Fresh off a rousing launch to summer on Memorial Day, Lake Lanier is bracing for a full-fledged onslaught this weekend. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expecting crowds of up to 300,000 for the Independence Day weekend.
With the lake level hovering well above 1,071 feet — its optimum summer level — all campgrounds are open, and the lake’s swimming areas and four dozen boat ramps are accessible, said corps spokeswoman Lisa Parker.
Merchants around the lake say the steady lake level has been good for business.
Josie Melton, owner of the Top Stop in Flowery Branch, said she’s gearing up for the long weekend ahead.
“This year, we’ve got water,” she said, “and that’s going to make the biggest difference.”
Corps-operated lakes along the Apalachicola-Flint-Chattahoochee River System have all been above optimum summer levels since April.
PATROLS
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources will have 12 officers deployed at Lake Lanier. A patrol boat with two officers will operate in each of six patrol zones on the lake. In addition, the corps will patrol surrounding campgrounds and parks.
For information about Georgia's boating laws: http://www.georgiawildlife.com/boating/regulations
LAW ENFORCEMENT
On Memorial Day weekend, officers with the Georgia DNR recorded:
12 BUIs
2 boating accidents
2 injuries
LAKE LEVELS
June 28, 2013: 1,071.67 feet
June 28, 2012: 1,067.87 feet
High this year: 1,073.68 feet (May 7)
Low this year: 1,058.00 feet (Jan. 1)
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“We’re always busy, especially since the lake has been full. But we’re really busy on summer holidays. On Memorial Day, we stayed here and worked all that weekend.” -- Angie Hughes of Jerold’s Marine in Cumming
“I come here when it’s quiet. This is my refuge, walking the trails and reading my mystery novels.” -- Stuart Burgan, Cumming, at Lanier’s lower overlook park
ELSEWHERE
Additional releases from Buford Dam have proved a boon to kayakers and canoeists along the Chattahoochee. However, frequent showers have blunted attendance at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Roswell, according to Superintendent Patty Wissinger.
Park visitors:
May 2013: 304,300
May 2012: 296,078
2013, through May: 1,224,955
2012, through May: 1,235,860
Sources: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service
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