Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, and remains active with the Clemson Public Service and Agriculture identifying aquatic plants and algae for the problem plant clinic.

Christine Hettinger is a retired environmental chemist who spent 30 years in the chemical industry, environmental laboratories, and engineering firms. Throughout her career she led the cleanup and disposal of hazardous chemicals, and in compliance with the EPA, remediation of Superfund sites on military bases. She continues to care for the environment in the Upstate by volunteering her time with the water quality program for high school and middle school students and at the SC Botanical Gardens as a Master Naturalist working with elementary school students in the Junior Naturalist program.

To learn more about FOLKS and the Jack Lewis Watershed Stewardship Scholarship go to FOLKSkeowee.org/scholarship

Meet the scholarship recipients on page 8.

Congratulations to the six students who were selected as candidates for the 2024 Jack Lewis Watershed Stewardship Scholarship.

Hallie Ray, Junior, D.W. Daniel High School

Lili Galloway, Junior, Walhalla High School

“My interest in nature began with wanting to have unique pets, which is how I ended up with a snake. I’ve exposed myself to interaction with outdoors with my hobbies: hiking, camping, and the recent addition of kayaking. However, my passion became more meaningful when I pursued the knowledge of the natural world. I’ve developed a sense of responsibility to learn about the environment and pursue those interests to sustain a healthy future for generations ahead, so that they may enjoy the same hobbies I do. This scholarship seemed like an appropriate opportunity for me to take my efforts to the next step in the development of my interests!”

Henry Laurence, Sophomore, D.W. Daniel High School

“I enjoy skating, drawing, working out, reading, playing video games, and occasionally repairing old electronics in my free time. My school’s guidance counselor promoted this scholarship, and I have always been interested in marine ecology and hands-on research, so this seemed like a perfect fit for me.”

Issac Kanagy, Sophomore, Walhalla High School

“I am part of the Walhalla color guard, on the Walhira staff, and in the Girl Scouts. I am currently working on my Gold Award Service project for Girl Scouts, which actually connects with water monitoring and education. The project is partly what prompted me to apply for this scholarship, but I’ve also always been fascinated with water and its properties. I’m really excited for this opportunity!”

John Patrick (JP) Chandler, Junior, D. W. Daniel High School

“I am a member of the Student Council, Beta Club, National Science Honor Society, Daniel’s varsity wrestling and track teams, as well as a member of Scouts BSA Troop 235 in Clemson where I am working on my Eagle rank. I love all outdoor activities like fishing, camping, hiking, and boating, and applied for the Jack Lewis Watershed Stewardship Scholarship because I understand the importance of protecting and conserving our natural resources for present and future generations.”

Jade Becerril, Junior, Walhalla High School

“I enjoy playing violin, and I am involved in the Fuse youth ministry at Newspring Clemson. I am also on the leadership team for Youth Commission International. Athletically, I have competed on the track, golf, and wrestling teams at Walhalla. In the summers I spend my time hiking or fishing, and I often borrow a little sailboat to sail around on Keowee. In the winter I spent most of my free time bow hunting. I applied for the FOLKS scholarship because I enjoy spending time on the lake and want to see our local waters stay healthy.”

“I like to read, write poems, and weight lift. Station Cove Falls is my favorite hike because it was my first. I love to spend time outside, and I’ve always been interested in the environment. I hope to learn more about water quality monitoring. The process and learning about it is always intriguing. I am so grateful and excited for this experience!”

FOLKS appreciates all of the support we received in our new scholarship initiative from guidance counselors, teachers, parents, and the CRO Keowee Falls and Vineyards. There was a significant amount of work behind the scenes to develop the application and evaluation criteria, engage the high schools in Oconee and Pickens Counties, and publicize the scholarship opportunity. Through this effort, we discovered a comforting consistency: this next generation brims with positive determination and a solid appreciation of our environment.

Shoreline Erosion and Property Damage Caused by Boat Wake

BY SUE DRAGOO, Public Relations Officer America’s Boating Club®—Golden Corner Lakes

Boating is an enjoyable and rewarding activity that allows us to explore the beauty of our lakes and coastlines. As boaters, we are responsible for protecting the environment we enjoy. Shoreline protection and avoidance of injury and property damage are essential aspects of this responsibility, and there are several ways we can be responsible boaters regarding these protections.

Shoreline erosion occurs along all watercourses and has many causes, both natural and human. Wake is the wave action produced by the wash of passing boats that strikes against the shoreline and structures. Erosion caused by wakes has many consequences on the aquatic environment, including habitat destruction, an increase in sedimentation and turbidity of the water, and the release of nutrients that promote algal blooms.

Boat wake can also cause property damage. Most shorelines have docks, watercraft lifts, and mooring areas that homeowners install, which can be severely damaged by too large a wake too close to shore. Also, shoreline erosion can result in the loss of land and affect shoreline property values.

The magnitude of the waves generated by a boat depends on different factors, particularly the boat’s speed, its size, passenger/ cargo loading, amount of ballast, the shape of its hull, distance from shore, and water depth. If wake boats would dump their ballast (water taken on to weigh the boat down) after they are finished wake surfing, it would dramatically reduce their wave production. Wave height is one of the most detrimental factors in shoreline erosion.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

It’s difficult to apply a universal rule for all boats because of their variable configuration and behavior in the water. A sure approach is to observe the wake produced by your boat. Boaters can reduce the impact of their boat’s wake on sensitive shorelines by checking the wake being produced, particularly when they navigate near the shore. The following are some tips for preventing shoreline erosion and damage to shoreline structures:

• Watch your speed! Observe what happens when you change speed so you can control your boat’s wake. Displacement speed is usually the slowest speed for most motor boats. It also creates the least wake. The boat operates with the prop down in the water.

• Transition speed. As you increase the power while attempting to get on plane, the bow rises, causing the stern to plow through the water. This speed creates the largest wake.

• Planing speed. At planing speed, the bow drops back down and only a little of the hull contacts the water. This speed creates less wake than transition speed but more than displacement. Many large craft are not designed to reach this speed.

• Follow no-wake zones. Operate your vessel at a low speed in no-wake zones, typically marked with signs and buoys, to ensure that damaging wakes don’t reach our shores.

• Practice etiquette when wake surfing:

– Keep your surf wake to the inside of the lake, which offers a better chance of its dissipating on other waves.

– Turn your music down when you’re in idle.

– Don’t surf in shallow water.

– Don’t surf near wildlife habitat.

– Keep your distance from anchored boats, swimming docks, and beach areas.

– Give fishermen a wide berth—don’t scare away the fish.

– Be Aware. Be Courteous.

• It’s the law! As a final reminder, the following are the South Carolina Boating Laws and Responsibilities relating to Speed Regulations for Lake Keowee (and other lakes):

– Failure to regulate speed is defined as operating a boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC) at speeds that may cause danger, injury, damage, or unnecessary inconvenience.

– You may not operate a boat or PWC in excess of “idle speed” within 50 feet of a moored or anchored vessel or person in the water or 100 feet of a wharf, dock, bulkhead, or pier.

