LOW WATER REPAIRS TO DAM

7-18-08 Major repairs are scheduled to begin soon on the overflow pipe at the dam.  The pipe must be replaced and the outflow side will have a paved channel to carry the water into Scott's Creek.  The state determined the paved spillway was needed to insure the dam is not eroded on the back side.

There had been some concern that the lake would have to be drawn down significantly to accomplish this work.  We are now told that the lake should NOT have to be drawn down much and that work can proceed and be completed during the natural time of low water.

Accordingly, the lake owner has asked GLA not to run the pump at this time.  The schedule is not firmly set yet, and other factors such as weather may affect the start and completion of the work. This will cause some problems with low water, but our patience with this project should be rewarded with a dam and overflow which should serve us well for many years to come.

Our new lake ranger for Garner Lake is Kelley Manley.  His phone number to report lake issues is (901) 409-4008.  He will be checking the lake daily and will be available on weekends.  We have asked that he immediately address the serious problem of boats running after dusk with no lights.  Kelley is the son of our previous lake ranger, Jim Manley, who passed away several months ago.  Please put your 2008 stickers on your boats and welcome Kelley as he helps us keep the lake a fun and safe place.

Fish Kill Update

8-17-08 With work on the overflow apparently finished, the GLA Board has voted to turn on the pump.  The pump was turned on at 4PM today.  Remember that pumping will NOT raise the lake level.  We have only the capacity to MAINTAIN the current level.  Now, each rain will raise the level.

We are experiencing a significant fish kill, the worst in 20 years.  Most of the dead fish appear to be good sized bass.  Water temperatures near the surface dropped dramatically a few days ago from 95 degrees to 85 degrees due to cool nights and rain. Some bass are still dying. GLA volunteers have removed many fish, but cannot get them all.  We believe there is no health threat at this time.

To sumarize Dr. Verschuur's explanation, a change in oxygen levels has resulted.  Some fish could not adjust to the rapid change and they died.  There is no chemical or other toxic substance in the lake.  This is simply a (very unpleasant) natural occurrence.  We still believe the overall fish population should continue to be good.  Dr. Verschuur's full comments are posted as a Word document on the Contact Us page of this website.

Lakeland Elementary School PTA would like to cordially invite you to an
adults only "Enchanted Evening", October 17th to be held @ historic
Hillwood on the Davies Plantation.  The evening will include a
delectable Italian dinner, delicious desserts, live piano music for your
dining pleasure and a live auction! 

Follow this link to find out more
and purchase your tickets: http://www.lakelandpta.com/currentnews.html

I've learned this morning from Tom Mitchell that our East Shore neighbor
Becky Tucker, lost her battle with cancer last night.  Please keep her
husband Jerry and their family in your prayers.  Details concerning the
funeral are incomplete.
Thank you.

6-2-08 LMA confirms they have named a new lake ranger for Garner Lake.  He is Kelley Manley.  His phone number to report lake issues is (901) 409-4008.  He will be checking the lake daily and will be available on weekends.  We have asked that he immediately address the serious problem of boats running after dusk with no lights.  Kelley is the son of our previous lake ranger, Jim Manley, who passed away several months ago.  Please put your 2008 stickers on your boats and welcome Kelley as he helps us keep the lake a fun and safe place.

Garner Lake Association Site