FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 • 1C

Tailwater fishing threat■ ALAN SLOAN

asloan@farragutpress.com

In dealing with the dangers ofquickly occurring water turbu-lence in the tailwaters ofTennessee’s hydroelectric dams,Tennessee Valley Authority andUnited States Army Corps ofEngineers have different proce-dures.

While USACE, NashvilleDistrict, prepares to ban on-the-water recreation, mostly fishing,in the tailwaters of its 10Cumberland River dams begin-ning in April, U.S. Sen. LamarAlexander (R-Tenn.) is gatheringCapitol Hill support for legisla-tion to fight USACE.

Alexander said he prefersTVA’s siren and lights warningsystem — including electronicmessage signs that light up atFort Loudoun Dam among others— otherwise allowing fishing,boating, swimming and wadingat the base of its 29 TennesseeRiver hydroelectric dams.

“The tailwaters are only dan-gerous when the water is spillingthrough the dam, and when it’snot, tailwaters provide some ofthe best fishing areas in the U.S.,

attracting thousands of fisher-men and creating hundreds ofjobs in Tennessee and Kentucky,”Alexander stated in a Februarypress release. “For example,water spills through the CenterHill dam about 14 percent of thetime. The most logical solutionwould be to make the area safewhen the danger exists.

“To close the tailwaters to fish-ing 100 percent of the timewould be like keeping the gatedown at the railroad crossing 100percent of the time – the track isnot dangerous when the train isnot coming, and the tailwatersare not dangerous when thewater is not spilling through thedam,” Alexander added.

According to another Februarypress release from his office,Alexander sent a letter toAssistant Secretary of the Armyfor Civil Works, Jo-Ellen Darcy,“voicing his ‘strong opposition’ tothe Corps’ plan that would divert$2.6 million in federal moneytoward barriers restrictingaccess to the tailwaters.”

Interestingly, Alexander is sen-ior Republican on SenateAppropriations Committee’sSubcommittee on Energy and

Photo submitted

With warning signs on the left, there’s tailwater fishing at the base of Fort Loudoun Dam.

Alexander supports TVA’s tailwater procedures vs. USACE

Photos submitted

Above: With Old Hickory Dam and its Cumberland River tailwa-ters in the background, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)speaks to a combined gathering of media and concernedanglers about his fight against banning tailwater “on the water”recreation near the base of Cumberland River dams.

Above: U.S. Sen. LamarAlexander (R-Tenn.), in redcoat, fields questions nearOld Hickory Dam on hisresponse to U.S. Army Corpsof Engineers’ proposed banon tailwater “on-the-water”recreation, most notably fish-ing, at the base ofCumberland River dams.

Water Development, which hasjurisdiction over Army Corps ofEngineers.

Senate action paid off March21 when Alexander — joinedin a co-sponsored budget

resolution amendment withSenate Minority Leader Mitch

See TAILWATER on Page 5C

Dress the part on the waterWater recreation is a popular

pastime. When the weatherwarms, people often take tocoastal areas to enjoy some fun inthe sun and surf. What to wear fora day on the water depends onthe type of activity one is partak-ing in, but there are some essen-tials you do not want to forget tobring along.

• Sturdy shoes: Whether youwill be standing on the deck of asailboat or baiting a hook along-side a river, footwear should besturdy. Water makes for slipperyconditions, and shoes that pro-vide traction blend form andfunction. Although flip-flop san-dals have become the go-tofootwear, these shoes do not pro-vide the arch support or traction

necessary in wet conditions. Awater shoe that has a sturdy soleas well as a breathable uppermaterial is a better bet.

• Sun protection: The Foodand Drug Administration advisesthat surfaces such as snow, sand,grass, or water can reflect muchof the UV radiation that reachesthem. A day on the water or near-by reflective surfaces necessi-tates wearing sun protectionproducts, such as broad-spectrumsunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.A wide-brimmed hat and sun-glasses rated for 100 percent UVprotection are good ideas. UV raysare most intense at noon, whenthe sun is at its highest point inthe sky. It's also important to notethe higher the elevation, the

greater the UV exposure concen-tration because there is lessatmosphere to absorb the UVrays.

• Layers: The weather can beunpredictable, and the tempera-ture inland may differ from thetemperature at the shore by sev-eral degrees. When boating or vis-iting the coast, wear layeredclothing so you can shed layers asneeded to remain comfortable.