– You may not wake surf in excess of “idle speed” within 200 feet of a moored vessel, wharf, dock, bulkhead, pier, or person in the water.

– You must maintain “idle speed” when in the vicinity of a boat flashing a blue light.

– Vessel operators are responsible for any damage caused by their wake.

– “Idle Speed” or “No-Wake, Idle Speed” wording on buoys or signs indicate a restricted boating

area established to protect the safety of the public and property. In these areas, a vessel cannot proceed at a speed greater than that speed necessary to maintain steering.

– “Wake Surfing” is operating a vessel that is ballasted in the stern so as to create a wake that is, or is intended to be, surfed by another person.

(See The Handbook of South Carolina Boating Laws and Responsibilities for the full text of the law.)

The lake is big enough for all of us to enjoy, and hopefully, these tips will promote a more harmonious co-existence between shoreline property owners and other users of the lakes.

Sources: Discover Boating; Premier Boating; South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

For information about America’s Boating Club®, your local boating club for Lakes Keowee, Hartwell, and Jocassee, Golden Corner Lakes membership, boating safety classes and activities, visit their website at gclsaps.com

Boating Safely on Our Beloved Lake Keowee

BY CAPTAIN D.J. RILEY , Region 1, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

For those of you who are blessed to take a boat out on Lake Keowee, you know that it’s one of the most beautiful lakes around, not just in South Carolina, but in the entire nation!

During the past generation, as more and more people have discovered the treasures of Lake Keowee, it has attracted more and more attention, on both the land and the water. These increasing numbers of people and boats have, not surprisingly, increased the number of boating accidents and fatalities. While the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) was for many years hindered by limited state budgets, during the past decade we have added a number of law enforcement classes, and thus increased the number of Upstate officers. Region 1A covers Oconee and Pickens counties and is comprised of 13 field officers who are responsible for hunting, fishing, boating, and search and rescue. Many of these officers routinely patrol Lake Keowee, especially during the busy summer months.

In Spring 2023, the SC General Assembly passed the SC Boating Education bill. In short, this legislation requires anyone born after July 1, 2007, who wishes to operate a boat powered by an engine greater than 10 horsepower, to have completed a mandatory boating safety course. Taught by certified boating safety instructors, these courses are offered both in person and online by SCDNR and partner organizations.

SCDNR Director Robert H. Boyles, Jr. offered the following comments about the boating education bill, “Boating safety, like natural resources stewardship, is a ‘team sport,’ and it will take all of us working together to assure the future of our resources. As you prepare to go afield or afloat, rest assured that your SCDNR staff are working diligently with partners to help shape and sustain our future. In the case of boating safety, we salute those who were such forceful advocates for this modest step for boater education, and we look forward to continuing to work with all our partners to embrace the magic and prevent the tragic of boating in South Carolina.”

SCDNR has partnered with the Friends of Lake Keowee Society (FOLKS) on a variety of projects, including boating safety initiatives as well as habitat improvement efforts. This partnership was born of mutual need and respect and will continue as long as people enjoy Lake Keowee and its bountiful resources.

SCDNR is committed to making the waterways of the Upstate a safe environment for recreational boaters, anglers, and aquatic activities through the enforcement of South Carolina boating laws. Region 1 officers patrol the lakes of the Upstate performing safety checks, enforcing no-wake and negligent operation violations, and screening for operators who are thought to be boating under the influence. Our officers work hard to be successful at accomplishing this task by partnering with lake residents and the general public,

who are often our eyes and ears and can report violations to our dispatch.

By working together, we can continue to make the waterways a safe place for all to enjoy!

SCDNR’s Upstate 12-county Region 1 includes Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Edgefield, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, and Union counties.

A Ranger’s Guide to Enjoying the Water

BY LIZ JOHNSON, Park Superintendent, High Falls County Park, Seneca, SC

Animals aren’t the only ones with seasonal migrations. Each year, families and outdoor enthusiasts flock to the welcoming shores of Lake Keowee, nestled within the heart of Oconee County, South Carolina. The tranquil waters and lush greenery are a haven for those seeking respite and adventure alike. Two of the county’s three parks are on Lake Keowee—High Falls and South Cove. As a park ranger entrusted with the stewardship of this natural treasure, I’m deeply committed to ensuring that every visitor’s experience is not only enjoyable but also safe. In this article, I’ll share with you the basics of water safety on the lake.

THE BENEFITS OF LAKE RECREATION

Parks like those in Oconee County offer a myriad of benefits for visitors, from accessibility to abundant resources. Our annual park pass system provides residents with affordable access to these recreational havens, ensuring that families can return time and time again to create cherished memories. Annual passes cost Oconee County residents $25, but are free for seniors 62 and older, veterans, and disabled people. Without an annual pass, parking is $3 per vehicle, or $5 for boats.

LIFE JACKETS: A LIFELINE ON THE WATER

At all three county parks visitors can find life jacket kiosks located near the swim areas and boat ramps. This initiative aims to promote water safety and ensure that every individual regardless of age or swimming ability can enjoy the lake with peace of mind. It’s imperative that we recognize the importance of wearing life jackets, especially when swimming outside of designated areas. All boaters are required by law to wear life jackets. Think of them as the equivalent to seatbelts in a car,

which are your best chance for survival in the event of an accident. These lifesaving devices can turn a potential tragedy into a safe return home. Recently, thanks to a generous grant from the Seneca Rotary Club, we’ve been able to restock our loaner kiosks with 200 life jackets for public use.

TIPS FOR SAFE ENJOYMENT

As we embark on another season of water recreation, it’s crucial to heed some essential advice to ensure everyone’s safety:

• Jet skis should steer clear of shorelines and designated swim areas, where they are not permitted. Their powerful engines can pose a threat to swimmers and should be operated responsibly.

• Anglers should be mindful of their surroundings and refrain from leaving behind fishing lines and hooks, which can entangle wildlife and pose hazards to unsuspecting swimmers. Do not fish in designated swim areas or from boat launches.

• Always assess water depth before jumping in, especially in unfamiliar areas. Shallow waters can conceal hidden hazards, while deeper areas may require stronger swimming abilities.

• Wildlife, such as water snakes, should be observed from a respectful distance. Interactions with native fauna should be approached with caution to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

PADDLING SAFETY: A PRIORITY

For those venturing onto the water in kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards, it’s essential to prioritize safety at all times. Novice paddlers, in particular, should be aware of the risks associated with inadequate experience and equipment. Data shows that proper gear and knowledge significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents on the water.

• Invest in quality watercraft suited to your skill level and intended environment. Cheap, mass-produced kayaks may lack stability and safety features, increasing the risk of capsizing.

• Always wear a life jacket, regardless of swimming ability. The majority of paddlers who tragically lose their lives on the water were not wearing lifesaving flotation devices.

• Be prepared for the unexpected. Capsizing is a common occurrence in paddling activities, and self-

rescue techniques should be practiced regularly in a safe environment.

• Respect the power of cold water. Even in warmer months, chilly temperatures can pose a serious threat to paddlers. Proper attire and communication devices are essential for cold-water safety.

