The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hartwell Lake Office is investigating and pursuing restitution for seven cases of major destruction to public lands surrounding Hartwell Lake. The destruction cases represent an unprecedented increase in property owners illegally removing trees and vegetation along the lake’s shoreline, according to Sandy Campbell, Hartwell natural resource program manager.

Consequences for destruction of public lands at Hartwell Lake may include fines, court appearances, and in some instances, revocation of shoreline use permits for private boat docks and other permitted structures and activities. The severity and reoccurrence of destruction on public lands dictates the severity of the consequences.

“With increases in lakefront property sales over the last year, some people attempt to ‘stage’ their property for sale by clearing trees on public land to improve their view of the lake,” Campbell said. “Doing so is not only violation of the Shoreline Management Plan and permit conditions, but it also has an environmental effect, impacting many facets of the reservoir.”

The trees and vegetation surrounding Hartwell Lake serve as a buffer and a filter for run-off from private property, which may contain fertilizers and herbicides from lawns and farms, along with other pollutants from roadways. Without this natural filter, contaminants seep directly into the lake and can impact water quality. The forested corridors near the shoreline also provide cover and habitat for wildlife, and reduce the potential for shoreline erosion.

“We urge all people with property adjacent to the reservoir to be good stewards and neighbors of the lake,” Campbell said. “They would never consider going onto their neighbor’s property and cutting down trees. We would like the same courtesy extended to public lands, especially since their actions affect the lake and the environment it creates.”

Hartwell Lake has the largest shoreline management program of any Corps of Engineers’ lake in the nation. Fifty percent of its shoreline is zoned for limited private development, such as a boat dock or access walkway.

The Corps of Engineers can issue qualifying adjacent property owners a permit for limited cutting and removal of woodland understory vegetation and the thinning of tree seedlings on federally-managed lands surrounding the lake. For questions about authorized activities on Hartwell Lake public lands, or to report potential violations of shoreline use, contact the Hartwell Lake office at 888-893-0678.

courtesy Corp of Engineers

Observed rainfall totals for July ranked above-average at the Russell sub-basin and below average at the Hartwell and Thurmond sub-basins.

The Russell sub-basin received 106 percent of normal rainfall for the month recording 4.7 inches. The average July rainfall at Russell is 4.3 inches.

The Thurmond sub-basin received 74 percent of normal rainfall for the month. Thurmond rainfall measured 3.2 inches, falling short of the July average of 4.3 inches.

The Hartwell sub-basin received 64.1 percent of normal rainfall, recording 3.4 inches. The July average at Hartwell is 5.2 inches.

July’s largest rain event occurred July 31 over the Russell sub-basin, dumping 1.8 inches of rain within 24 hours. The second largest rain event occurred July 19 at the Hartwell sub-basin with 1.6 inches of rain.

Reservoir levels declined throughout July as previously predicted, due to a variety of factors: including increased amounts of water lost due to evaporation and transpiration; increased demand for hydroelectric power due to hotter temperatures; and reduced amounts of rainfall and inflows to the basin.

Although dry conditions began to develop in the last few weeks, the U.S. Drought Monitor suggests the trend is short-term. The most recent seasonal drought outlook (published July 17) indicates the Savannah River Basin is expected to be free from drought conditions through the end of October. The ENSO forecast continues to forecast neutral conditions throughout early 2015. Our water managers monitor basin conditions closely and will make adjustments as conditions change.

~Tracy Robillard, public affairs specialist

– See more at: http://balancingthebasin.armylive.dodlive.mil/2014/08/04/julyrainfall/#more-1645

All Boats

In South Carolina, vessels may not be operated in excess of idle speed within 50 feet of an anchored vessel, wharf, pier, dock, or a person in the water. Vessels may not operate in excess of idle speed within 100 yards of the Atlantic coastline (Sec. 50-21-870).

Equipment

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
All boats must have a US Coast Guard approved wearable type PFD for each person on board or being towed. Each PFD must be in good condition, readily available and the proper size for the intended wearer. In addition, boats 16 feet in length or longer must carry a Type IV throwable device. In South Carolina, any person under twelve years of age must wear a US Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD when on board a class “A” (less than 16 ft. long) boat.

Fire Extinguisher
One Coast Guard approved hand-held portable fire extinguisher must be aboard each boat less than 26 ft. if the boat is carrying passengers for hire or if the construction permits the entrapment of flammable vapors or if it has a permanently installed gas tank, including gas tanks that use any type of fastener that would hamper the immediate removal of the tank from the boat. Additional extinguishers are required in boats larger than 26 ft. Contact the SCDNR for complete regulations.

Navigation Lights
Navigation Lights must be on between official sunset and sunrise.

Flares
Flares are required for vessels in coastal waters.

Bells, Whistle
All boats less than 39.4 feet must carry an efficient sound producing device. Every vessel from 39.4 to 65.6 feet must carry a whistle and a bell.