• Change of clothing: Wetclothing can become uncomfort-able to wear, and it may becomedangerous if the temperaturedrops. Wet clothing can extractheat from the body much fasterthan dry clothing, potentially

See ESSENTIALS on Page 5C

Essentials to keep you safe and dry

Cherokee Lake MarinasCherokee Lake marinas offer amenities

such as restaurants, campgrounds, rest-rooms, boat launching, pump-out servic-es, snacks, coin laundry and storage.

• Black Oak Marina865-475-30632511 Black Oak Road, Jefferson City

• Card’nal Cove865-828-53001025 Card’Nal Cove, Rutledge

• Cedar Hill Boat Dock 423-317-76932369 Boat Dock Road, Talbot

• Gilmore Dock 865-767-2177270 Gilmore Dock Lane, Rutledge

• Greenlee Campgroundand Marina865-828-8501345 Vacation Way, Rutledge

• Greenlee of Fall Creek866-583-88665601 Fall Creek Dock Road, Russellville

• Hamblen County Dock 423-586-29393050 Hamblen Dock Road, Morristown

• Lindas Lakeside Marina 865-993-4343

436 Hwy. 25E, Bean Station

Douglas Lake Marinas Many marinas off Douglas Lake offer

amenities such as a ship store with fueland pump-out services, outdoor cafés,covered slips with power and water serv-ices, dry storage, pontoon boat rentals,service department and outdoor pavil-ions.

• Dandridge Point Marina 865-484-0484122 Boat Dock Dr., Dandridge

• Indian Creek Boat Dock 865-397-72862321 Norman Way, Dandridge

• Lighthouse Point Marina 865-397-79971209 Hwy 139, Dandridge

• Mountain Cove Marina 865-453-35061590 Dyke Road, Sevierville

• Swann’s Marina 865-397-21822515 Swann’s Marina Road, Dandridge

Fontana Lake MarinasAlarka Boat Dock, 7230 Grassy

Branch Road, Bryson City N.C., Alarka BoatDock offers boat rentals, storage slips, sup-ply store, gas and oil.

Fontana Village Marina, 50 FontanaRoad, Fontana Dam, N.C., offers watercraft

rentals, shuttle services and ship store.

Watauga Lake MarinasAll Watauga Lake marinas

offer marine gas, boat launch ramp andother amenities.

• Cove Ridge Marina 423-768-3741947 Piercetown Road, Butler

• Fish Springs Marina423-768-2336191 Fish Springs Church Road, Butler

• Lakeshore Marina 888-423-37852285 Hwy 321, Hampton

• Mallard Cove Marina 423-768-3440200 Mallard Cove Drive, Butler

South Holston Lake Marinas • Friendship Dock

423-878-3128356 Friendship Drive, Bristol

• Koserski Peter 423-878-3128356 Friendship Road, Bristol

• Lake View Dock 423-878-4331992 Lakeview Dock Road, Bristol

• Laurel Marina and Yacht Club, Inc.423-878-3721191 Shady Ford Road, Bristol

• Painter Creek Dock 423-878-5775766 Painter Creek Road, Bristol

Fort Patrick Henry Lake MarinaWarrior’s Path State Park Marina, locat-

ed off Hemlock Road in Kingsport, offersa service dock, fuel, snack bar, uncoveredslips, two public use ramps and camping.

Fort Loudoun Lake MarinasMany Fort Loudoun Lake marinas offer

gas, launch ramp, dock shop and rest-rooms.

• Choto Marina & Rarity Pointe865-966-547212214 Choto Marina Way

• Concord Marina 865-966-583110915 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville

• Fort Loudoun Marina 865-986-55365200 City Park Drive, Lenoir City

• Fox Road Marina865-966-94221100 Fox Road, Knoxville

• International Harbor of Friendsville865-995-2375259 Cedar Crest Ln., Friendsville

AREA MARINASAREA MARINAS

2C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT

See MARINA on Page 4C

Larry Collier, General Manager Patrick Boring, Co-Manager

Stardust Marina & Harbor Restaurant

www.stardustmarina.com

The Harbor Grill one of Norris Lake’s Premier Marina Restaurants

• Houseboat Slips Available (Limited Number)• Boat and Pontoon Slips Available (Limited Number)

• Spaces Available for Floating Homes• Dry Storage Space Available (Rack and Stack)• Ski Boat Rental - Party Pontoon Boat Rental

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• Marina Open on a Limited Schedule in April!• Marina Open Full Time May 18th!