STAY CONNECTED, STAY SAFE

Lastly, never underestimate the importance of communication on the water. Whether paddling solo or in a group, having reliable means of contact can be a lifesaver in emergencies. Personal satellite locators and waterproof communication devices offer peace of mind, ensuring that help is always within reach, even in remote areas. Don’t forget your dry bag to keep cell phones safe from water.

In conclusion, as we embark on another season of adventure on Lake Keowee, let us do so with caution, respect, and a commitment to safety. By following these guidelines and embracing a culture of responsible recreation, we can ensure that our beloved natural landscapes remain havens of joy and tranquility for generations to come. For more information on Oconee County parks visit their website (https:// experienceoconee.com/).

Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit Stands Ready to Patrol Oconee County Lakes

BY MIKE CRENSHAW, Oconee County Sheriff, Walhalla, SC

Residents and visitors who enter and exit Oconee County will more than likely have to cross a body of water. In that sense, South Carolina’s Golden Corner is an island unto itself. The Oconee Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit plays a key role in helping to keep citizens in this area safe while patrolling Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, and the county parks and boat landings.

But keeping citizens safe is only part of the Marine Unit’s responsibilities. “Boating and water recreation are an important part of our economy and our way of life here in Oconee County,” says Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “The goal of our Marine Unit is twofold. First, our Marine Unit is here to make sure that our citizens and visitors enjoy water recreation on lakes safely by promoting boating safety laws, issuing citations for boating violations, and responding to emergency situations. Second, the Marine Unit helps to continue our efforts to build relationships with our citizens and visitors, who are enjoying the Oconee County lakes, in order to keep our communities safe in the Golden Corner.”

In operation since 2001, the Marine Unit has gone from an eight-officer auxiliary unit just patrolling the lakes during major spring and summer holidays, to a unit with three boats and two full-time deputies who patrol most weekdays and weekends during boating season.

“The Marine Unit performs boat stops during their patrol of the water,” says Sheriff Crenshaw. “In some cases, deputies issue citations. In many cases, however, at those stops the deputies introduce themselves to the boaters to point out something they need to have on their boats or to remind them of a particular law. Again, the goal is to build relationships with our citizens and visitors to Oconee County.”

The Marine Unit has a great working relationship with the

Duke Energy recently awarded the Oconee Sheriff’s Office a $20,000 grant for the purchase of 13 handheld radios to help improve communication with the other two state law enforcement agencies, for both daily and emergency operations.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the Marine Unit of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Duke Energy recently awarded the Oconee Sheriff’s Office a $20,000 grant for the purchase of 13 handheld radios to help improve communication with the other two state law enforcement agencies, for both daily and emergency operations.

Why a Conservation Easement?—Love for the Land

BY THE ADVOCATES FOR QUALITY DEVELOPMENT (AQD)

A conservation easement now protects The Happy Berry, a popular destination for Oconee and Pickens County residents who love bringing children and grandchildren to sample and pick blueberries and blackberries, and a variety of fruit crops that are seldom commercially grown in the Upstate. The farm’s delicious selections include regular and seedless muscadines, persimmons and figs, mulberries, chestnuts, jujubes, and kiwis are coming.

Owner Dr. Walker Miller, a retired Clemson University professor and former president of Friends of Lake Keowee (FOLKS), says love of the land was his overriding incentive to seek a conservation easement for The Happy Berry.

“I’m a temporary steward but my plans for this farm stretch out 250 years,” he says. “I love this land. A farm isn’t a widget business that appears and disappears with changes in economic cycles. Farmers are ecosystem managers. We shoulder responsibility for ensuring our planet is habitable for our children, for the generations to come. Obtaining a conservation easement requires investing time and effort. The farmers who do it love and respect the land.”

HOW DO THE FINANCES WORK?

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT?

A conservation easement doesn’t impact ownership. Dr. Miller still holds title to The Happy Berry and can sell it or gift it to heirs. However, subsequent owners are prohibited from turning the farm into an industrial or commercial site, subdividing it for housing, paving it over for parking, or using it in other ways harmful to its conservation value.

In The Happy Berry’s case, Dr. Miller and his successors can maintain a family residence and farm the land as he’s done since 1979 when he purchased the first acreage, gradually expanding to the current 22 acres. The Happy Berry also will continue to welcome the public during posted visiting hours.

Most farms protected by conservation easements remain private with no public access. However, allowing the public to enjoy scenic views, visit historic sites, or explore unspoiled wilderness is a core goal of some conservation easements. A great example is the conservation easement protecting the 439-acre Stumphouse Mountain tract which holds Issaqeena Falls, an unfinished railroad tunnel, and mountain trails.

Farmland is under tremendous pressure. According to an American Farmland Trust study, more than 280,000 acres of South Carolina agricultural land was “developed or compromised” between 2006 and 2016. Oconee County’s agricultural acreage declined about 20 percent from 2002 to 2017.

Farmland acreage, mostly cropland, vanishes for a variety of reasons. Developers covet farmland, which tends to be relatively flat, and may already be cleared for row crops or grazing—offering a ready, blank canvas for housing projects. That’s why developers are willing and able to pay far more for farmland than individuals who want to farm it.

With conservation easements, owners forfeit potential profits from selling their land to developers. To compensate, the owner is awarded a sum equal to the difference between the parcel’s current assessed (farmland) value and its potential value if sold for development.

“That’s one of the first hurdles,” Dr. Miller says, “getting thirdparty, impartial valuations.”

Dr. Miller used a portion of his award to pay off the farm’s mortgage. He’s also investing some of the money in a biochar initiative. Biochar is created when farm waste streams (actually any organic waste) is burned at a very high temperature—over 900o° F —without oxygen in specially designed kilns to create charcoal,

which can then be used to enrich the soil. He’ll use the biochar to improve the soil and sequester carbon as his part in the battle to mitigate climate change and perhaps sell carbon credits directly to the public.

“My 15-year-old granddaughter thinks the planet is doomed, and her generation along with it. I’m an optimist. I want to demonstrate how farmers can play a major role in finding solutions.” (More information on The Happy Berry’s biochar initiative will be covered in the next issue of KEOWEE.)

Dr. Miller notes that conservation easements also provide property and inheritance tax benefits since the land continues to be valued as farmland no matter what happens to surrounding properties. “We needed to protect The Happy Berry from property tax pressures as the land around us continues to develop,” he says.

These tax incentives, approved by Congress and the South Carolina General Assembly, are designed to benefit transactions that meet a “significant public benefit test.”

WHO FUNDS AND MONITORS CONSERVATION EASEMENTS?

Conservation easements are both publicly and privately funded but all must be monitored by a qualified land trust. The biggest source of funds in our state is the South Carolina Conservation Bank, which receives about 19 percent of real estate transfer fees collected by the state. However, there’s fierce competition for available grants, with farmland competing with woodlands/wetlands, urban parks, and

historical and archaeological sites.

The Oconee County Conservation Bank, the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and private conservation groups such as Upstate Forever, Naturaland Trust, and The Foothills Farmstead offer additional sources of funds. Upstate Forever secured funding for The Happy Berry Farm conservation easement.

