KEOWEE - Spring 2024

FOLKS BOARD CORNER

By Dale Wilde, President, FOLKS

In 2023 we celebrated FOLKS’s 30th anniversary and remembered what it took to create our legacy of stewardship. In 2024 we plan to build momentum that will carry us through the years ahead. Our foundation was built on the principles of monitoring our watershed and lake water quality and collaborating with local and state agencies. To achieve our future goals, we have made a few changes to enable the board and volunteers to work more effectively. We have hired Melissa Higgs as our Communications Manager to take over management of the KEOWEE magazine (formerly The Sentinel). She will set the editorial calendar, solicit and write articles, and help create other marketing materials as necessary.

We were fortunate to have had two very successful fundraisers in 2023—#givingTuesday sponsored by Justin Winter Sotheby’s International and our end of the year fundraising campaign that raised $25,000. We will use this funding to undertake our Speaker Series, community outreach efforts, and support other educational efforts in the area.

We also received an additional $10,000 in scholarship funding from the Cliffs Vineyards CRO. This funding will be directed to six high school students selected for $2,500 scholarships—three of the students are from Daniel High School (Pickens County) and three are from Walhalla High School (Oconee County).

At the January FOLKS board meeting, the board voted to support several local groups that

need funding for their summer educational programs for Oconee and Pickens County youth. We voted to donate:

• $1,500 for the Jocassee Wild summer program to purchase backpacks and materials

• $1,000 for the STEM/Green Steps efforts at Walhalla High School led by Amanda Gladys

• 50 National Audubon Field Guides for Southeastern States for the Oconee County Park Junior Naturalist Program, and provide additional funding to cover the registration fees for 50 students

In the past 30 years we have had several robust water quality monitoring groups; as times changed, methodologies changed. For the past six months we have been working on new monitoring protocols. We are finalizing our new lake water quality monitoring program, and we are engaging a local high school to participate in the analysis that will enlist volunteers to carry out periodic testing. Lake Keowee is fortunate that we do not have industry polluting our water, but we do have stormwater issues along with periodic outbreaks of E.coli and other contaminants. Thus, we need to be vigilant and continue to monitor not only the streams with the SC Adopt-a-Stream Program but also the lake. If you are interested in volunteering for this effort, please sign up on our website: www.keoweefolks.org

KEOWEE

PUBLISHED BY FRIENDS OF LAKE KEOWEE SOCIETY

864-719-0599

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

Layout & Design Kristy Adair, Community Journals

Advisors

Tony Gody

Ann Savoca

Greg Prisk

Johnson Au-Yeung

Troy Knauss

Suzy McKinney

Rick Sommer

BY DALE WILDE, FOLKS President

FOLKS SPEAKER SERIES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOLKS Board Corner

By Dale Wilde, President, FOLKS

FOLKS volunteers are already off to a very busy 2023. In January, we obtained the permit to start work on the shoreline stabilization project on the island near Crowe Creek Landing Boat ramp, which is the nesting site for over 15 nesting pairs of Great Blue Herons. This section of shoreline abuts a very busy and narrow access point to a popular public boat ramp. Over the years the shoreline has been battered by boat traffic, and the edges were eroding to the point where tall pines were being lost.

in with sledgehammers. In the spring we will finish the project by planting 250 plants— mostly grasses—to help secure the soil around the shoreline.

The plan for FOLKS to have more community engagement in 2024 led to our Speaker Series, which began in February. The talks are scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month through June from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. (except for the March event, which will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.) and will be held at Duke Energy’s World of Energy at 7812 Rochester Highway in Seneca. To register for any of these free talks, go to the FOLKS website (www. keoweefolks.org) and click the “Speaker Series Sign Up HERE” button.

The rains in the area in January and early February kept postponing the work to stabilize the shoreline. Fortunately, a short break in the rainy weather on February 8 gave our 12 volunteers time to transport and install 36 coir logs along the shoreline.

This approach to shoreline stabilization has been used in areas around the lake, and though not a permanent solution, with upkeep, it should preserve this island’s shoreline for many years.

member and retired limnologist, and Dr. Brett Hartis, Duke Energy’s lead scientist, presented information on invasive fish and plants in Lake Keowee and around South Carolina. They both agreed that our most invasive species in Lake Keowee are hydrilla and spotted bass (also known as Alabama bass). They also touched upon other invasive species prevalent in other parts of South Carolina and neighboring states. The takeaway was, “Be careful what you bring back to the lake that hitchhike on your boat, trailer, our gear.” Report invasive species using the Duke Energy online form (http://duke-energy.com/AquaticPlants).

The next habitat enhancement project is slated to begin in early May. We will be looking volunteers to help assemble 60 large Mossback fish habitats at Mile Creek County Park. We will also be helping South Carolina Department of Natural Resources install 8,000 grass plantings along shallow coves. Though it sounds like a lot of plants, it goes very quickly.

The first Speaker Series event—”Denizens of the Lake: Invaders, Aliens, Exotics (and a few notes on Monsters)” was very well attended. Dr. John Hains, FOLKS Board

Made of coconut husks wrapped in a tube of coconut, the coir logs are ten feet long by one foot wide and weigh about seven pounds each. The logs were secured to the shoreline using four-foot lengths of 5/8 rebar, which was pounded

In June, FOLKS volunteers will begin installing the 114 Mossback Dock Pro Kits. For those that signed up for one of these free kits, the permitting is being handled by the Duke Energy’s Shoreline Services group. Notices to those approved

(continued on page 6)

On March 14, the topic will be “Boating Season on Lake Keowee.” Members of the Golden Corner Power Squadron will discuss their efforts with boater education and the importance of safe boating practices. South Carolina Department of

Continued to page 51

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Natural Resources (SCDNR) officers will provide details on their role in enforcing boating regulations, what areas they cover, and how they monitor activities in the Region 1 area that includes Lake Keowee. The questionand-answer session following the talk will cover who is responsible for enforcement, what can be enforced, and what residents can do to help SCDNR maintain a safe boating environment. You can submit questions when you sign up on the FOLKS website to attend this event. We will provide handouts and booklets at the registration table.

Birding is one of America’s favorite pastimes, so on April 11, Terry Allen from For the Birds will host “Feeding Backyard Birds.” Terry will cover which birds you can expect to see at your feeders, how to attract them, what they eat, and how to create the perfect habitat for birds. He will also touch upon birding locations in the area. The Lake Keowee watershed offers numerous locations to hike and observe birds in their natural habitat. FOLKS will have a photo display of local birds in the lobby at World Energy.

On May 9, the South Cove County Park Rangers and Stephen Schutt will talk about “Snakes in the Upstate.” Snakes are common in this area and it is important to be able to identify them correctly. Not all species of snakes are venomous, and even the venomous ones have a role in our environment.

Director/Curator from the Oconee History Museum, will speak on the “History Below the Waters.” For those not familiar with Lake Keowee, this event will cover the history that now resides under the lake and the peoples who are long gone from this area. It is a fascinating presentation on what was here before Lake Keowee and the early engineering that created the lake.