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WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 • 3C

The First Fish Award isdesigned to commemo-rate that special momentin every boy's or girl's life– the landing of their firstfish. The award recognizesthis special moment witha framable certificateidentifying the angler, thefish caught and otherdetails of that moment.Size of the fish and age ofthe angler have no bearing,only that the fish is theirfirst, and that it wascaught in Tennessee. Go towww.tn.gov/twra/

First Fish AwardAnderson CountyBoating Safety ClassStardust Marina/Norris LakeMay 11, 9:00 AM

Anderson CountyLake City LibraryBy appointment only 865-426-6762

Blount CountyMaryville High School,Room 360April 10, May 15, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 117:00 - 9:00 PMContact Michael Scher 865-405-5512

Knox CountyBoating Safety ClassConcord Marina - Ft. Loudon LakeMarch 30, 9:00 AM

Knox CountyUSCGAUX BoatingSafety Class

Travis Marine, 9312 Tedford Rd/Knoxville4 night class with test given on last nightApril 16, 18, 23, & 25, 6:15 – 9:00 PMPre-register: Larry Martin-865-977-4139 or lwmartin06@gmail.comUSCGAUX charges a fee for this class and you must have the TWRA $10 type 600 exam permit with you to receive the TWRA license

Knox CountyBoating Safety ClassGander Mtn/KnoxvilleAll classes are 6:00 – 9:00 PM (2-night class, test on2nd night)

April 4-5, April 9-10, April23-24, May 14-15, May 21-22,May 28-29, June 5-6, June11-12, June 25-26, July 9-10, July 27-28, July 31-Aug. 1, Aug. 13-14, Aug. 20-21, Aug. 27-28, Sept. 10-11, Sept. 24-25, Oct. 8-9, Nov. 12-13, Dec. 10-11Bring type 600 exam permitto class.

Knox CountyBoating Safety ClassJohn Sevier Hunter Education Center - 2327 Rifle Range Road, Knoxville 4th Tuesday of each month (6:00 - 9:00 PM) Bring Type 600 License with you to the class.

Knox CountyOn Target Training Center 101 E. Inskip Rd. - Suite A, Knoxville By appointment onlyCall Doug - 865-242-4665

Loudon CountyTellico Village Public Library in LoudonTesting available Monday-Friday. Call Becky orBetty for an appointment at865-458-8762

Roane CountyBoating Safety ClassKingston High School CafeteriaMarch 25, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PMBring type 600 exam permit and a lunch

Roane CountyKingston Library By appointment only865-376-9905

Unless otherwise noted, theseare locations to take the examonly. Bring Social SecurityNumber, black pen, and type 600

license to testing locations.Students can go to any county totake the class or exam.

For more information visit www.tn.gov/twra/

Boater Safety Classes

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4C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT

• Louisville Landing Marina865-984-90012932 Boat Dock Road, Louisville

• Willow Point Marina865-579-01003725 Maryville Pike, Knoxville

• Volunteer Landing Marina865-633-5004956 Volunteer Landing Lane, Knoxville

Norris Lake MarinasMany Norris Lake marinas offer boat

rentals, accommodation, fishing sup-plies, marine supplies, houseboat buoyrental, yearly covered slips, weekly cov-ered slips, water board rentals, pumpout service, restrooms, swimming pool,beer, grocery items, ATM, public phone,restaurant, snacks, bait, fishing license,fishing and marine supplies, houseboatmooring rentals, dry boat and trailerstorage, yearly covered boat slips, dailycovered boat slips, gas and oil, launchramp, tube rentals, kneeboard rentaland ski rental.

• Beach Island Marina 865-992-3091170 Beach Island Rd., Maynardville

• Hickory Star Resort & Marina865-992-52411360 Hickory Star Road, Maynardville

• Cedar Grove Marina 865-278-3131255 Dock Lane, New Tazewell

• Flat Hollow Resort 423-562-8314185 Flat Hollow Dock Circle, Speedwell

• Indian River Marina 423-562-5290744 Indian River Boat Dock Road

• Lone Mountain Dock423-626-9437325 Lone Mountain Boat Dock Lane, Tazewell

• Mountain Lake Marina & RV Park 865-426-6510136 Campground Road, Lake City

• Norris Dam Marina865-494-81381604 Norris Freeway, Norris

• Sequoyah Marina865-494-7984336 Lakeview Lane

• Shanghai Resort 423-562-76511042 Shanghai Road, La Follette

• Springs Dock Resort 423-562-24051652 Alder Springs Road, La Follette

• Sugar Hollow Marina 423-562-3466610 Marina Lane, La Follette

• Stardust Marina 865-494-7641149 Stardust Lane, Andersonville

• Whitman Hollow Marina & Campground423-562-99411203 Whitman Hollow Road, La Follette

Melton Hill Marinas• Melton Hill Marina

865-927-00719133 Solway Ferry Road, Oak Ridge.It offers a launch ramp and covered slips.