The South Carolina Conservation Bank currently lists 56 Oconee and Pickens County properties with conservation easements. The size of these properties ranges from a single acre needed to access a larger protected parcel to a 1,648-acre wilderness tract.

Despite these gains, the number of farmers interested in conservation easements exceeds available funding. To help address this, the South Carolina legislature passed “A Working Agricultural Lands Preservation Act” in March 2024. The Act creates a Working Farmland Protection Fund charged with awarding grants to eligible trust fund recipients wishing to buy farms. To qualify, the farms would have to account for at least 50 percent of the owner’s income. The bill also established The Working Farmland Protection Fund to finance such initiatives.

The Happy Berry’s website (TheHappyBerry.com) provides a wealth of information about their products and farming practices.

Adapted from the Advocates for Quality Development (AQD) blog originally published March 7, 2024 on their website (AQDUpstate.com).

Conservation Lands and the Opportunity for Public Access

BY DALE WILDE, President, FOLKS

The Upstate, and certainly the areas around the lakes, provide significant opportunities for enjoying public spaces while simultaneously creating significant economic impact benefits. Land conservation is an important aspect of ensuring public access to those areas. Such areas are easily located by downloading free hiking apps or searching online for local open access areas. Outlined below are a few of the local conservation areas open to the public.

THE FOOTHILLS TRAIL

In the early 1970s, the original Foothills Trail Conference was formed to collaborate with Duke Energy/Crescent Land and Timber Company to develop a recreational trail that would protect the beloved scenic mountains from further development. The 77-milelong Foothills Trail (FT) was built in partnership from 1974 through 1981. Duke Energy still maintains 43 miles of the FT due to a stakeholder agreement made during the original licensing of the Bad Creek Hydro Station (badcreekpumpedstorage.com). FT volunteers maintain the remaining 34 miles of trail.

For both day hikers and backpackers, the trail offers a unique way to experience the beauty of conservation lands from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. The FT can also be demanding with its elevation changes in some sections—so be sure to read the FT guidebook (foothillstrail.org/shop).

miles when finished. The entire trail is open for hiking and backpacking, while designated passages and sites are available for mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping. Currently, the PT has 31 passages ranging from 1.3 to 47 miles, which provides access to the outdoors from Walhalla in the Blue Ridge Mountains to Awendaw on the Intracoastal Waterway. When finished the trail will stretch across the entire state. Access to the PT is about a two-hour drive from any part of the state (palmettoconservation.org/ palmetto-trail/).

THE PALMETTO TRAIL

The Palmetto Trail (PT) is a statewide effort that was established in 1994. It is South Carolina’s longest pedestrian and bicycle trail and the largest trail construction project—500 continuous

The Sumpter Item reported in March 2, 2024 that the PT is teaming up with the Foothills Trail Conservancy to give hikers more through-passage access to the northern part of South Carolina, allowing them to reach the Blue Ridge Escarpment, hike between Caesar’s Head and Sassafras Mountain, and more. In exchange for allowing PT hikers to use

the Foothills Trail, the PT will provide the trail maintenance expertise of the Palmetto Conservation Corps to help maintain trails managed by the Foothills Trail.

THE PRISMA HEALTH SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL

The Swamp Rabbit Trail took years to plan, fund, and build. The trail began as a nine-mile greenway built on the abandoned roadbed of the Greenville and Northern Railway in the mid-2000s and is now over 28 miles long. This five-foot wide paved trail, which easily accommodates walkers, runners, and bicyclists traverse along the Reedy River, an old railroad corridor, and city parks to connect Travelers Rest with the city of Greenville, South Carolina. This safe and family-friendly trail is a favorite for those who visit or live in or near Greenville (greenvillesc.gov/316/Swamp-Rabbit-Trail).

THE BENEFITS OF CONSERVATION LANDS

Conservation lands preserve vital wildlife habitat that protect delicate ecosystems. Conserved lands also support habitat for native species to thrive, ensures an ecological balance, and provides significant economic impact to our region. Direct benefits include the sustainable harvest of natural resources, such as timber and fish, while indirect benefits from ecotourism include recreational activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Additionally, well maintained conservation lands can save billions of dollars by mitigating such natural disasters as fires and ensuring water quality.

You can contribute to land conservation in many ways—from financially supporting conservation organizations to volunteering time and energy to maintain conservation lands. Getting involved and taking action can make a difference that will have long-lasting impacts on the Lake Keowee watershed.

Corporate & Business Members

We appreciate the support of our Corporate and Business Members and know that they will appreciate your patronage. When you do so, please thank them for supporting FOLKS.

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Inc.

City of Seneca

David Vandeputte—Joan Herlong Sotheby’s International Realty

Duke Energy

Greenville Water

Greg Coutu—Allen Tate Realty

Keller Williams Seneca Keowee North—Patti & Gary Cason, Melissa Cason Custer, Corey Custer

Keowee Key Property Owners Assn.

Oconee Federal Savings & Loan

Stoneledge Home Owners Association

The Cliffs Fall South HOA

The Reserve at Lake Keowee

BUSINESS MEMBERS

Action Services of Oconee, Inc

Advocates for Quality Development

Allen Tate—John Pulliam

Backwater Landing

Blue Ridge Bank

Carolina Bay Healing Spring Waters

Carolina Wealth Management

Classic Lighting

Custom Dock Systems, Inc.

Dolly’s Roofing

Dorn’s Landscape Service

For the Birds, Inc.

Golden Corners Lakes

Sail & Power Squadron

Goldie & Associates

Justin Winter Sotheby’s International Realty

Keller Williams, Seneca—

Chuck & Eva Gouge with Sandy Hadesty

Keowee North Marine

Kingfisher Maps

Kroeger Marine Construction

Lake Keowee Marina

Melanie Fink and Associates—Allen Tate Realty

Metal Lake Maps— Ken Van Natta

Northwestern Supply

Porch Conversion of Seneca

Rainmaker Ponds and Irrigation

Sexton Griffith Custom Builders, LLC

Shorescapes, Inc

Strickland Marine and RV

The Boat Dock Company

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls

The Happy Berry

The Lake Company —Lake Keowee

The Wine Emporium

T & M Custom Docks

Upstate Insurance Agency

Vassey Financial Planning and Investments

Waterford Pointe HOA

ENVIRONMENTAL

HERO: Rachel L. Carson

Rachel Carson was a marine biologist, environmentalist, conservationist, and writer during the Great Environmental Awakening (19601973). She is known best for Silent Spring (1962) that challenged the use of chemical pesticides, including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and its impact on wildlife on the land and in the sea. In 1972, DDT was banned in the United States. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/rachel-carson

One of the side effects of DDT was that it thinned the shells of bird eggs, including those of the bald eagle.