Clemson Downs recognizes and honors those who have served our country so bravely. Pictured is retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Dr. Louis Williams, Veteran of Korea, Clemson College ’59

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: MAY 18–24, 2024 Get Ready for National Safe Boating Week

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

It’s not hard to become complacent about safe boating. The weather is getting good, you may be anxious to try out some new boating toys, and you feel like you’ve been working hard and deserve some “me” time on the lake. I hear you, however, I’d like you, your loved ones, and other people on the lake to be safe, so slow down and take a few minutes to think about how important it is to practice safe boating.

The National Safe Boating Council promotes safe boating each year with its annual “National Safe Boating Week”—this year it is May 18–24.

The following statistics from the National Safe Boating Council may shock you:

• 75% of boating deaths are due to drowning

• 75% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had no boating safety instruction

• 85% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket

• 66% of drowning victims are good swimmers

• The top five primary contributing factors in accidents are operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed and machinery failure.

• 100% of accidents and fatalities from boating under the influence are preventable.

A safe boater is responsible. He or she wears a life jacket, attaches a safety lanyard, keeps a proper lookout, maintains three points of contact with the boat (two hands holding on while being seated, two feet and a hand holding on when moving about the boat to maintain balance and to avoid injury to himself/herself or someone else), doesn’t boat under the influence, checks the weather before launch, and while on the water, doesn’t run out of

gas by following the rule of thirds (1/3 of fuel to be used outbound, 1/3 inbound, and 1/3 as a reserve), and knows how to navigate the lake. I have found that gas gages are notoriously inaccurate so monitor what you put in your tank!

Before heading out on the water for a day of boating or other water sport activity, review the following checklist to ensure a fun and safe adventure:

• Prepare your gear. Before leaving the dock, make sure you and your guests have the safety equipment required for the day ahead.

• Check the forecast. The weather can change quickly, so it’s important to look at the forecast, not to just look at the current state of the weather.

• File a float plan (a written statement including a description of your boat, who is on board, a list of safety equipment you’re carrying, where you expect to be, and when you expect to return). Leave your float plan with a friend, family member, or even a dock master at your marina.

• Complete a passenger briefing. Acquaint your passengers with the location of safety information and equipment on board, including life jackets. Ensure a properly fitted life jacket is worn by each passenger.

• Check your lines. Inspect the dock lines to make sure they’re in good condition. Carry two or three extra dock lines and have at least one anchor set up and attached to your anchor line.

• Have a safety plan for re-boarding your vessel. What’s your plan for bad weather or other emergencies? Be sure to have either a swim ladder, platform, or lifting harness on board.

The importance of wearing and packing the right gear (life jackets and emergency communications) cannot be overstressed. To wear your life jacket like a pro:

• Ensure it is U.S. Coast Guard approved.

• Wear the life jacket approved for the boating activity or water sport. The label will indicate the life jacket’s accredited use by craft, sport, and/or age.

• If wearing an inflatable life jacket, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Be honest about your swimming ability. If you are a poor swimmer, you may opt for a higher performance level life jacket to ensure you can tread water and deep upright if needed during an emergency.

• Always check for proper fit of the life jacket. Pull up on straps to check for a snug and comfortable fit.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFD)

• Inspect the life jacket to ensure it’s in good working order. Make sure it’s not ripped, torn, or defective in any way.

Emergency communication devices are your first line of defense in an emergency to alert authorities when you are in need. The devices that can be installed on your boat include a VHF radio, an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), and a satellite phone. Or you can wear a device on your person, such as a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Cell phones should not be considered emergency communication devices because cell service is not reliable.

Know how to use your VHF Radio. Monitor Channel 16 for emergency traffic and weather alerts. If your VHF radio has Digital Selective Calling, be sure it has a registered MMSI number and is properly connected to your boat’s GPS.

Visual and sound distress signaling devices can aid in the search and rescue efforts of local authorities or Good Samaritans by pinpointing your location visually. These aids include:

• Flares

• Personal locator beacons

• Electronic distress lights

• Flags

• Whistles

• Signaling mirrors

Carrying at least one of these items on your person in the event of a sudden fall overboard or if you get disconnected from your craft can save your life. Check your state marine law enforcement rules to ensure you meet the requirement of required safety equipment for your craft.

The National Safe Boating Council’s website (safeboatingcouncil.org) offers a wealth of information. Recreational boating and water activities are enjoyed by millions of Americans each year. Don’t be a statistic! With the tips in this article, I hope your time on the water will be more enjoyable. A safe day on the water is a perfect day on the water whether you are a novice boater, paddler, or powerboater.

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

PROTECTING THE LAKE Justifying Stormwater Management

BY KYLE BENNETT , Stormwater Manager, Pickens County Stormwater Department

A fellow stormwater professional once wrote, “When you walk around a watershed, you inadvertently step on many kinds of toes: developer toes, landowner toes, transportation toes, zoning board toes, sportsman toes, council toes, all kinds of toes.” His statement illustrates the delicacy of managing a watershed—all the congestion prompts concerns, comments, and questions. “Do I need a stormwater permit?” and “Why do I need a stormwater permit?” are two common ones. But every so often, a larger existential question, “Why does Pickens County have a Stormwater Program?”

The straightforward answer is because it’s the law. The County’s and the Stormwater Department’s commitment to “implement and enforce a stormwater management program” is not a choice, but a legal mandate passed down by State and Federal authorities.

Regulation of small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) began in 1987 after the Clean Water Act was revised to incorporate non-point source pollution management programs. Following the amendments, in 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated rules establishing Phase I of the National

Discharge Pollutant Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program. Under the Phase I rules, operators of medium and large MS4s were required to obtain NPDES coverage and implement a stormwater management program to control their stormwater discharges, similar to the way a wastewater treatment plant or landfill would need a permit to operate.

Only designated areas with populations of 100,000 or greater were considered for large or medium MS4 status. Within South Carolina, only one large MS4 (South Carolina Department of Transportation) and three medium MS4s (Greenville County, the City of Columbia, and Richland County) exist. In addition, the state has over 70 small MS4s. The first small MS4s were created after 1999, when the EPA followed up the Phase I rules with The Stormwater Phase II Final Rule extending NPDES coverage to include smaller urbanized areas.

Although the NPDES Phase I and II programs were conceived at the federal level, the EPA grants South Carolina the authority to permit and enforce their own NPDES regulations. In turn, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) coordinates with local jurisdictions to oversee stormwater management across the state. By virtue of its location and population (being within Greenville’s “urbanized area” and having a population over 10,000) SCDHEC designated portions of Pickens County a small MS4 based on 2000 census data. Other local small MS4s include the cities of Liberty, Easley, Pickens, and Clemson University. For other areas like Oconee and Central, SCDHEC still acts as the reviewing entity.

Small MS4 designation carries obligations to address Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) in an effort to reduce stormwater pollution:

• MCM 1: public education and outreach

• MCM 2: public participation/involvement

• MCM 3: illicit discharge detection and elimination

• MCM 4: construction site runoff control

• MCM 5: post-construction runoff control

• MCM 6: pollution prevention/good housekeeping

For Pickens County, stormwater management is structured by the Pickens County Stormwater Ordinance (No. 392) and Stormwater Management Plan. Collectively, these documents give legal authority to enact and enforce the necessary rules and regulations required to “control the adverse effects of stormwater runoff associated with both future land development and existing developed land within the county.” Simultaneously, they work to ensure Pickens County’s compliance with Pickens County’s NPDES coverage outlining best

management practices and associated measurable goals to meet the six mandatory minimum control measures.

Beyond keeping up with legal requirements, the overarching goal for implementing stormwater management regulations is providing clean water, improving health of citizens, and safeguarding the environment by reducing the discharge of pollutants. Of today’s impaired waterbodies, the leading cause is non-point source pollution. The consequences for poorly managing water quality are very real. You need only look back less than 50 years to see rivers aflame, to signs dotting shorelines warning; “no swimming,” “use at your own risk,” and “polluted water.” Water quality has long been a prominent environmental issue and shows no signs of ending up on the backburner anytime soon. Polling data consistently ranks water quality and water pollution as top environmental worries, with people more concerned about water quality now than they have been in the last 20 years.

If the carrot for an effective and properly implemented stormwater management program is clean water, what’s the stick? One stick would be fines and potential jail time. When it comes to enforcement, SCDHEC takes its role seriously. The classic case occurred in Richland County. In 2006, for failure to comply with its NPDES permit, Richland County was fined over $800,000 for failing to keep sediment, pesticides, and trash out of lakes and rivers. More recently, SCDHEC issued the South Carolina Department of Transportation a $120,000 fine for illegally discharging sediment into the environment and failing “to comply with permits for storm sewer control and the handling of pollutant discharge.” Last year, SCDHEC levied approximately $2 million in fines with 25% of those fines being issued to due water quality violations.

Another stick comes in the form of “citizen suits.” Most federal environmental statutes include provisions allowing individuals or groups to bring legal action against polluters and violators. Essentially, citizens may fill the regulatory enforcement authorities’ shoes to prevent environmental harm or at the

very least, supplement the work of government enforcement officials. Quite often, citizen suits stem from environmental nongovernmental organizations that have long played a key role in environmental litigation. Recent litigation in South Carolina includes Congaree Riverkeeper’s lawsuit against Carolina Water Service. The judge ruled the utility’s discharges to the Saluda River violated the Clean Water Act and fined them $1.5 million.

A regulatory environment naturally creates friction among different stakeholders. But it’s important to remember the shared commonality and the ultimate outcomes all constituents seek. In due course, stormwater regulation intends to keep communities desirable, attractive, and bountiful. Although regulations can at times seem confusing or animus, as much as possible—arguably even more so at a local level—all endeavor to work together. Beyond the requisite regulatory infrastructure, it takes coordinated effort among developers, landowners, planners, council members, citizens—all kinds of people—to undertake and realize an effective stormwater management program.

If you are interested in more information about the resources used in this article, you may contact Pickens County Stormwater at 864-898-5789.

A YEAR IN REVIEW

Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team

BY SUZY MCKINNEY , FOLKS Technical Advisor

The Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team (LKSWPT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed by Duke Energy in 2017 to monitor and protect the water quality of Lake Keowee. LKSWPT consists of seven organizations, including FOLKS, working together to ensure Lake Keowee's water is safe for residents, recreation, drinking water consumption, and energyproduction, through providing educational information, managing grants for septic system repairs and replacements, connecting landowners to land protection opportunities, and partnering with other organizations for the shared goal of maintaining and protecting the watershed.

FOLKS is proud to be a founding member of the LKSWPT and is excited to share the accomplishments of the past year.

SEPTIC PROGRAM

Failing septic systems can have a significant impact on the quality of water within the Lake Keowee watershed. LKSWPT received funding under two Section 319 grants from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) to offer financial assistance to eligible homeowners within the watershed for septic system repairs or replacements, as well as provide information to help septic users maintain their systems properly. Through this partnership, 96 septic systems have been repaired or replaced since November 2020, preventing an estimated 2.32 trillion bacteria from draining into Lake Keowee each year.

PUBLIC OUTREACH

The LKSWPT hosted a stakeholder event at the World of Energy in February 2023 attended by more than 50 people. Organizations including Advocates for Quality Development, Clemson Extension, FOLKS, Greenville Water, Seneca Light & Water, SC Adopt-a-Stream, Pickens County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Upstate Forever had representatives provide information on their efforts to protect the watershed. In addition, Duke Energy gave a presentation on shoreline management, Greenville Water discussed source water protection, and LKSWPT provided an overview of its role, followed by Q&As. The next stakeholder event will be held in September 2024.

CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

A conservation agreement (also called a conservation easement) is a voluntary contract between a landowner and a qualified land

trust, which allows the owner to permanently restrict certain undesirable uses on his or her property. The grantor of the easement retains ownership and may still sell the land, but the agreement is permanent and remains with the land even after it has been sold, gifted, or willed to heirs. Conservation agreements typically prevent land uses such as residential subdivisions, commercial or industrial operations, and mining, while allowing traditional rural land uses, such as farming, grazing, hunting, and timbering. The terms of a conservation agreement are negotiable and vary greatly depending on the landowner’s intentions for his or her property and the conservation values being protected. LKSWPT used Section 319 funds to reimburse landowners a portion of the closing costs for one project that permanently protected 23 acres of land. Two additional projects have been approved for funding and are anticipated to close early 2024. Combined, the three projects will permanently protect approximately 159 acres from development in the Lake Keowee watershed.

To learn more about the LKSWPT, visit the Lake Keowee Water Quality | Source Water Protection Team website at LakeKeoweeWatershed.org.

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

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

The Boat

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What Are We Drinking?

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

This

Normally, this time of year I am trying to remind folks that the seasons have nothing to do with how close the earth is to the sun, but rather are a result of the tilt of the earth on its axis. However, there seems to be greater interest (understandably) in the sources and processes that are related to the water we drink. In that spirit I will attempt to satisfy curiosity.

First, is it worth noting that in our lifetimes it is probable that we drank and had within our bodies at least a few water molecules that were previously shared by Julius Caesar or any number other ancient animals, perhaps even the dinosaurs. In this sense we are just part of the “water cycle,” temporary custodians as we drink it, sweat it, exhale it, or eliminate it in other ways—especially after we drink coffee. Water is essential for life, but we continually lose it from our bodies. And second only to lack of oxygen, absence of drinking water will cause our quickest mortality. Thirst is a powerful urge that, under the worst circumstances, may motivate us to drink

Speaker Dr. John Hains

unbelievably dirty water. But we can put those morbid thoughts aside in our region because we have access to some of the cleanest, most abundant water in the world.

Lake Keowee (and other reservoirs in the area for that matter) supply drinking water to many of us. It arrives as precipitation on the watershed and accumulates in the impoundments. Then it is pumped out, processed, and delivered to our homes and businesses in a vast distribution system. I will note the list of permitted water withdrawals in the next article, but regardless of where on the lake or what tributary it comes from, water that comes out of the tap is different from what we accidentally swallow when we go for a swim. So, what’s “in” the tap water and how does “it” get there? Please bear with me, there are going to be some technical terms.

First remember, although rainwater is “distilled’’ in the atmosphere, it isn’t pure. It absorbs gases from the atmosphere and almost always acquires a mildly “acid” pH as a result. Atmospheric pollutants such as oxides of sulfur and nitrogen can “acidify” it further, actually causing impairment in some places. (The clean air act has greatly improved water quality through regulation of what can be emitted to the atmosphere.)

If the watershed is forested, precipitation may absorb more chemicals from vegetation and soil. Moreover, even in our region, dominated by granitic rock with minimal amounts of calcium and magnesium, the water nevertheless dissolves very small amounts of silicates and metals like iron or manganese. Our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding hills are very, very, slowly dissolving (melting much more slowly than the proverbial wicked witch). The water that accumulates in area reservoirs contains minute amounts of dissolved solids, often lumped together as total dissolved solids (TDS), derived from natural sources. Indeed, one of the reasons that we are unlikely to have a problem with invasive zebra mussels is our low concentrations of calcium.

Many of the inorganic chemicals in water can form ions that impart, more or less, the ability of water to conduct electricity. This property is called “specific conductance” (SpCond) and it is measured with a fancy volt/ohm meter. Our water in this region has exceedingly low SpCond. Water in streams entering Lake Jocassee, for example, often has values in the range of 20 μS (microSiemens, a measure of conductance) or less. This is also true for the reservoirs supplying water for the Greenville water system. In comparison, the Great Lakes have SpCond values that are typically 10 times greater, or more. If SpCond is very low, then there the water is unlikely to have much of anything (contaminants) dissolved in it, with some exceptions.

Contaminants are the most drastic damaging variable to any water system. While some pollution can be obvious with the naked eye, some are more discreet. You may also not be able to get a physical look at the water while the system is on.

For that, tracking the conductance and salinity of the water is the best way to note pollution. Monitoring that will keep your waters clean and you alerted when a damaging change happens.

Our Upstate watersheds have few sources of pollutants and our soils usually require added fertilizer to grow abundant crops. Thus, lakes near the top of the watershed like Lake Keowee typically have good optical clarity (not much algal biomass suspended in the water). This clarity often changes with age, and reservoirs tend to “age” more quickly due to their relatively larger watersheds and the inflows of all sorts of materials, some of which also affect what we drink. As demonstrated by Table Rock and North Saluda Reservoirs in the Greenville water system, careful and diligent protection of the surrounding lands can ensure that the reservoirs remain pristine for a very long time. In contrast, soil disturbance and development of housing, roads, etc., can bring about changes that are more rapid.

Lake Keowee has the added advantage of sharing and exchanging its water mass with Lake Jocassee through the action of pumped storage. This ensures that at least part of Lake Keowee will have qualities very similar to Lake Jocassee.

For the purpose of human consumption this is a good thing.

Of course, as we humans continue to develop and modify the landscape in the watershed, as well as add pollutants (fertilizers, pesticides, organic chemicals from pavement, paints, lubricants, etc.), Lake Keowee may experience changes. If that occurs, and if the tendency of Lake Jocassee to “trap” materials is overcome, then what we swallow when we fall out of the boat on Lake Keowee may change as well. But this article is all about where the water comes from and the kinds of things that are dissolved or suspended in the water from normal processes.

Coexisting with Wildlife

BY ANGEL DURHAM, Owner, Izzie’s Pond Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Liberty, South Carolina

I love spring. Spring is when Mother Nature’s nursery is in full swing. Wild animal babies are everywhere, and I’m ready to see them all. If I see one fawn, raccoon kit, or baby fox, or if I see 100, I will have the same giddy excitement every single time.

During baby season, many wild animals will settle closer to people than they will other times of the year. It’s actually common for wild mommas to hide their babies near human activity in an effort to keep them safe from predators. From a distance, watching these wild babies play, learn, and grow can be very enjoyable, allowing opportunities to create cherished memories, and be a wonderful learning experience for children and grandchildren.

It also has the potential to be a nightmare. Instead of the large oak tree down the drive, the raccoon might think the attic is better and her three tiny babies sound like elephants dancing above your head. Instead of denning in the wood line or behind the shed, momma fox could pick right under the front porch, so the dog stands at the door barking at all hours. Maybe momma deer parks her fawn in bushes right up against the house and eats the whole garden in one night. Even the biggest animal lover would have a hard time dealing with this kind of human/animal conflict.

So what can you do to avoid the bad but still get the good? Many humane solutions really do work. You don’t have to resort to a wildlife removal company. Did you know that it’s illegal to relocate wildlife in South Carolina? So, if a wildlife removal company is called, and they trap animals on your property, they are legally required to kill them. Those extremes just aren’t necessary. The invaders can be evicted without being killed.

CONSERVE

During baby season, many wild animals will settle closer to people than they will other times of the year.

Simple habitat modification is generally all that is required. Wild animals need three things to survive: food, water, and shelter. You may be supplying these things without realizing it. I am reminded of a call I received years ago from a woman who had raccoons in her backyard. She couldn’t get them to leave, and she insisted that she wasn’t feeding them. I asked her to text me a picture of the raccoons. In the picture, one raccoon was hanging from a bird feeder while another raccoon was on the ground eating the seeds that fell out. In her view, she wasn’t feeding raccoons, she was feeding birds. But, she was feeding raccoons. Sometimes, we can unintentionally provide the perfect space for a wild animal to survive and even thrive. Think about it. We have bird feeders,

water features, gardens, compost piles, outdoor furniture with cushions, swings, toys, sandboxes; the list goes on, but you get my drift. As humans, we have so much stuff and animals think stuff is good.

Habitat modification is a fancy way of saying, “Take away the thing they want.”

1. Remove the food. Take bird feeders in at night. Don’t leave cat food or dog food out on the porch. Keep trash in animal-proof bins, or keep it in the garage until the morning of trash day.

2. Remove the water. You live on a lake, so there’s nothing you can do about that, but you can make sure that you don’t leave water for your pet close to your house. You may need to purchase a cover to use at night for water features or koi ponds.

3. Remove the shelter. Frequently inspect soffits to keep animals out of the attic. Have a chimney cap installed to keep those fireplaces unoccupied. Install skirting under your deck to keep animals out. Keep your landscaping well-trimmed close to the house. Do not leave piles of logs, lumber, or brush close to the house, because this will attract rodents.

These are just a few steps you can take to prevent human/wildlife conflict. There isn’t one answer that could cover every scenario. In an effort to promote coexistence, we at Izzie’s Pond are available to consult on these issues, and even offer a helping hand. If you're experiencing a wildlife conflict that you would like to resolve humanely, you can reach out to us at 864-372-9992. I believe that we can all live together peacefully as Mother Nature intended. By taking simple precautions, you are helping the animals, so they do not become habituated to easy food and human activity. As much as we may want to get close to them, they need to maintain a healthy fear of humans. Their survival literally depends on it.

Appreciating Amphibians

BY MELISSA HIGGS, Communications Manager, FOLKS

The only amphibian indigenous to the entire state of South Carolina—the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) prefers deciduous forests and ponds free of fish, and is the state amphibian (scstatehouse.gov). Why is it important to have a state amphibian? Amphibians play a vital role in the health of ecosystems. They are sentinel species, which are easily affected by changes in the environment. Amphibians are sensitive to imbalances that cause unhealthy habitats, and their health serves as a harbinger for the future state of an area. Their skin is permeable and quickly detects changes in the acidity of the water that is such a vital part of their livelihood. While they may not be as showy as the birds, they actually live quiet lives under rocks and logs in the floodplains of streams and other water sources where they play a significant role in the food chain. Salamanders are carnivores and help control the insect population. They are also food for snakes, raptors, and some fish.

According to ARMI, the Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative of the USGS, “There are over 50 species of salamanders in the southern Appalachian Mountains in the eastern U.S.—10% of the overall global diversity of salamanders!” Unfortunately, ARMI cites zoology and landscape ecology studies that indicate threats to amphibians:

“Destroying habitat directly eliminates populations and increases the isolation of remaining populations in a landscape. When the space between habitat patches is increased, the ability of amphibians to move across the landscape to find food, breed, or recolonize areas decreases”

In order to mate, salamanders have to travel long distances and wait for rain that makes the land moist enough to travel on. Habitat loss makes that trek even more difficult. In addition, invasive species can become predators for amphibians and carry disease. Disease is difficult to control and spreads quickly.

So, what can we do? Two-thirds of salamanders don’t have lungs and absorb oxygen through their skin. All salamanders are sensitive to environmental factors. Pesticides and fertilizers can easily run off into local streams and lakes. When homeowners leave natural areas and practice safe stormwater management they can prevent the detrimental effects of toxins in watersheds. Three organizations that offer many solutions homeowners can implement on their properties are listed below:

• The EPA’s Green Infrastructure webcast series offers helpful advice about preventing stormwater issues (www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/green-infrastructurewebcast-series).

• Our neighbors with Friends of the Reedy River have a guide, “Stormwater Management for Homeowners” (www. friendsofthereedyriver.org/stormwater-at-home).

• The Lancaster County Conservation District produced a “Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater” that can help homeowners develop stormwater plans for their properties (www.stormwaterguide.org/static/ HomeownersGuide.pdf).

If we are aware of hazards, we can show our appreciation of amphibians by conserving their spaces. They may be strong and capable of surviving, but they cannot prevent invasion. They may be adaptable, but they cannot be replaced as prey and predator. South Carolina’s salamanders need your support.

SALAMANDER

A symbol of rebirth and power in ancient cultures, a recluse beneath rocks and decaying logs, you are unassuming yet capable of living amidst

Breathing through your skin seems a lot easier than through lungs, but then you feel the air with intensity.

You show power when you regenerate and repair nerve fibers. You are selfsufficient, strong. Your lifestyles are friends’, living in locales around the world..

Your existence is a lesson in the benefits of diversity.

FROM EROSION TO EDEN

Biostabilization for Shorelines on Lake Keowee

BY LIZ JOHNSON, Park Superintendent, High Falls County Park, Seneca, South Carolina

When you stand on the banks of the beautiful Lake Keowee, it can be hard to imagine that it began as the Keowee-Toxaway Project—the largest land-clearing undertaking of its time. Unlike natural lakes formed over millennia by glacial movements, Lake Keowee was built in just a few years by the determination and grit of human labor. Without millennia to form the complex riparian ecosystems of a natural lake system, it will take continued human effort to ensure that the lake remains the beautiful body of water that you enjoy today. The shoreline of this lake faces ongoing erosion challenges, and the need for proactive measures becomes increasingly apparent. Oconee County’s exploration of shoreline stabilization techniques focuses on the innovative approaches to creating a sustainable shoreline.

SHORELINE EROSION

With trends in recent years indicating a continued increase in outdoor recreation, along with projected population growth, the need for shoreline stabilization becomes more urgent. Erosion occurs when the forces including water or wind, in conjunction with gravity, exceed the soil’s resistance. Rising lake usage results in more active waters from boat traffic. These waves and wakes erode destabilized areas, resulting in banks becoming undercut. As the waves lap against the exposed soil, they wear away the clay, creating a “C” shape of the bank profile. As root systems fail (if they are in place at all), this undercut bank will eventually collapse, leaving fresh soil to be eroded away yet again. This cycle continues and results in loss of shoreline. Effective stabilization techniques can be used to interrupt this cycle, to reslope banks, and to establish a resilient shoreline capable of standing up to increased use.

SHORELINE STABILIZATION TECHNIQUES

The techniques for shoreline stabilization can be divided roughly into two categories: hard armoring and biostabilization. Hard armoring involves shielding the affected area with material, such as stone, or constructing vertical seawalls. While these methods do provide a fast, polished appearance, they lack resilience; undercutting will eventually still occur. In the case of seawalls, undercutting beneath the wall can cause catastrophic failure and collapse of the wall. In addition, walls contribute no ecological value to the lake ecosystem. Riprap shorelines require constant upkeep and maintenance to replace rock and continue the fight against erosion. They are, arguably, not the most aesthetically pleasing from a design standpoint either.

In contrast, biostabilized living shorelines are a long-term, resilient, sustainable, self-perpetuating ecosystem. Biostabilization uses natural materials and vegetation to minimize the disruption to ecosystems and fosters biodiversity and ecological health along shorelines. It stands out among stabilization strategies due to its array of benefits over traditional methods. Notably, it offers a sustainable solution that aligns with environmental conservation goals. Unlike hard structures, such as seawalls or riprap, biostabilized solutions blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, enhancing the scenic beauty of waterfront areas while providing habitats for various plant and animal species.

One of the key advantages of biostabilization is its effectiveness in erosion control. Native vegetation and erosion control mats stabilize soil to reduce the risk of erosion and landslides, particularly in areas of high aquatic activity. Biostabilization techniques adapt to changing environmental conditions, allowing for natural processes that are vital for maintaining the balance of shoreline ecosystems, like sediment movement and water flow. This flexibility not only ensures the long-term resilience of shoreline areas but also minimizes the need for costly maintenance and repairs associated with rigid structures.

Furthermore, biostabilization offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional stabilization methods. While initial installation costs may vary, the long-term benefits outweigh the investment, as biostabilized shorelines require less frequent maintenance and repair. Regulatory agencies often favor biostabilization approaches due to their minimal impact on aquatic habitats and compliance with environmental regulations, which streamlines the permitting process. Overall, biostabilization represents a holistic and environmentally sound solution to shoreline stabilization, thus embodying the principles of sustainability and resilience in shoreline management practices.

CREATING LIVING SHORELINES

The goal of a living shoreline is to create a sustainable, adaptable space with living, biodegradable, and natural materials. This process is established with a combination of shoreline reshaping, biodegradable stabilization materials, plantings, and selective rock placement. Undercut banks, especially those over three feet in height, must first be reshaped with the undercut portion removed and resloped in a more gentle incline. Steep slopes will again be prone to erosion so should be avoided. This work is typically done with a barge, so that large equipment like a backhoe can access undercut areas. Turf reinforcement mats, such as those made from coco fiber, are laid over the exposed and eroded soil. This forms a base that allows vulnerable soils and new root systems to be

protected while the new living shoreline gets established.

Placement of coir logs (large rolled mats of coconut fiber) can then be placed strategically around the area to be restored to prevent runoff, filter stormwater, and prevent soil from moving and sliding down the slope until vegetation can establish itself. The logs are anchored in place with wooden stakes. Plants can go above, below, and even into the coir logs themselves, encouraging the plants to establish a robust root system despite eroded soils. They remain in place and biodegrade naturally with a functional longevity of around three years, giving plantings ample time to establish deep root systems at which point the decomposing coir logs contribute to the nutrients of the soil.

Stone need not be barred from a living shoreline; in fact, properly sized boulders create cavities that provide shelter to fish, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. These cavities are valuable spawning areas for fish, offering protection from predators and less activity than in open water. Vegetated rock can be successfully integrated into a living shoreline project by planting into and around the rock. Root systems can then be protected while getting established (and prevent your new plants from floating away!), which will in turn twine through the rock and anchor the stone in place for long-term stability. Riprap or other stone would also be placed with a barge to avoid damage to the surrounding shorelines and ensure access when trees or other obstacles might otherwise bar large equipment access.

PERMITTING PROCESS OVERVIEW

The first step in beginning a shoreline stabilization project should be a visit to the Duke Energy Lake Services (DELS) website [www.Duke-energy.com/community/lakes/services]. The permitting processes for shoreline stabilization on Lake Keowee are detailed in the Keowee-Toxaway Project Shoreline Management Guidelines document. Before commencing any shoreline stabilization or vegetation planting projects, homeowners must obtain written authorization from DELS. Applicants must adhere to specific criteria for shoreline stabilization including environmental offsets, property ownership requirements, bank reshaping techniques, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

After reviewing the guidelines, homeowners may apply for a permit for shoreline lengths up to 500 linear feet, prioritizing biostabilization techniques over seawalls, which require engineering justifications. Biostabilization techniques are preferred for less severe erosion, with native vegetation subject to DELS approval. The plan emphasizes minimizing impacts on ecosystems, such as water willow beds, and restricts certain stabilization materials. Homeowners will need a stamped and signed survey of the property and landscape plans that include any plantings and stone laying. This application is submitted online and the approval process is typically complete within 30 days. Costs for a new stabilization project include a $350 permit fee and a $500 habitat fee. (For maintenance on past projects, only the permit fee is applicable.) These fees are used to fund the Habitat Enhancement Fund, which provides grants for habitat enhancement projects on Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee.

Construction must be completed within 12 months of permit issuance. Failure to comply can result in penalties such as stopwork directives, delays, loss of security deposits, or cancellation of approvals. Violators may have noncompliant structures removed at their expense and lose consideration for future applications, underlining the need for adherence to the plan's regulations.

CASE STUDY: SOUTH COVE COUNTY PARK SHORELINE

In 2000, Michael Dorn of Dorn’s Landscape Services, addressed a severely eroded portion of South Cove’s shoreline near a boat ramp. This area was selected for a biostabilization plan, utilizing permanent turf reinforcement mat and generous plantings of switchgrass and maidencane. Twenty-four years later, this area is profoundly naturalized and valuable habitat. No evidence of erosion is present, and the area needs very little maintenance. In 2016, Dorn’s services were employed again to develop a shoreline stabilization and habitat enhancement plan for an area of shoreline near South Cove’s entrance. Construction was completed by Park Rangers and county staff, utilizing rock vegetated with woody plants such as

(continued on page 26)

CONSERVE

(continued from page 25)

Arrowwood viburnum, silky dogwood, and bald cypress. This project was funded with Duke Energy’s Habitat Enhancement Fund. Eight years later, this area is fully naturalized and another excellent source of food and shelter for wildlife.

The next shoreline stabilization project in the Oconee County park system will be at High Falls County Park. Park staff and volunteers will stabilize and enhance 500 feet of severely eroded shoreline. The keystone of this habitat enhancement project is the 276 plantings that will increase the biodiversity of the park, providing food, shelter, and nesting materials for wildlife. Funded by a grant through

the Keowee-Toxaway Habitat Enhancement Project, this large shoreline project will showcase the use of native plants and vegetated rock for biostabilization, and serve as an example that others may wish to emulate.

CONCLUSION

Preserving Lake Keowee's beauty and ecological balance hinges on sustainable shoreline management practices. Innovative approaches, such as living shorelines that protect against erosion and nurture biodiversity that contribute to the lake’s long-term sustainability are needed to address the ongoing challenge of erosion.

Visit the Duke Energy Lake Services website for a comprehensive guide to shoreline management on Lake Keowee, which offers insights into permit processes and environmental stewardship. Additionally, Native Woody Landscape and Restoration Plants of the Eastern United States by Michael Dorn provides invaluable knowledge on native plant species essential for restoration efforts.

To witness the effectiveness of living shorelines firsthand, you are welcome to visit South Cove or to consider volunteering for the upcoming High Falls project. These experiences offer a tangible glimpse into the possibilities of ecological restoration and community engagement. Together, we can ensure that Lake Keowee remains a cherished sanctuary for generations to come, where natural beauty thrives and ecosystems flourish in harmony with responsible stewardship. Join the folks at High Falls Park in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for Lake Keowee.

SITE MOCK-UP

SITE

Tickling the Dragon: Part 3

PRACTICAL LIMNOLOGY

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

As I have often noted to my students, as well as in these pages, the two most important habitat characteristics for freshwater ecosystems are “temperature” and “dissolved oxygen.” Oconee Nuclear Station (ONS) affects both.

The waters of Lake Keowee are close to their winter minimum temperatures while I write this. And while winter temperatures are usually the result of the tilt of the earth’s axis and the resulting seasons, water temperatures in Lake Keowee are also affected by ONS—by design. Lake Keowee is a cooling pond for three nuclear reactors. Actually, it’s more complicated.

As you drive on Hwy 130 from Seneca to ONS, just after the intersection with Hwy 183, you cross a bridge just before the view of ONS emerges to the right. That bridge crosses the intake canal for ONS. To the left at the mouth of that canal is a large concrete wall that blocks the opening to the canal. To the right across that bridge, and around a bend in the canal, are twelve large intake pumps— four pumps for each reactor that are part of the condenser cooling water (CCW) system. This system is essential for steam electric generation regardless of the source of energy. The CCW system doesn’t directly cool the reactors. Rather, it absorbs the energy and condenses the steam on the low-pressure side of the steam turbines, thus becoming part of the thermal cycle that generates electricity.

A massive amount of water passes through the CCW system, equal to the entire volume of Lake Keowee twice or more each year. And as I have noted in prior articles, this circulation of lake water alone is a massive energy subsidy to the aquatic ecosystem of the Keowee-Toxaway (KT) Project. About two-thirds of all the energy released by the reactors is absorbed by Lake Keowee, which is another energy subsidy (in this case thermal energy) to the KT aquatic ecosystem. Remember, temperature is one of the most important habitat determinants. So, what about oxygen.

water temperature. As a general rule, warmer water can “hold” less dissolved gases than cooler water. Fish and other aerobic organisms require oxygen. Try holding your breath for 10 or 15 minutes; you’ll understand why oxygen is the other important habitat determinant. ONS through the action of its CCW system affects both temperature and dissolved oxygen in Lake Keowee. It seems simple, doesn’t it? It isn’t.

Right now, nearly all the lakes in our region, including Lake Keowee, contain cool, well-oxygenated water. This is because during the winter, most of these lakes circulate their waters thus putting them in contact with the atmosphere and attaining an equilibrium of sorts between what is dissolved in the water and what is contained in the atmosphere. The atmosphere is approximately 21% oxygen and cool winter lake water may have as much as 10 to 12 parts per million dissolved oxygen. [I apologize for the following; the pain will last only a few moments.]

Some of us may be unaware that there usually are dissolved gases in water. Streams, for example, are constantly interacting with atmospheric gases, and in freshwater the amounts of these dissolved gases are mostly controlled by (you guessed it) water temperature.

The amount of gas that can be dissolved into water is controlled by Henry’s Law in which the amount of gas absorbed into the water is equal to the partial pressure of the supply gas times the solubility coefficient (C=kp). And at equilibrium between the supply (atmosphere in this case) and the water, the pressure of the dissolved gas in the water is identical to the partial pressure in the air. Again, my apologies. So, what does this have to do with the skimmer wall?

Most of the deep lakes in this region (deeper than 10 meters) become “stratified” in the summer. That is, the surface depths are warmer and less dense than the deeper depths, which are cooler. In fact, for some lakes, nearly winter minimum temperatures can extend into the summer at the deepest depths. This is one reason why, for example, there can exist a put-and-take trout fishery just below Hartwell Dam; those waters stay very cool through the summer.

Some of us may be unaware that there usually are dissolved gases in water. Streams, for example, are constantly interacting with atmospheric gases, and in freshwater the amounts of these dissolved gases are mostly controlled by (you guessed it)

But this stratification also means that those deepest waters remain isolated from the atmosphere for the entire stratified season. Biological and chemical processes often consume the dissolved oxygen in those deeper waters and often the hypolimnion (deepest depths) can become hypoxic (contain little or no dissolved oxygen), which is obviously a problem for habitat.

At ONS the Little River basin of Lake Keowee is deep enough to stratify and undergo these changes. However, that large reservoir of deep, cool water is utilized by ONS for its CCW system throughout the summer and helps make ONS operate more efficiently because the concrete skimmer wall restricts the inflow of surface water to the CCW pumps and allows only that deep, cool water to enter the CCW system. Cool, huh? Sorry, couldn’t resist.

The fact that the skimmer wall withdraws the deepest water during the stratified season also means that the water most likely to experience hypoxia is continually being withdrawn, warmed, discharged to the surface of the lake on the other side (the Keowee River basin of the lake), and placed in contact

with the atmosphere where more oxygen is available to dissolve into the water.

So, while the CCW system for ONS is reducing the tendency for hypoxia, it is also warming the lake thus tending to “destratify” it—on the Little River side—and increasing the depth of the surface mixed layer throughout much of the lake on both sides, adding both thermal energy and dissolved oxygen to the lake ecosystem.

ONS and the wrenching apart of atoms in its reactors, through the action of its CCW system, is thus an integral part of the Keowee Toxaway ecosystem.

So, is this a good thing or a bad thing? I’ll offer some perspective in the next article.

Intake Canal Skimmer wall (Photo provided by Duke Energy)

HISTORY UNDER THE WATERS:

Fort Prince George

BY JENNIFER E. MOSS, Interim Director/Curator, Oconee History Museum

Did you know that under the waters of Lake Keowee lies an 18th century fort?

Fort Prince George was located along the Keowee River, across from the Cherokee village of Keowee. The fort played a central role in trading and defense along the Cherokee Path. The South Carolina Provincial Assembly considered a fortification amid the lower towns of the Cherokee vital to stabilize conditions on the frontier of the province, and in 1748, Royal Governor James Glen promised a fortification to protect both Cherokee and white settlers from the Creek and other invading enemies.

The fort was a 200 foot square, constructed with mud and wooden palisades and was surrounded by a deep trench.

Construction of the fort was completed in 1753. Inside the fort were located a guardhouse, a storehouse, a kitchen, a magazine, a barracks, and the commandant’s residence. In 1756, the fort was completely rebuilt.

By 1758, relations with the Cherokee had deteriorated. A delegation of Cherokee Chiefs went to Charleston to pursue peace with the crown; however, they were seized and sent back to Fort Prince George as hostages.

January 1760 proved a point of no return for relations between Cherokee and the crown, and war commenced. On

Fort Prince George was located along the Keowee River, across from the Cherokee village of Keowee.

EDUCATE

February 16, 1760, the commander of Fort Prince George, Lieutenant Richard Coytmore, was lured outside the walls for a parlay and was killed. His outraged men retaliated by executing several Cherokee hostages confined in the fort.

Fort Prince George was under siege for several months until Colonel Archibald Montgomery arrived in June. The fort served as the starting point for the 1762 campaign against the Cherokee middle towns.

In 1764, elements of the Sixtieth Regiment of Foot, also

known as the Royal American Regiment, assumed garrison duty. Tensions began to mount between Great Britain and the North American colonies. By 1768, Fort Prince George was completely abandoned.

In the early 1960s, Duke Power Company planned construction of a large nuclear power facility in the area of Fort Prince George. Assistant State Archaeologist John Combes conducted a dig to find the remains of the old fort in 1966. In 1968, when the dig was almost complete, the rising waters of Lake Keowee pushed the archaeologists out, and they were unable to complete the project. During the dig they found musket balls, cannonballs, utensils, bottles, and three skeletal remains, which included Lieutenant Richard Coytmore.

BY LINDA LOVELY, Writer and Founder of AQD

WINTER READS Local Authors

My Place Among Them

By J. Stanion

A Killer App: An HOA Mystery

By Linda Lovely

Linda Lovely’s A Killer App, released November 7, 2023, is the local author’s eleventh published novel and the third in her Homeowner Association (HOA) Mystery series set in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The author started thinking about the plot in early 2022 after viewing side-by-side videos featuring President Obama—one authentic, one a deepfake. The deepfake made Lovely consider what might happen if unscrupulous Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts used their talents for personal profit and/or revenge.

Here’s A Killer App preview:

When Kylee Kane, Welch HOA Management’s investigator, finds Andy Fyke’s crumpled body at the foot of the stairs, she suspects his fall was no accident. Fighting against rentals in his Hilton Head community, Andy’s gained powerful enemies. Then, another Lowcountry HOA retiree dies in a fatal boat hitand-run. Although the victims seem to have zero in common, Kylee senses a connection. The link is the Chameleon— an AI expert adept at creating deepfakes and scouring social media for unstable souls to groom as assassins. Once Kylee starts hunting the Chameleon, she becomes the target, and is forced into a perilous duel with a digital genius.

“Lovely delivers solid plotting and vivid characters, but a memorable villain with an ingenious and all-too-plausible criminal technique are what sets A Killer App apart.”

JOSEPH FINDER, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HOUSE ON FIR E

My Place Among Them by J. Stanion is a story of resilience and more as it follows the path of John Iron Horse, a twelveyear-old survivor of the massacre of members of the Lakota tribe at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, in 1890. John is thrown into a new world and a new system, including government run schools that indigenous tribes across the nation were forced to send their children to. The government’s motto, “Kill the Indian, save the man,” sums up what John will experience in his new life. Despite the adversity John faces, he excels as a student and catches the attention of teacher Carter Heath. The two build a bond over time that will be tested by government bureaucracy and politics. My Place Among Them includes the tragedy of love lost, a people’s struggle to save their culture, and the triumph of the human spirit against almost overwhelming odds.

J. Stanion is the pen name of Gwendolyn McPhail. Gwen and her family own and manage an Oconee County cattle farm. She wrote the historical fiction after she was entrusted with a manuscript penned by her great-grandfather, who taught at Indian schools in the late 1800s. My Place Among Them is meticulously researched and beautifully written.

“…an intimate portrayal of a period in our history when good men believed they knew best, bad men did their worst, and naïve, proud men couldn’t tell the difference. The tragic becomes provocative as we see how many shades of gray colored the true story behind the fate of the Indigenous people of America.”

FRAN LEBOWITZ, EDITOR

2024 AMERICA’S BOATING COURSE

2024 "AMERICA’S BOATING COURSE"

Designed to advance public knowledge and skills for safer boating in the Upstate. Learn State and local regulations, including wake/wake boat restrictions and mandatory safe boating education requirements, safety equipment, how to handle emergencies, anchoring, trailering, navigation rules and aids, personal watercraft operation, and knot tying There is an option for on-the-water training.

WHEN: In 2024 we will offer three courses, each consists of three evening classes with the exam on the third night. Each class will meet on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

§ March 12, 19 and 26 with the exam on the 26th

§ April 23, 30 and May 7 with the exam on the 7th

Designed to advance public knowledge and skills for safer boating in the Upstate. Learn about State and local regulations, including wake/wake boat restrictions and mandatory safe boating education requirements, safety equipment, how to handle emergencies, anchoring, trailering, navigation rules and aids, personal watercraft operation, knot tying and much more. After completing the course, there is an option to have on-the-water training, if desired.

§ September 10, 17 and 24 with the exam on the 24th

WHERE: Classes are held at St. Marks United Methodist Church in Seneca, SC; or via an online Zoom meeting with a final in-person exam session.

WHEN: Three separate classes for students to choose from. The course consists of three nights of instruction with the exam included on the third night. Each class will meet on three consecutive Tuesdays from 6 pm until 8:30 pm.

COST: There is no cost for the course other than $35 for a manual and supplies. The manual can be shared by family members.

• March 12, 19 and 26 (exam on the 26th)

• April 23, 30 and May 7 (exam on the 7th)

• September 10, 17 and 24 (exam on the 24th)

Preregistration is requested at least 2 weeks in advance. To sign up call Ron Osburn, 864-972-2434 or email ozbrn@bellsouth.net

For additional information, visit our website at gclsaps.com America’s Boating Club® is a registered trademark of the United States Power Squadrons®

WHERE: Classes will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church in Seneca, SC; however, if appropriate, classes will be held via an online Zoom meeting with a final in-person exam session.

COST: There is no cost for the Course other than $35 for a manual and supplies. The manual can be shared by family members.

Preregistration is requested at least 2 weeks in advance.

To sign up call Ron Osburn, 864-972-2434 or email Ron at ozbrn@bellsouth.net

For membership and additional information, visit our website at gclsaps.com

America’s Boating Club® is a registered trademark of the United States Power Squadrons®

EDUCATE 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 214 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—Awarded five $2,500 scholarships to local high school students in 2022 and raised enough funds to award up to five more students in 2023

• 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 2023 and celebrating our 30th anniversary of stewardship for the preservation of Lake Keowee and its watershed. FOLKS was awarded three habitat enhancement grants in 2022 to be completed in 2023. The grants include installing 114 Dock Pro Kits, 60 large fish habitats, planting 8,000 plants in shallow areas along the shoreline, and a shoreline stabilization project. Join our team of volunteers and become a member!

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Mail to:

Check one: ¨ New Member ¨ Renewal

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

Name

Address City State Zip

Phone

Community/Subdivision

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.

EDUCATE

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

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FOLKS is a proud member of the North American Lake Management Society.

NALMS.org

Thank you, FOLKS. From a Lake Keowee native, property owner and real estate agent.

Greg Coutu

864.230.5911

coutulakekeowee@gmail.com

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Serving the Southeast for different aspects of water & landscaping needs for over 30 years.

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Making boating safer and more enjoyable for over 100 years.

Learn how to get involved at americasboatingclub.org

BRIAN HANVEY Computer Technician plus Phones, TVs, Viruses, & Custom Built Computers

864-247-6969

brianhanvey@gmail.com

AutoCAD Design Services, CNC Plasma Cutting, MIG/TIG Welding, Wall Art, Business Signage, Metal Decor & Fire Pits

Ken Van Natta 770.312.1090

MaconMetalWorks.com

Office in Seneca, Walhalla and Westminster, SC, as well as Toccoa and Clayton, GA 864.882.2765 OconeeFederal.com

Advocating for Responsible Land Development and Protecting Quality of Life.

Learn more at aqdupstate.com

• Shop • Donate • Volunteer

All proceeds of donated items benefit Collins

Children's Home

864.882.4250

504 W. North 1st St., Seneca

MOUNTAIN LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Improving Homeowner and Property Owner Associations Through Collaboration & Education

President@MLCASC.com MLCASC.com

Report a Litter Bug 1.877.7LITTER

(1.877.754.8837)

FOLKS ADVERTISING PARTNERS

Quality Patio & Casual Furniture – Grills, Stoves, Fireplaces & More!

10239 Clemson Blvd., Seneca 864.888.4413

PatioFireside.com

Family owned for 27 years with RV Sales, Boat Sales, Service, Parts, etc.

864.885.0777

1771 Blue Ridge Blvd., Seneca StricklandMarineandRV.com

Landscape Design Install for over 20 years

10227 Clemson Blvd., Seneca 864.882.0363

CallRainmaker.net

Established in 1938

Bill Boomhower 864.638.2414

3695 Blue Ridge Blvd., Walhalla SuperServiceTireWalhallaSC.com

We protect and enhance your investment on Lake Keowee with a variety of services from lake to land.

864.859.1449

Shorescapes.net

Chris Lawrence, LUTCF

1229-B Stamp Creek Rd., Salem 864.944.0085

700 W. Main St,m Walhalla 864.638.2341

UpstateInsurance.com

Support the South Carolina Wildlife magazine.

SCWildlife.com

FRIENDS OF LAKE KEOWEE SOCIETY, INC. C/O The Alliances

1201 N. Fant St., Anderson, SC 29621

APRIL 11

FOLKS Springtime Birding Speaker Series

The event will run from 3 until 4 p.m. at WOE. Terry Allen from For the Birds will be the speaker. Visit FOLKS on Facebook or on our website for additional details.

Sign up to attend on the FOLKS website www.keoweefolks.org

APRIL 19 — 22

Anne Springs

Close GreenwaySM Earth Day Celebration

Come try our most popular recreational pastimes, such as kayaking, archery, horseback riding, hiking and more during our favorite weekend of the year, Earth Day Celebration!

For information, visit https://bit.ly/4bJwkQJ

APRIL 20 — 21

Keowee Marina's In-Water Boat Show

Visit FOLKS & explore an array of boats in the water and on land for every budget! Entertainment for the whole family including food, raffles, and activities for the kids! For more information, call 864.882.2047 or 864.784.0090 or email KeoweeBoatShow.com

MAY 4 — 12

FOLKS Keowee Lake Sweep

Our goal is to keep Lake Keowee clean through FOLKS memberships, donations, & the help of our volunteers. Lake Sweeps are sponsored by FOLKS, Duke Energy, & Palmetto Pride. Volunteer sign up is available on our website or email Scott Calderwood at scottc1951@gmail.com