David Moore, president, Weiss Lake Improvement Association, has been working with Alabama Power Company to get the low water level changed from the current low of 558 feet above sea level to 561 feet. The change would have many positive benefits, including improving the quality of water, fishing and would also increase property values around the lake.
Moore is a member of IAG or Issue Action Group for the lake. He has been sitting in on some of the Alabama Power Company meetings regarding the APC re-licensing process. Members of IAG will be touring Weiss Lake in the upcoming weeks while the lake is at low levels. Levels are regulated by the Army Core of Engineers and were established about 40 years ago.
“A lot of people think 40 years ago we had the same amount of water,” said Moore. “We don’t. Actually, There’s a quality issue. There’s siltation and buildup. There’s some areas that used to be nine feet deep. Normally we would be four or five feet deep. The ones that are in the coves now are one foot deep. It is very dangerous”
Modern technology, Moore said, enhances the ability of the power company to manage levels of the lake during flood control times. Moore is optimistic that low water levels will be changed to reflect the needs of today.
Recently, members of the group, in a conference call meeting, voted to put the finishing touches on the IAG Vision Statement for Weiss Lake including Amy Bennett, with Kleinschmidt USA, Walter Ramey with Alabama Power Company, Bill Campbell with EPRO, Dan Thompson with ADCNR and others. The mission statement is as follows:
“Weiss Lake is well-known as the “Crappie Capital of the World.” The reservoir and its fishery account for much of Cherokee County’s tourism industry, including a significant number of out-of-state visitors. Heavy fishing pressure and a lack of good recruitment in recent years appears to be contributing to a decline in fishing quality. Bank fishing access to the reservoir shoreline as well as access to the tailwater below Weiss dam is limited.
Much of Weiss Lake is shallow. Boat navigation can be challenging and some coves are difficult to navigate into or out of at low water levels. Siltation over time has contributed to this problem. Shallow waters coupled with upstream pollution and shoreline run-off also contribute to water quality problems in the lake. The lake has been identified as an impaired waterway by the state.
The long-term vision for the Weiss development is to acknowledge the importance of its unique fishery, including its importance to the local economy, protect and sustain the quality of that fishery, and improve the water quality of the lake (with the goal of removing it from the 303d list). The vision also seeks to ensure adequate public access both to the reservoir shoreline and tailwater.
Improvements to be considered at Weiss Development include:
-Improving access and facilities for bank fishing.
-Reevaluating current catch limits to reduce pressure on the crappie population.
-Providing education on the water quality for the lake.
-Developing maps and other navigational aids to improve safety and aid boat navigation on the reservoir.
-Optimizing the capacity of existing facilities to accommodate demand.
-Providing improved access to the downstream areas for motorized and non-motorized boating.
-Managing lake level drawdowns so as to minimize the occurrence of surface elevations lower than 561’ in the late summer and early fall.”
A study by Kennesaw University in Georgia showed a few years ago that Weiss Lake brings in some $201 million annually to the local economy, including surrounding areas.
“And if we can get the levels up to 561, we can add maybe $15 million a year more just to the local economy,” said Moore.
The next IAG conference call is set for Dec. 4 at 1 p.m.
“Overall, looking at the IAG mission statement for Weiss, I am very pleased with what we have come out with so far,” said Moore
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