Black Crappie Habitat Enhancement Projects

BY WILLIAM WOOD, Region I Fisheries Biologist III, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Clemson, SC

Lake Keowee earned a reputation for being a great Black Crappie lake for many years. In recent years that reputation has waned as the number of Black Crappie anglers and their catch rates have declined. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is aware of this disturbing trend and is working to reverse it. From 2019–2021 SCDNR completed a habitat enhancement project on the Stamp Creek and Little River section of Lake Keowee installing artificial and natural habitat structures throughout the area. Habitat elements included Bamboo Buckets—five-gallon buckets filled with bamboo and concrete, shipping pallets connected into cube shapes and weighed down with cinder blocks, Mossback artificial habitats, and plantings of native aquatic vegetation. Multiples of each habitat type were clustered together so as to create larger habitat areas, instead of scattering individual pieces sporadically throughout the area.

Habitat enhancement projects like this are becoming more common in manmade reservoirs due to declining natural habitat availability caused by general aging of the reservoir and associated original habitat. Intentional removal of other habitat to make way for docks, marinas, boat ramps, swim areas, and general safety issues

surrounding high-use areas accelerate the loss of natural habitat throughout reservoirs. To counter this trend SCDNR conducts habitat enhancement projects to provide fishes with the underwater structure and cover they need to complete their life cycles.

SCDNR is now conducting a habitat use study of Black Crappie in this area to see which habitats are being utilized most by Black Crappie and to guide future habitat enhancement efforts. We also

Patti Cason, Melissa Cason Custer, Corey Custer , Gary Cason

We hope that additions of habitat structures will be one piece of the solution to returning the Lake Keowee Black Crappie fishery to its historical levels.

hope this study and other future studies will help us identify for certain the causative factors behind the declining population. Our current study is using acoustic telemetry to actively track where Black Crappie are in the lake. SCDNR biologists and technicians collected 40 Black Crappie from the Stamp Creek and Little River area, and then implanted a small acoustic tag in each fish. These acoustic tags are about one inch long and one half inch wide. The tags emit pings at a preset frequency, which allows SCDNR staff to track these fish from a boat using an underwater hydrophone. Using the hydrophone and a GPS unit, SCDNR staff can locate precisely where the fish is, mark the location, and then relate that position to known locations of underwater habitat structures. Once fish locations are compared with locations of installed habitat, SCDNR staff hope to identify habitat types Black Crappie are using more than others, which will allow us to tailor future habitat enhancement efforts to what Black Crappie will use more often. We hope that additions of habitat structures will be one piece of the solution to returning the Lake Keowee Black Crappie fishery to its historical levels and providing a much better fishery for South Carolina anglers.

Each Black Crappie also received two yellow “spaghetti” tags inserted in the fish’s dorsal muscles. These individually numbered tags have a phone number on them you can call to report your catch. Anglers who catch a tagged Black Crappie and reports their catch with tag number, relative location of the catch, and whether the fish was harvested or released will receive a reward for helping SCDNR with this study. Capture reports are important not only during the study so SCDNR staff don’t waste time looking for a fish

that has been removed from the lake but also after a study because capture data validates all detections for that fish giving SCDNR more valuable information.

Duke Energy provided partial funding for both projects. A Habitat Enhancement Program grant (HEP) was awarded to SCDNR to complete the habitat project, and the acoustic tracking project received funding from an agreement between Duke Energy and SCDNR as part of the Keowee-Toxaway relicensing agreement.

BY MAC STONE, Executive Director, Naturaland Trust, Greenville, SC

A Conduit for Conservation CHEROKEE FOOTHILLS

Eastatoee Ridge

106.8 Acres | Pickens County

The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, also known as Highway 11, is a 120-mile roadway that spans Cherokee, Spartanburg, Greenville, Pickens, and Oconee Counties. In 1992 the Federal Highway Administration crowned it a scenic highway, which is the special status given to roads that offer unique cultural, scenic, historical, or recreational value. As one of only four such designees in South Carolina, Highway 11 boasts all of these accolades. Unfortunately, the federal designation does not extend to preserving such scenic highways. That’s where Naturaland Trust and our conservation partners come in.

Conservation visionary Tommy Wyche founded Naturaland Trust in 1973 to protect special places in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge and Piedmont. He aimed to create and expand protections for parks and natural areas through fee simple acquisition. To date, the Trust has helped protect more than 100,000 acres, and we currently own and manage 11,000 acres—all of which are open to the public for various forms of recreation. We have helped expand the footprints of Paris Mountain, Jones Gap, Table Rock, Caesars Head, and Oconee Station State Parks. We have added to the National Forest in Oconee County, removed dams for Southern Appalachian brook trout, restored rivers for trout fishing, and secured hundreds of acres to preserve habitat for federally endangered plants, such as the bunched arrowhead and mountain sweet pitcher plant. Over the past two decades one of our focus areas has become the stretch of Highway 11 that connects Oconee and Greenville Counties, particularly in the Keowee and Jocassee watersheds. During this time, we have seen dramatic changes in the landscape brought by an influx of new residents. We feel the call to action is now more important than ever.

As a conservation organization aimed to preserve ecological treasures, it might seem counterintuitive that a keystone part of our work would center around a paved road. I assure you that this is no ordinary road. The lands that Highway 11 bisects and provides access to are full of unique plant and animal life and mountainous terrain full of waterfalls, floodplains, and hardwood forests where

in the spring the ground is carpeted with colorful blooms of native wildflowers. These lands, where small tributaries become wide rivers bustling with trout and anglers, also protect the water source for the public drinking supply. Highway 11 is a vital piece of infrastructure connecting people and communities, but for us, it isn’t just a thoroughfare for cars, it is a conduit of conservation.

In the past 12 years, we have purchased and protected over 6,100 acres along Highway 11 through state, federal, nonprofit, and private funding. One of the anchors for this effort was the Nine Times Forest near the intersection of E. Preston McDaniel and Highway 11.

The 1,648-acre acquisition was not only proactive but also strategic in that it prevented a large development from gaining foothold in this area of Pickens County. It has now become a boon for hikers, hunters, anglers, and even rock climbers. Over time we have built on the Nine Times Forest. Just last year we acquired 400 acres that connects Nine Times to the Jocassee Gorges through protected land for the first time. Excited by this effort and with a deep appreciation for conservation, the family of Leon Newman helped us create a 713acre preserve called the Mill Shoals Community Forest from their family land only a couple of parcels away from Nine Times. This preserve is the first bow-hunting–only Wildlife Management Area in the region, owned by Naturaland Trust and managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

Although large tracts are appealing when creating iconic preserves, sometimes it’s a charismatic species that grabs our eye.

In 2019, a passionate advocate named Cyd Phillips called pleading us to protect a 40-acre property on Boone’s Creek—a tributary that flows into Lake Keowee. It was just north of Highway 11, but it was isolated from our other holdings and we weren’t sure where we would raise the funding. In her countless hours of wandering and exploring the creek, she discovered a large population of Oconee bells—a plant that is endemic to the area, but as much as 80 percent of its habitat was lost when Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee were formed. The plant is integral to the health of the Jocassee and Keowee drainages, and many residents are enthusiastic about to protecting it. Cyd’s efforts helped us find a new area of focus,

and in the following year we found and protected another 400 acres along McKinney Creek and Brad Wyche Branch off Chapman Bridge Road, rife with the beautiful plants.

One of our most recent purchases is a 166-acre tract called Gilstrap Mountain that straddles Highway 11. The hardwood forests loom over the Byway and the western border follows the sinuous contours of Little Eastatoee Creek. The funding came together via a bargain sale from the landowner, a grant from the SC Conservation Bank, the Keowee Toxaway Habitat Enhancement Program, the Upstate Land Conservation Fund, and SEW Eurodrive. This year we are working to acquire the 106-acre property that adjoins Gilstrap Mountain. We call it Eastatoee Ridge because of its prominent topography that overlooks the Eastatoee River. The stunning property has half a mile frontage on the Cherokee Foothills and is the key to creating an unbroken, four-mile stretch of highway that will be permanently protected. We hope to raise the funding by the end of the year.

This ribbon of road winds its way through rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine waterways, offering travelers breathtaking vistas and a glimpse into the natural beauty that is endemic to our region. The Cherokee Foothills Highway is the tie that binds communities of people who have decided they want to live among South Carolina’s unique natural assets. We are working every day to protect these special places for their forests, water resources, and all residents who call them home. The Naturaland Trust website describes the location, habitat, and public uses of their many properties (Naturalandtrust.org).

Tickling the Dragon: Part 4

PRACTICAL LIMNOLOGY

BY DR. JOHN HAINS, Clemson University (Retired), Clemson Public Service and Agriculture (PSA), and FOLKS Board Member

The metaphorical title of this series had its origin at the Los Alamos laboratories in the early days of the atomic age. Dr. Richard Feynman is said to have applied the metaphor to highly risky experimentation with fissionable materials. But the metaphor also applies to most any risk-taking, especially if unnecessary. As a society we “tickle” that metaphorical tail in many ways with our decisions to engage in actions, the outcomes of which may be in question. As individuals we may “tickle” that tail by, say, trying to get a better view at the edge of a cliff, perhaps climbing over the guardrail. The idea behind this metaphor is a very old one and is reminiscent of the “Faustian bargain,” another powerful way to describe many of society’s decisions.

Lake Keowee, Oconee Nuclear Station, and Jocassee Hydro are interacting parts of the entire Keowee Toxaway ecosystem. There are few aspects of these lakes that are not affected by, or even controlled by, these hydroelectric and nuclear operations. This includes physical and chemical processes as well as ecological aspects such as diversity, productivity, habitats, etc. So, as I asked rhetorically in the last article: Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

My personal quick and dirty answer is: good thing. As a society we made a decision to build all of this based on what we thought was a sound economic basis and the resulting resources benefit society in many ways. The resulting ecosystem is here to stay for the foreseeable future and, by any objective measure, is working well with no obvious problems other than the odd invasive plant, speaking of which…

Anyone who attended the recent FOLKS presentation that addressed “denizens” of the lake will understand that the same good/bad question applies to invasive species and many other things that humans have influenced or caused. For example, in the case of a species that has already invaded most of the waterways in this system as well as most of the rest of the U.S.A., the Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) is viewed by some as “bad” simply by virtue of its being an exotic invasive species. There is no doubt that this organism has, in fact, resulted in additional costs associated with industrial activity (my own experience included). At the same time, there is little evidence that it has displaced native species and evidence indicates that it is used as a food source by other animals (as

well as a few humans). The point of this is not to decide whether it is “good” or “bad” but how it has integrated itself into local ecosystems and how to respond to its presence. So far, our response has been to learn to live with it because it has become naturalized to these systems. This choice was easy because we didn’t have many options for a response. Another easy one is zebra mussels, which almost certainly have had the opportunity to invade but haven’t due to the region’s geology.

However, in the case of the aquatic plant, Hydrilla verticillata, the cost or harm is not only applied to human activity but also to ecological habitats by choking waterways and excluding other organisms from habitat spaces. We can respond by spending money on various methods of management or we can do nothing which is sometimes the default decision made by groups who cannot agree. In the case of potentially invasive snails, they pose the possible benefits of providing food for wildlife (and a few humans) but also the added risk to humans and wildlife by acting as the alternate host for some parasites that could also invade if the snails are present. Some people would judge the parasite risk as bad enough to outweigh the potential benefit. If those snails are not already here, they’re probably on the way. As these lakes age, as human populations increase their impacts, and as climate and society change, so will this ecosystem.

However, if the good/bad question is applied to the engineered ecosystem called the Keowee-Toxaway Project

One possible way to manage Hydrilla. (Photo by Stephen Compton)

Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) is not suggested to be eaten as it is known for holding toxins that are found in the water.

we may find a much more complicated set of factors. The lakes themselves are artificial and likely could not be justified economically if not for the nuclear station. The physical and chemical processes and characteristics are subject to the same factors as in natural lakes but are also complicated by the strong influence of hydroelectric and nuclear operations—and we do not know how things would change if, for example, nuclear operations ceased. We are likely to enjoy lifetimes of plentiful water supply, recreation, and bountiful wildlife as a result of the existence and operation of the Keowee-Toxaway Project.

But we have a poor ability to predict the long-term costs or risks that may eventually be borne by future generations. Biologically the flora and fauna in the lakes contain some of the original river species but some of those are no longer strongly represented in the lakes and other species now dominate (including some invasive ones). The shoreline of Lake Jocassee closely matches the original natural distribution of Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia) [Zahner R., and S.M. Jones. 1983. Resolving the type location for Shortia galacifolia T.&G. Castanea 48(3): 163–173] and pumped-storage operation is always a net consumer of energy—but it allows us to have energy available when demanded. Moreover, some aspects of the future might be scary—for example, the fear of one of several possible catastrophes, even if improbable. Ultimately, we determine whether these are good things or not.

So, to play on the title of this series, is it good to tickle the dragon’s tail or is it bad? I always used to counsel my

students that, “If you think you can ‘get away’ with something, you probably shouldn’t consider it in the first place.” As for me and my personal ticklish experience I can only respond—it is risky—as is Louis Slotin’s tragic accident, part of the genesis of the “tickling” phrase, demonstrated with what came to be known as the “demon core.” [https://www.aps.org/publications/ apsnews/201405/physicshistory.cfm] [Wellerstein, Alex. 2016. The demon core and the strange death of Louis Slotin. New Yorker, May 21, 2016. https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annalsof-technology/demon-core-the-strange-death-of-louis-slotin]. Getting singed is always bad..

LOCAL HISTORY

Bees: Pollinators and Protectors

BY JACKSON HIGGS, Oconee County 4-H Ambassador and Walhalla High School Student

Many nature lovers have at least a basic understanding of the bee, a vitally important insect that pollinates flora and is responsible for the produce that we eat on a daily basis. However, there might be some facts about bees that surprise you! Stephanie Gray in a Reader’s Digest article, “The Buzz About Bees,” notes, “There are 20,000 different species of bees, only eight of which produce honey.” Yet, all bees have unique functions. For example, squash bees ( Peponapis pruinosa ) live in the ground in apartment-like sections, aggregated together, so they can easily access plants in gardens from the ground. Bees seem to be everywhere, but they are not trying to invade your space or harm you. Honey bees ( Apis mellifera ) cause alarm for some individuals who fear being stung. However, this unease is misplaced. According to Dr. Norman Gary, a bee specialist at the University of California-Davis, “Honey bees are defensive, not aggressive.” Unlike wasps, honey bees cannot sting more than once because the stinger pulls free from their bodies. They die within a few hours of stinging, which makes it a last resort for them. In the unlikely event that you are stung by a bee, the sting site should only hurt for a few minutes. A 2014 study in Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology found that “only 0.4% of the [U.S.] population is allergic to bee stings,” so most people will exhibit only mild reactions to bee venom.

