FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 • 1C
Photo submitted
With warning signs on the left, there’s tailwater fishing at the base of Fort Loudoun Dam.
Tailwater fishing threat Alexander supports TVA’s tailwater procedures vs. USACE
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ALAN SLOAN asloan@farragutpress.com
In dealing with the dangers of quickly occurring water turbulence in the tailwaters of Tennessee’s hydroelectric dams, Tennessee Valley Authority and United States Army Corps of Engineers have different procedures. While USACE, Nashville District, prepares to ban on-thewater recreation, mostly fishing, in the tailwaters of its 10 Cumberland River dams beginning in April, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) is gathering Capitol Hill support for legislation to fight USACE. Alexander said he prefers TVA’s siren and lights warning system — including electronic message signs that light up at Fort Loudoun Dam among others — otherwise allowing fishing, boating, swimming and wading at the base of its 29 Tennessee River hydroelectric dams. “The tailwaters are only dangerous when the water is spilling through the dam, and when it’s not, tailwaters provide some of the best fishing areas in the U.S.,
attracting thousands of fishermen and creating hundreds of jobs in Tennessee and Kentucky,” Alexander stated in a February press release. “For example, water spills through the Center Hill dam about 14 percent of the time. The most logical solution would be to make the area safe when the danger exists. “To close the tailwaters to fishing 100 percent of the time would be like keeping the gate down at the railroad crossing 100 percent of the time – the track is not dangerous when the train is not coming, and the tailwaters are not dangerous when the water is not spilling through the dam,” Alexander added. According to another February press release from his office, Alexander sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Jo-Ellen Darcy, “voicing his ‘strong opposition’ to the Corps’ plan that would divert $2.6 million in federal money toward barriers restricting access to the tailwaters.” Interestingly, Alexander is senior Republican on Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and
Above: U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), in red coat, fields questions near Old Hickory Dam on his response to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed ban on tailwater “on-the-water” recreation, most notably fishing, at the base of Cumberland River dams.
Water Development, which has jurisdiction over Army Corps of Engineers. Senate action paid off March 21 when Alexander — joined in a co-sponsored budget resolution amendment with Senate Minority Leader Mitch See TAILWATER on Page 5C
Photos submitted
Above: With Old Hickory Dam and its Cumberland River tailwaters in the background, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) speaks to a combined gathering of media and concerned anglers about his fight against banning tailwater “on the water” recreation near the base of Cumberland River dams.
Dress the part on the water Essentials to keep you safe and dry Water recreation is a popular pastime. When the weather warms, people often take to coastal areas to enjoy some fun in the sun and surf. What to wear for a day on the water depends on the type of activity one is partaking in, but there are some essentials you do not want to forget to bring along. • Sturdy shoes: Whether you will be standing on the deck of a sailboat or baiting a hook alongside a river, footwear should be sturdy. Water makes for slippery conditions, and shoes that provide traction blend form and function. Although flip-flop sandals have become the go-to footwear, these shoes do not provide the arch support or traction
necessary in wet conditions. A water shoe that has a sturdy sole as well as a breathable upper material is a better bet. • Sun protection: The Food and Drug Administration advises that surfaces such as snow, sand, grass, or water can reflect much of the UV radiation that reaches them. A day on the water or nearby reflective surfaces necessitates wearing sun protection products, such as broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses rated for 100 percent UV protection are good ideas. UV rays are most intense at noon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. It's also important to note the higher the elevation, the
greater the UV exposure concentration because there is less atmosphere to absorb the UV rays. • Layers: The weather can be unpredictable, and the temperature inland may differ from the temperature at the shore by several degrees. When boating or visiting the coast, wear layered clothing so you can shed layers as needed to remain comfortable. • Change of clothing: Wet clothing can become uncomfortable to wear, and it may become dangerous if the temperature drops. Wet clothing can extract heat from the body much faster than dry clothing, potentially See ESSENTIALS on Page 5C
WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT
2C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013
AREA MARINAS Cherokee Lake Marinas
436 Hwy. 25E, Bean Station Cherokee Lake marinas offer amenities such as restaurants, campgrounds, rest- Douglas Lake Marinas rooms, boat launching, pump-out servicMany marinas off Douglas Lake offer es, snacks, coin laundry and storage. amenities such as a ship store with fuel and pump-out services, outdoor cafés, covered slips with power and water serv• Black Oak Marina ices, dry storage, pontoon boat rentals, 865-475-3063 service department and outdoor pavil2511 Black Oak Road, Jefferson City ions. •
Card’nal Cove 865-828-5300 1025 Card’Nal Cove, Rutledge
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Cedar Hill Boat Dock 423-317-7693
• Dandridge Point Marina 865-484-0484
122 Boat Dock Dr., Dandridge •
2321 Norman Way, Dandridge
2369 Boat Dock Road, Talbot •
• Lighthouse Point Marina 865-397-7997
Gilmore Dock 865-767-2177 270 Gilmore Dock Lane, Rutledge
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Greenlee Campground and Marina 865-828-8501
1590 Dyke Road, Sevierville •
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Hamblen County Dock 423-586-2939 3050 Hamblen Dock Road, Morristown
• Lindas Lakeside Marina 865-993-4343
Swann’s Marina 865-397-2182 2515 Swann’s Marina Road, Dandridge
Greenlee of Fall Creek 866-583-8866 5601 Fall Creek Dock Road, Russellville
Mountain Cove Marina 865-453-3506
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Cove Ridge Marina 423-768-3741 947 Piercetown Road, Butler
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Fish Springs Marina 423-768-2336 Lakeshore Marina 888-423-3785
Warrior’s Path State Park Marina, located off Hemlock Road in Kingsport, offers a service dock, fuel, snack bar, uncovered slips, two public use ramps and camping.
Many Fort Loudoun Lake marinas offer gas, launch ramp, dock shop and restrooms. •
2285 Hwy 321, Hampton •
Fort Patrick Henry Lake Marina
Fort Loudoun Lake Marinas
191 Fish Springs Church Road, Butler •
Mallard Cove Marina 423-768-3440
Choto Marina & Rarity Pointe 865-966-5472 12214 Choto Marina Way
200 Mallard Cove Drive, Butler
South Holston Lake Marinas • Friendship Dock 423-878-3128
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Concord Marina 865-966-5831 10915 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville
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Fort Loudoun Marina 865-986-5536 5200 City Park Drive, Lenoir City
356 Friendship Drive, Bristol
• Koserski Peter 423-878-3128 •
Painter Creek Dock 423-878-5775 766 Painter Creek Road, Bristol
All Watauga Lake marinas offer marine gas, boat launch ramp and other amenities.
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Fox Road Marina 865-966-9422 1100 Fox Road, Knoxville
356 Friendship Road, Bristol
Fontana Lake Marinas Alarka Boat Dock, 7230 Grassy
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Watauga Lake Marinas
1209 Hwy 139, Dandridge •
345 Vacation Way, Rutledge •
Indian Creek Boat Dock 865-397-7286
rentals, shuttle services and ship store.
Lake View Dock 423-878-4331
Branch Road, Bryson City N.C., Alarka Boat 992 Lakeview Dock Road, Bristol Dock offers boat rentals, storage slips, sup- • Laurel Marina and ply store, gas and oil. Yacht Club, Inc. Fontana Village Marina, 50 Fontana 423-878-3721 Road, Fontana Dam, N.C., offers watercraft 191 Shady Ford Road, Bristol
• International Harbor of Friendsville 865-995-2375 259 Cedar Crest Ln., Friendsville
See MARINA on Page 4C
Cindy Doyle, Agent 248 N Peters Rd Ste 4 (Conveniently located next to Puleo’s Grille in West Knoxville)
Bus: 865-690-6300 Fax: 865-690-9300 cindy@cindydoyle.com
Andersonville,TN
(865) 494-7641 VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 5 MARINAS IN EAST TN
The Harbor Grill one of Norris Lake’s Premier Marina Restaurants
• Houseboat Slips Available (Limited Number) • Boat and Pontoon Slips Available (Limited Number) • Spaces Available for Floating Homes • Dry Storage Space Available (Rack and Stack) • Ski Boat Rental - Party Pontoon Boat Rental • Cabin/House Rental
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Fish Feeder Bill Dance Signature Series Moultrie Feeders!
• Marina Open on a Limited Schedule in April! • Marina Open Full Time May 18th! Now Taking Applications For Cooks & Servers With Experience Must be 18 Years Old.
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Live Entertainment by “Third Degree” on our patio.