• Oak Ridge Marina 865-482-6538697 Melton Lake Drive, Oak RidgeIt offers a rowing venue.

Tellico Lake MarinasSome amenities Tellico Lake marinas

offer includes a dockside grill, giftshop, supply store, bathrooms, show-ers, laundry facilities, security gates forall tenant docks, wet and dry slips,mechanics, regular and diesel fuel,trailer storage, private launch ramp,

pump-out and year-round water.

• Rasar Landing423-884-63781180 Corntassel Road, Vonore

• Sequoyah Lake Tellico Resort866-651-0701 721 US Hwy 411, Vonore

• Tellico Marina 865-856-68061000 Marina Harbor Drive, Maryville

Watts Bar Lake Marinas• Arrowhead Marina and Resort

423-365-6484261 Bennett Drive, Spring City

• Bayside Marina & RV Park865-376-7031134 Bayside Drive, Ten Mile

• Blue Springs Marina865-376-72983952 River Road, Ten Mile

• Caney Creek Marina & RV Resort865-882-40423745 Roane State Hwy., Harriman

• Eden Marina and Campground423-365-6929653 Scenic Lakeview Drive, Spring City

• Euchee Marina and Campground423-334-1004 200 Euchee Lane, Ten Mile

• Sam’s Boat Dock423-334-5620322 Sam's Boat Dock Road, Ten Mile

• Spring City Resort and Marina1-877-365-51502109 New Lake Road, Spring City

• Terrace View Marina Resort423-365-60603367 Euchee Chapel Road, Spring City

• Rhea Harbor Marina423-365-6851385 Lakeshire Drive, Spring City

Boating Safety Checklists

Required by Law:• Approved wearable flotation

device for each person readily accessible

• Additional throwable flotation device on boats over 16 feet

• Persons 12 and under must wear a personal flotation device while underway

• Fire extinguisher if fuel tank or engine is enclosed

• Running lights after sunset or during restricted visibility

• State registration card on board

• Registration number and validation sticker displayed

• Do not operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Observe navigation rules• Do not overload boat• Sound signaling device

Other Items:• Do not occupy ramp until boat is

ready to launch• Notify others of your schedule• Obtain weather forecasts• Navigation charts• Bail bucket• Anchor and line• Paddle• Secure boat to trailer after

loading• Trailer lights• Reduce speed at night• Check for gasoline fumes• Motor kill switch• 170 degree wide-angle rear

view mirror

~ Courtesy of TWRA

MarinaFrom page 2C

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WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 • 5C

McConnell (R-Ky.), Sen. BobCorker (R-Tenn.) and Sen. RandPaul (R-Ky.) — announced theamendment passed. It wouldallow Congress to pass legislationprohibiting USACE from imple-menting its restrictions.

Alexander introduced this leg-islation Feb. 28

On March 4, Alexander askedDarcy to delay, by seven months,USACE’s proposed restrictions,yet another Alexander pressrelease stated.

Alexander said that the “cut of$255 million, or roughly five per-cent, that the Corps faces in thesequester’s automatic spendingcuts justifies further considera-tion of the restrictions, and theexploration of alternatives withstate agencies,” the March 4released stated.

“Before the sequester, therewere more important prioritiesthan restricting fishing in waterswhen they aren’t hazardous. Andafter the sequester that's even

truer,” Alexander added. “If theCorps does agree to delay itsplans, it ought to use that time towork with wildlife agencies inTennessee and Kentucky tocome up with a plan to ensurepublic safety during fishing belowthe dams when the waters arehazardous.”

Of TVA’s 49 dams, “twenty-nineof those are hydroelectric produc-ing dams,” marking those 29 asthe most turbulent in tailwaters,said Travis Brickey, TVAspokesman.

Brickey pointed to FortLoudoun Dam just outside ofLenoir City, on top of which Hwy.321 passes.

“At Fort Loudoun, you havenavigation locks; you have bigbarges and boats coming andgoing. You have unpredictableconditions downstream, especial-ly now because we have beenspilling excess water,” Brickeyadded. “Anytime that we’respilling, we’re also generating, soyou have very turbulent water allacross the face of the down-stream side of the dam.