Along with being mostly harmless, bees help to protect local ecosystems by pollinating vegetation. Humans would not survive without some of the essential plants that bees help grow. The American bumblebee ( Bombus pensylvanicus ) is particularly good at pollinating plants in the nightshade family, such as potatoes and tomatoes. According to Oconee County (SC) 4-H Youth Development Agent, Lillian Ledford, bees will temporarily dislocate their wings and shake the pollen off the flower with their appendages, which allows pollen to exit the nightshade flowers’ “tube-like” anthers more easily. The United States Geological Survey estimates that “one out of every three bits of our food” comes from vegetation that has been pollinated by bees. Bees even have a major impact on the U.S. economy. According to the USDA, pollinators create around $200 billion each year in profits for the agricultural sector. Your Red Delicious apple at lunch or your morning cup of coffee is thanks to the amazing work of bees!

Beyond pollinating fruits and vegetables, some bees also produce their own tasty treat—honey. Most people are aware of honey’s abundant health benefits, but might not be aware of some lesser-known facts. Stephanie Gray states in her article

that honey is “nectar…regularly regurgitated and dehydrated.” It takes one bee its entire lifetime to regurgitate enough nectar to create “one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey.” While they are pollinating, honey bees collect nectar from flowers. Then they place this nectar into honeycombs in the hive. The National Honey Board says that “The design of the honeycomb and constant fanning of the bees’ wings causes evaporation.” This evaporation forms liquid honey. Honey is perfectly edible for humans and is relatively easy to extract.

Readers interested in supporting the local ecosystem by maintaining their own beehives may want to reach out to the Oconee County Beekeepers Association, which meets

monthly and is part of the statewide South Carolina Beekeepers Association (https://www.facebook.com/oconeebees/). It is important for amateurs to learn from experienced beekeepers how to provide their bees with the best care possible and learn the tips and tricks of the trade. Another way to support the ecosystem is to buy local high-quality honey. The Certified SC Grown website (https://certifiedsc.com/products/honey/) lists approved apiarists, whose beekeepers can then maintain their beehives and positively impact the local environment.

Support for the bee population can have many approaches. Many native bees, such as Carpenter bees and bumblebees are at risk when people use pesticides, which can damage their habitats or even kill them. Lillian Ledford suggests thinking about the full life cycle of bees. Bees hibernate and need ground cover in the winter, so don’t remove it. In spring, planting companion plants, such as yarrow with tomatoes, allows native plants to grow beside traditional vegetables. The South Carolina Native Plant Society (old.scnps.org) and Clemson Extension (www. clemson.edu/extension) have numerous resources to help with this process. Apps like iNaturalist can be used to identify what is growing in your yard. Many “weeds” are native plants that support bee populations.

If everyone pitches in, the Lake Keowee area will continue to have a thriving ecosystem for years to come.

LOOKING FOR A HEALTHY SNACK?

Try these recipes for Peanut Butter & Honey Granola Bars and Honey Bliss Balls (https://beeinspiredgoods. com/blogs/honey-recipes/10-best-snacks-with-honey). Honey can even be part of a great sweet and savory combination on your next charcuterie board.

BY DALE WILDE, President, FOLKS

Climbing to the Sun

By Shelley Burchfield

SUMMER READS Local Authors

Southern Water, Southern Power

By Christopher J. Manganiello

Climbing to the Sun, by Upstate author Shelley Burchfield, is a novel set in Pickens County in the late 1920s when the nation was in the middle of Prohibition, with a jittery economy and increasing racial tensions. Jim Crow laws continued to segregate Black people unfairly. Although the story takes place nearly a century ago, the situations many of the characters face have not changed much in 100 years. The story takes place in the small freed-slave settlement of Liberia, South Carolina, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The author drew inspiration from several of the residents

John Coggeshall interviewed for his nonfiction book Liberia: An African-American Appalachian Community

In fall of 1928, herbalist and healer Callie Beecham was making a meager living treating patients with plant-based medicines and therapies from her small shop in Pickens, South Carolina. One morning, a young man named Sam knocks urgently on her door, and begs her to go to Liberia, to save his wife, who was struggling in childbirth. On the back of a mule, Callie follows the man to Liberia, and discovers a world previously unknown to her. She develops a desire to help the people there and is soon drawn to the young man’s grandmother, an old woman named Seeta.

Callie’s relationship with Sam, her deepening friendship with Seeta, and her desire to help the residents of Liberia quickly anger the wrong people in town—important people who know a secret about her—members of the Ku Klux Klan. They threaten Callie’s livelihood, her relationship with Sam, and even her life. Their goal? To remove Callie Beecham once and for all.

Southern Water, Southern Power: How the Politics of Cheap Energy and Water Scarcity Shaped a Region won the American Society for Environmental History’s Rachel Carson Prize. This compelling exploration of the intricate and often overlooked relationship among water management, energy production, and political power examines how water resources were developed and managed in the Southeastern United States, highlighting how these practices have shaped the region’s economic growth, environmental landscape, and social structures.

Manganiello details the construction of dams, the growth of hydroelectric power, and the resulting transformations in the Southern states. Grounded in extensive research, his narrative presents a clear picture of the conflicts and collaborations among different stakeholders, including politicians, private companies, and local communities. Delving into the consequences of manipulating natural resources, the book showcases both the short-term benefits of economic development and the long-term challenges, such as water scarcity and environmental degradation.

Southern Water, Southern Power is an essential read for those interested in environmental history, policy studies, and regional development. Manganiello’s writing is engaging and informative, offering a nuanced understanding of how the quest for cheap energy sources and the control over water resources have indelibly impacted the Southern landscape and its inhabitants. This book not only contributes to academic discourse but also offers valuable lessons on the sustainable management of natural resources in a changing climate.

“Delving into the consequences of manipulating natural resources, the book showcases both the short-term benefits of economic development and the long-term challenges, such as water scarcity and environmental degradation.”

Bluegrass Memories

BY MELISSA HIGGS, Communications Manager, FOLKS

One of my most vivid memories of my grandfather is listening to him play the banjo. He was a man of few words, but he spoke through his music. Years before I came along, my granddad played live on the radio. Now, whenever I go on a Sunday afternoon drive, I try to tune into the radio station that is broadcast in the mountains and catch their bluegrass and old-time music. The tunes touch my heart, not only for their messages of everyday joys and tribulations but also for their deep heritage that links me to the Carolinas and my Scottish ancestors.

Old-time music is the folk music that immigrants brought to America from their homelands. The Scots-Irish fiddle and English country ballads blended with the African banjo to provide a way to relax after days of hard work. Old-time songs have no individual instrument solos or “breaks.” The fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass, and guitar, in various combinations, form the string band. Oldtime music is often performed to accompany dancing. Bluegrass music, on the other hand, gives players a chance to be featured while remaining players provide support. Bluegrass developed in the 1930s and 1940s when Bill Monroe added the “high lonesome” sound of high tenor lead singers and Earl Scruggs perfected a three-finger style of picking. This hard-driving music rapidly rose in popularity and energized audiences. Both types of music are in the genre of American roots music.

The Keowee area has a rich music history. In 2008, Dr. Betty McDaniel (Miss Betty), a teacher at the Holly Springs Elementary

School, had a vision of helping people in Pickens feel pride in their heritage. As a result, she created the Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM) program that celebrates the heritage of Appalachia and the Piedmont. The first group of students began meeting after school and soon the program expanded to other elementary schools. Now, YAM provides programs at nine elementary schools for almost 400 children. Instruments are available to rent and lesson rates are on a sliding scale based upon need.

In addition to after-school lessons, YAM offers children in third grade or older and adults small group instruction at evening classes throughout Pickens County. Participants learn traditions and the art of playing in a four-instrument string band. A nonprofit organization, Preserving Our Southern Appalachian Music Inc (POSAM), was created to sustain this level of activity for the YAM program.

My son attended their Saturday one-day camp recently, and as I dropped him off, the young people were gathering together, taking out their instruments, and practicing songs they had learned by ear at previous YAM activities. Music connected those kids, even if they had never met. The banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin blended into energetic songs right there under the trees.

Tiffany Short, YAM Assistant Director and Program Director at Pickens Elementary School, spoke to me about how much it means to have a student grow and begin to promote the program. For example, a former student led the Saturday camp. McDaniel feels the same affinity for helping children. She has seen many children find success and acceptance through participation in the program. The dedication of these women for the past 15 years has helped students develop lifelong skills that will provide entertainment for generations.

If you would like to see the YAM musicians in action, they have a band of select students, the Sweet Potato Pie Kids, that is available for events. Also, YAM Camp will be held in July for third to ninth graders at Holly Springs Center. Students will enjoy workshops, games, traditional Appalachian arts, and music, of course. More information and registration materials are available on their website (www.yamupstate.com).

Residents of the Lake Keowee area can also find bluegrass and old-time music at Jocassee Valley Brewing (JVB) on Hwy. 11 in Salem. Every first, third, and fourth Wednesday musicians gather for bluegrass jams. Old-time jams are held on the second and fourth Thursdays. Musicians from Western North Carolina, North Georgia, and Upstate South Carolina find it the perfect meet-up place. On the weekends, invited artists perform a variety of music genres on JVB’s outdoor “back porch” stage for those who are stopping for a bite to eat and a beer after enjoying hiking or the lake. The family atmosphere allows everyone to enjoy the music. The owners, Eddie and Lynne Martin try to make their stage welcoming to all, but they have a special fondness for preserving American roots music. Their own band, Conservation Theory, plays music that is a cross between oldtime and bluegrass music around the area, and sometimes you can catch them playing at JVB. But mostly, you can enjoy the “family” time with them.

When I asked Martin for his thoughts about how music has influenced the Keowee area, he responded, “The rivers that flowed through the mountains and eventually formed the lake areas were very much reminders of the homeland of the ScotsIrish and other settlers who made their way here. The music rang through the coves and valleys calling back to the heritage of their

forebears. It was an integral part of the lives of the families who lived in Oconee.”

The music heritage of the region lives today because of the dedication of individuals like McDaniel, Short, YAM program directors, and the Martins. They are capturing the essence of the past and promoting unity through tunes that have stood the test of time.

Why Join FOLKS?

FOLKS’s 30-year history has been built upon the pillars of our mission statement that clearly focuses our efforts on advocacy, conservation, and education—ACE. Our achievements over the past few years:

ADVOCACY

• Stakeholder for relicensing efforts in the watershed

• Uniting voice in the state for boating safety

• Sustained efforts with litter cleanup and prevention

• Ombudsman and information resource for members and communities

CONSERVATION

• Adopt-a-Stream water quality monitoring

• Bi-annual Lake Sweeps and Island Keepers programs

• Installation of fish habitat—Since 2022 FOLKS installed more than 215 Dock Pro Kits and over 400 larger fish habitats throughout the lake

• Bluebird nesting boxes and osprey platforms

EDUCATION

• Publication of the magazine—KEOWEE

• Jack Lewis Watershed Stewardship Scholarship Program—We have selected 6 local high school students for the 2024-25 program.

• Bill Miller Adopt-a-Stream Lending Library— Provided $5,000 funding for local area schools to support stream monitoring efforts

• Outreach/virtual town halls to local Home Owners Associations

• Presentations to at Newcomers, Rotaries, and community presentations at World of Energy

We are excited about 2024 and continuing our stewardship of preserving the lake and serving as stakeholder on important lake and watershed issues. We are focusing our efforts this year on more community engagement and working with local area schools to help them develop meaningful STEM projects. Join our team of volunteers and become a member!

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Check one: ¨ New Member ¨ Renewal

Mail to: FOLKS C/O, The Alliances, 1201 N. Fant St., Anderson, SC 29621

Name

Phone

Email

Occupation (past/present)

¨ I would like to know about volunteer opportunities. Please contact me.

Contact us: 864.719.0599 | FOLKS@keoweefolks.org

Our membership form is also online at KeoweeFOLKS.org or scan the QR code. Dues and donation are tax-deductible.

FOLKS ia a 501(c)(3) public service watershed organization.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Student $15/yr

Family $45/yr

Patron $100/yr

Sponsor $250/yr

Benefactor $500/yr

Sustainer $1,000 or more (lifetime membership)

Business $100/yr

Corporate $500/yr

Option for digital copy only of the newsletter

Follow FOLKS on our Facebook page: @KeoweeFOLKS

FOLKS ADVERTISING PARTNERS

864.638.6642

FRIENDS OF LAKE KEOWEE SOCIETY, INC.

C/O The Alliances

1201 N. Fant St., Anderson, SC 29621

JUNE 1

National Trails Day

A Day of Service for Hometown Trails and the People Who Love Them americanhiking.org/national-trails-day

EVENTS THIS SUMMER

JULY

Lakes Appreciation Month

You work and play on them. You drink from them. But do you really appreciate them? nalms.org/lakes-appreciation-month

All events held at the Duke World of Energy from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. Sign up online at keoweefolks.org

JUNE 13

History Before The Lake AUGUST 8 To Be Determined

SEPTEMBER 11 Nuisance Bears

AUGUST 17

Summer Hike with Foothills Trail Conservancy

Join the FTC Chairman for this summertime loop hike beginning and ending at the end of Big Bend Road. The hike will be 4.5 miles and strenuous due to the elevation gain. We will visit some nice spots along the Chattooga River. Limited to 25 people. Sign up online at foothillstrail.org/events