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beginning on May 18 with Larry Collier, General Manager
Patrick Boring, Co-Manager
www.stardustmarina.com
WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT
FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 • 3C
Boater Safety Classes Unless otherwise noted, these are locations to take the exam only. Bring Social Security Number, black pen, and type 600 Anderson County Boating Safety Class Stardust Marina/Norris Lake May 11, 9:00 AM Anderson County Lake City Library By appointment only 865-426-6762 Blount County Maryville High School, Room 360 April 10, May 15, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11 7:00 - 9:00 PM Contact Michael Scher 865-405-5512 Knox County Boating Safety Class Concord Marina Ft. Loudon Lake March 30, 9:00 AM Knox County USCGAUX Boating Safety Class Travis Marine, 9312 Tedford Rd/Knoxville 4 night class with test given on last night April 16, 18, 23, & 25, 6:15 – 9:00 PM Pre-register: Larry Martin865-977-4139 or lwmartin06@gmail.com USCGAUX charges a fee for this class and you must have the TWRA $10 type 600 exam permit with you to receive the TWRA license Knox County Boating Safety Class Gander Mtn/Knoxville All classes are 6:00 – 9:00 PM (2-night class, test on 2nd night)
license to testing locations. Students can go to any county to take the class or exam.
First Fish Award
April 4-5, April 9-10, April 23-24, May 14-15, May 21-22, May 28-29, June 5-6, June 11-12, June 25-26, July 9-10, July 27-28, July 31-Aug. 1, Aug. 13-14, Aug. 20-21, Aug. 27-28, Sept. 10-11, Sept. 24-25, Oct. 8-9, Nov. 12-13, Dec. 10-11 Bring type 600 exam permit to class. Knox County Boating Safety Class John Sevier Hunter Education Center - 2327 Rifle Range Road, Knoxville 4th Tuesday of each month (6:00 - 9:00 PM) Bring Type 600 License with you to the class. Knox County On Target Training Center 101 E. Inskip Rd. Suite A, Knoxville By appointment only Call Doug - 865-242-4665 Loudon County Tellico Village Public Library in Loudon Testing available MondayFriday. Call Becky or Betty for an appointment at 865-458-8762 Roane County Boating Safety Class Kingston High School Cafeteria March 25, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Bring type 600 exam permit and a lunch Roane County Kingston Library By appointment only 865-376-9905
For more information visit www.tn.gov/twra/
The First Fish Award is designed to commemorate that special moment in every boy's or girl's life – the landing of their first fish. The award recognizes this special moment with a framable certificate identifying the angler, the fish caught and other details of that moment. Size of the fish and age of the angler have no bearing, only that the fish is their first, and that it was caught in Tennessee. Go to www.tn.gov/twra/
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4C • FARRAGUTPRESS
Marina From page 2C •
Volunteer Landing Marina 865-633-5004 956 Volunteer Landing Lane, Knoxville
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Beach Island Marina 865-992-3091 170 Beach Island Rd., Maynardville
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Hickory Star Resort & Marina 865-992-5241 Cedar Grove Marina 865-278-3131 255 Dock Lane, New Tazewell
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Flat Hollow Resort 423-562-8314 185 Flat Hollow Dock Circle, Speedwell
• Indian River Marina 423-562-5290 744 Indian River Boat Dock Road •
Lone Mountain Dock 423-626-9437 325 Lone Mountain Boat Dock Lane, Tazewell
Norris Dam Marina 865-494-8138
• Sequoyah Marina 865-494-7984
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Springs Dock Resort 423-562-2405
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Sugar Hollow Marina 423-562-3466
Watts Bar Lake Marinas • Arrowhead Marina and Resort 423-365-6484 261 Bennett Drive, Spring City •
Stardust Marina 865-494-7641
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1203 Whitman Hollow Road, La Follette
Melton Hill Marinas • Melton Hill Marina 865-927-0071
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Blue Springs Marina 865-376-7298 3952 River Road, Ten Mile
149 Stardust Lane, Andersonville
• Whitman Hollow Marina & Campground 423-562-9941
Bayside Marina & RV Park 865-376-7031 134 Bayside Drive, Ten Mile
610 Marina Lane, La Follette •
Tellico Marina 865-856-6806 1000 Marina Harbor Drive, Maryville
1652 Alder Springs Road, La Follette •
Sequoyah Lake Tellico Resort 866-651-0701 721 US Hwy 411, Vonore
Shanghai Resort 423-562-7651 1042 Shanghai Road, La Follette
Rasar Landing 423-884-6378 1180 Corntassel Road, Vonore
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336 Lakeview Lane •
1360 Hickory Star Road, Maynardville •
pump-out and year-round water.