"Of course, a lot of folks like togo up and fish at the base of thedam. That can become very haz-ardous. The generators can comeon, and you may be there in very tranquil, calm water, and thenext thing you know it canbecome very turbulent, and canbecome a very dangerous situation.

However, “The way TVA man-ages that, we have tailwaterwarning systems … we have thatat all of our hydroelectric dams.”Brickey said. “Typically fifteen totwenty minutes before the gener-ators are to come on, during theday lights and sirens and messageboards will light up warning ofthe impending start of genera-tors, which means things willchange and change rapidly.

“We figure that’s enough timefor you to reel in and get turnedaround and move away,” Brickeyadded. “We don’t have any kind ofbarrier to keep boats from actual-ly going up in there.”

However, from USACE’s per-spective, “Current event-orientedrestrictions are not protective

enough, confusing to the publicand difficult to enforce. Eachpower plant and lock has a warn-ing system in place. However, wehave found that these warningsare not always followed,” said LeeRoberts, public affairs specialistfor USACE, Nashville District.

As to how far out from the damUSACE’s Cumberland Damrestrictions would reach, “Theextent of each restricted area isbased on hydraulic criteria andoperational considerations,”Roberts said.

However, fishing from anembankment in tailwater areaswould be permitted in “designat-ed areas,” a USACE press releasestated.

Roberts said USACE’s NashvilleOffice started changing it’s tuneafter “three fatalities in 18months, 2009-2010, plus addition-al injuries, near misses and res-cues that have occurred belowdams demonstrated a need to re-evaluate the 'event-oriented'restrictions. That evaluationbegan in 2010.”

Concerning Alexander’s oppo-

sition and possible legislation tooverride USACE NashvilleDistrict’s directive, Roberts said,“The Nashville District continuesto work very closely with theentire Congressional delegationas we move forward on thisissues.”

Roberts conceded that publicopposition to tailwater on-waterrecreation, as judged by commu-nity forums in communities alongor near the Cumberland River, isstrong.

“Most everyone in attendance,with few exceptions, wereopposed to any restriction andmost wanted some type of condi-tions-based approach to be main-tained,” Roberts said. “However,after each meeting several atten-dees have approached Corps offi-cials to say that following USACEpolicy is the right thing to do andwill save lives.”

Asked about TVA’s regulations,Roberts said, “I cannot speak toTVA's position, but the Corps andTVA have a very good relationshipin jointly managing theTennessee River.”

TailwaterFrom page 1C

causing hypothermia, or a drop inbody temperature. Couple wetclothing with windy conditions,and hypothermia can quickly setin. Always bring along a changeof clothing and store it in a water-proof bag or container. Thisshould include extra socks andshoes.

• Life jacket: The Centers forDisease Control and Preventionsays drowning ranks fifth amongthe leading causes of uninten-tional injury deaths in the UnitedStates. Whenever you are on ornear the water, wearing a lifejacket is a safe idea and one thatcan potentially save your life. Alife jacket should be made avail-able for everyone on a vessel.

Dress the part when spendinga day on the water. Having theright equipment can reduce yourrisk for injury.

EssentialsFrom page 1C

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Thereare big bucks in outdoor recre-ation for the state of Tennessee.The Outdoor IndustryAssociation has totaled up thefinancial impact from hiking,fishing, hunting and the like.Spokeswoman Avery Stonichsaid outdoor recreation is amajor player in the state econo-my. “We’ve got $8.2-billion inconsumer spending, 83,000 jobs,$2.5 billion in wages andsalaries and 535 million in taxrevenue,” she said.

Nearly 60 percent ofTennesseans take part in out-door recreation each year,according to the report. Amongthe state’s treasured destina-tions are South Cumberland

State Park and the Big SouthFork National River andRecreation Area.

Spending on outdoor recre-ation in the United States hasincreased by about 5 percenteach year, even through theGreat Recession. That showshow much Americans value theability to get out and play in thegreat outdoors, Stonich said.“It's something that people findimportant, even when they'restruggling with other aspects ofthe economy,” she said. “So it’simportant that we support poli-cies that protect the placeswhere people get outside andenjoy our nation's naturalresources.”

Nationally, outdoor recreation

Outdoor recreation A boost to the Tennessee economy

is said to generate nearly $650billion a year in consumerspending, while directly sup-porting more than 6 millionjobs. More information is

available at www.outdoorindus-try.org.

~ John Michaelson, Tennessee News Service

6C • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT