TO THE EDITOR:

In past years it has become apparent that our lakes must be managed in a different manner as the current method is simply not working.

No one South (the Augusta side) of Thurmond Dam (to our knowledge) has been forced to relocate any intakes due to the so-called "drought" while many North (that would be us) have had to do so and many more are extremely close to the same fate. This has a huge impact on tax payer's dollars!

Often times during normal to heavy rainfall, the inflows into the River are adequate to maintain the minimum required flows WITHOUT requiring discharges from Thurmond Dam. However, the Corps of Engineers continues to release water (which we can NOT afford to lose) from Lake Thurmond.

As an example, during the recent rain event of November 13, 2008, the flow measured at the Augusta gauge (Butler Creek) exceeded 5500cfs for three (3) consecutive days. This means nearly 3000 cfs (cubic feet per second) were entering the River, just between the Thurmond Dam and Augusta - a flow completely adequate for down-stream needs. (The need is only 3100 cfs.) This lack of action by the Corps of Engineers (reducing releases) is indefensible as the economies North of Thurmond Dam (including Russell and mainly Hartwell) are being devastated by low lake levels.

The simple fact is, times have changed drastically since these reservoirs were built yet the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not changed its priorities, policies, or operating procedures accordingly.

We must band together and act on this NOW! Everyone is urged to sign our petition but do NOT stop here. Contact your local, state, and national representatives. There is power in numbers and we have those numbers if everyone will get behind this movement. You may sign the petition at Lincoln County Public Library, Soap Creek Marina, the Lee Builders, Inc. office, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, the Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber Office, Lincolnton Marine, and many more. Also, if you would like to help, please contact us at 706-359-7256.

This situation is critical and we must act immediately. Though this will not put water in our lake right away, we are taking this action to prevent this from happening again. PLEASE join us in this endeavor.
CLAY ANTONAKOS
Soap Creek Marina, LLC.