Lake Lanier Association plays important role in keeping lake clean, safe

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – John Barker, president of the Lake Lanier Association (LLA), appeared before the Board of Commissioners recently to ask for a renewed commitment of $25,000 annually to help fund LLA initiatives to keep Lake Lanier clean and safe.

After hearing Barker’s presentation, the Board voted unanimously to renew the commitment.

Forsyth County has had a long partnership with LLA to assist with its work on Lake Lanier, an engine that helps drive the economy of many lake communities. Barker spoke about the LLA’s initiatives, including:

— Shore Sweep, the LLA’s signature program started 33 years ago. “Over the last two years, over 1,000 volunteers have picked up 80 tons of trash each year,” he said. “It’s our best program. It engages a great deal of volunteers and makes a huge impact in keeping the lake clean.”

— See Something Say Something – A formal program where the association can receive concerns and complaints about the area in and around the lake like missing hazard markers solar lights not working and abandoned boats and docks.

— Abandoned and derelict docks and boats. Before the program was initiated five years ago, there was no process for removal. The LLA, in conjunction with the Corps of Engineers and Georgia Environmental Protection Division, created a program that has led to the removal of 10 steel hull houseboats. “That might not sound like much,” Barker said. “But each one costs in excess of $10,000 and takes a great deal of planning.”

— Adopt-a-lake Program. The program helps fund the placement of 28 testing stations on the lake where turbidity can be tested.

— Rip Rap program. Said Barker, “We have put out two miles of rip rap on islands the last two years. With your contribution and matching contributions from Hall and Gwinnett counties the cities of Cumming and Gainesville and the Tommy Bagwell Foundation, we will attempt to do four more miles in the next five years.”

Parker said if there was a silver lining to the COVID pandemic, it is that it has taught the LLA the value of webinars and zoom conferencing which has enhanced communications.

Parker summed up the presentation by stating, “The lake is clean. It is safe to swim in. It is safe to fish in and it is full.”