1604 Norris Freeway, Norris
Norris Lake Marinas Many Norris Lake marinas offer boat rentals, accommodation, fishing supplies, marine supplies, houseboat buoy rental, yearly covered slips, weekly covered slips, water board rentals, pump out service, restrooms, swimming pool, beer, grocery items, ATM, public phone, restaurant, snacks, bait, fishing license, fishing and marine supplies, houseboat mooring rentals, dry boat and trailer storage, yearly covered boat slips, daily covered boat slips, gas and oil, launch ramp, tube rentals, kneeboard rental and ski rental.
Mountain Lake Marina & RV Park 865-426-6510 136 Campground Road, Lake City
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Willow Point Marina 865-579-0100 3725 Maryville Pike, Knoxville
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Louisville Landing Marina 865-984-9001 2932 Boat Dock Road, Louisville
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WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013
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Caney Creek Marina & RV Resort 865-882-4042 3745 Roane State Hwy., Harriman
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Eden Marina and Campground 423-365-6929 653 Scenic Lakeview Drive, Spring City
9133 Solway Ferry Road, Oak Ridge.
Euchee Marina and Campground 423-334-1004
It offers a launch ramp and covered slips.
200 Euchee Lane, Ten Mile
Oak Ridge Marina 865-482-6538
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•
322 Sam's Boat Dock Road, Ten Mile
697 Melton Lake Drive, Oak Ridge It offers a rowing venue.
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Tellico Lake Marinas Some amenities Tellico Lake marinas offer includes a dockside grill, gift shop, supply store, bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, security gates for all tenant docks, wet and dry slips, mechanics, regular and diesel fuel, trailer storage, private launch ramp,
Sam’s Boat Dock 423-334-5620 Spring City Resort and Marina 1-877-365-5150 2109 New Lake Road, Spring City
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Terrace View Marina Resort 423-365-6060 3367 Euchee Chapel Road, Spring City
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Rhea Harbor Marina 423-365-6851 385 Lakeshire Drive, Spring City
Boating Safety Checklists Required by Law: • Approved wearable flotation device for each person readily accessible • Additional throwable flotation device on boats over 16 feet • Persons 12 and under must wear a personal flotation device while underway • Fire extinguisher if fuel tank or engine is enclosed • Running lights after sunset or during restricted visibility • State registration card on board • Registration number and validation sticker displayed • Do not operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol • Observe navigation rules • Do not overload boat • Sound signaling device Other Items: • Do not occupy ramp until boat is ready to launch • Notify others of your schedule • Obtain weather forecasts • Navigation charts • Bail bucket • Anchor and line • Paddle • Secure boat to trailer after loading • Trailer lights • Reduce speed at night • Check for gasoline fumes • Motor kill switch • 170 degree wide-angle rear view mirror ~ Courtesy of TWRA
Boating with Benefits s Available/all covered slip w/pump out hut • Gas dock, store & ski nds • Clean, well-groomed grou eps away • Lakeside Tavern just st town • Equal distance to down Knoxville and Tellico Lake nnis and • Close to parks, golf, te dog walks a full • Captain’s Club provides and calender of social events boating education.
• Slips
Call 966-5831
WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT
Essentials From page 1C
causing hypothermia, or a drop in body temperature. Couple wet clothing with windy conditions, and hypothermia can quickly set in. Always bring along a change of clothing and store it in a waterproof bag or container. This should include extra socks and shoes. • Life jacket: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury deaths in the United States. Whenever you are on or near the water, wearing a life jacket is a safe idea and one that can potentially save your life. A life jacket should be made available for everyone on a vessel. Dress the part when spending a day on the water. Having the right equipment can reduce your risk for injury.
Tailwater From page 1C
McConnell (R-Ky.), Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) — announced the amendment passed. It would allow Congress to pass legislation prohibiting USACE from implementing its restrictions. Alexander introduced this legislation Feb. 28 On March 4, Alexander asked Darcy to delay, by seven months, USACE’s proposed restrictions, yet another Alexander press release stated. Alexander said that the “cut of $255 million, or roughly five percent, that the Corps faces in the sequester’s automatic spending cuts justifies further consideration of the restrictions, and the exploration of alternatives with state agencies,” the March 4 released stated. “Before the sequester, there were more important priorities than restricting fishing in waters when they aren’t hazardous. And after the sequester that's even
FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 • 5C
Outdoor recreation A boost to the Tennessee economy NASHVILLE, Tenn. — There are big bucks in outdoor recreation for the state of Tennessee. The Outdoor Industry Association has totaled up the financial impact from hiking, fishing, hunting and the like. Spokeswoman Avery Stonich said outdoor recreation is a major player in the state economy. “We’ve got $8.2-billion in consumer spending, 83,000 jobs, $2.5 billion in wages and salaries and 535 million in tax revenue,” she said. Nearly 60 percent of Tennesseans take part in outdoor recreation each year, according to the report. Among the state’s treasured destinations are South Cumberland
State Park and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Spending on outdoor recreation in the United States has increased by about 5 percent each year, even through the Great Recession. That shows how much Americans value the ability to get out and play in the great outdoors, Stonich said. “It's something that people find important, even when they're struggling with other aspects of the economy,” she said. “So it’s important that we support policies that protect the places where people get outside and enjoy our nation's natural resources.” Nationally, outdoor recreation
is said to generate nearly $650 billion a year in consumer spending, while directly supporting more than 6 million jobs. More information is
available at www.outdoorindustry.org.
truer,” Alexander added. “If the Corps does agree to delay its plans, it ought to use that time to work with wildlife agencies in Tennessee and Kentucky to come up with a plan to ensure public safety during fishing below the dams when the waters are hazardous.” Of TVA’s 49 dams, “twenty-nine of those are hydroelectric producing dams,” marking those 29 as the most turbulent in tailwaters, said Travis Brickey, TVA spokesman. Brickey pointed to Fort Loudoun Dam just outside of Lenoir City, on top of which Hwy. 321 passes. “At Fort Loudoun, you have navigation locks; you have big barges and boats coming and going. You have unpredictable conditions downstream, especially now because we have been spilling excess water,” Brickey added. “Anytime that we’re spilling, we’re also generating, so you have very turbulent water all across the face of the downstream side of the dam.
"Of course, a lot of folks like to go up and fish at the base of the dam. That can become very hazardous. The generators can come on, and you may be there in very tranquil, calm water, and the next thing you know it can become very turbulent, and can become a very dangerous situation. However, “The way TVA manages that, we have tailwater warning systems … we have that at all of our hydroelectric dams.” Brickey said. “Typically fifteen to twenty minutes before the generators are to come on, during the day lights and sirens and message boards will light up warning of the impending start of generators, which means things will change and change rapidly. “We figure that’s enough time for you to reel in and get turned around and move away,” Brickey added. “We don’t have any kind of barrier to keep boats from actually going up in there.” However, from USACE’s perspective, “Current event-oriented restrictions are not protective
enough, confusing to the public and difficult to enforce. Each power plant and lock has a warning system in place. However, we have found that these warnings are not always followed,” said Lee Roberts, public affairs specialist for USACE, Nashville District. As to how far out from the dam USACE’s Cumberland Dam restrictions would reach, “The extent of each restricted area is based on hydraulic criteria and operational considerations,” Roberts said. However, fishing from an embankment in tailwater areas would be permitted in “designated areas,” a USACE press release stated. Roberts said USACE’s Nashville Office started changing it’s tune after “three fatalities in 18 months, 2009-2010, plus additional injuries, near misses and rescues that have occurred below dams demonstrated a need to reevaluate the 'event-oriented' restrictions. That evaluation began in 2010.” Concerning Alexander’s oppo-
sition and possible legislation to override USACE Nashville District’s directive, Roberts said, “The Nashville District continues to work very closely with the entire Congressional delegation as we move forward on this issues.” Roberts conceded that public opposition to tailwater on-water recreation, as judged by community forums in communities along or near the Cumberland River, is strong. “Most everyone in attendance, with few exceptions, were opposed to any restriction and most wanted some type of conditions-based approach to be maintained,” Roberts said. “However, after each meeting several attendees have approached Corps officials to say that following USACE policy is the right thing to do and will save lives.” Asked about TVA’s regulations, Roberts said, “I cannot speak to TVA's position, but the Corps and TVA have a very good relationship in jointly managing the Tennessee River.”
~ John Michaelson, Tennessee News Service
6C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013
WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT