The Corp and TVA have a plan to shut down fishing below tailwaters........READ.

[GeoFisher]

Corps of Engineers threatens closure of prime fishing areas
By Richard Simms Published Wednesday, November 28th 2012
Whether on the Tennessee River or Cumberland River, the tailwater areas immediately beneath dams provide excellent fishing opportunities for hundreds of thousands of fishing trips every year. (Photo: Richard Simms) There is a controversy brewing in Middle Tennessee that every fisherman in Tennessee�and across the country�should know about.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is considering a plan to close access to tailwater areas immediately below all dams on the Cumberland River. That would include popular fishing areas such as Cheatham Dam, Old Hickory, Percy Priest and Center Hill. They might not be areas that you and I fish regularly, but if they get shut down, might they simply be the first dominoes to fall across the state?

Tennessee has nearly 1 million citizens who fish, and most of them realize know that tailwater areas immediately beneath dams are often some of the most productive waters on the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers.

On the Tennessee River, dams are jointly operated with TVA controlling hydroelectric facilities and water flow, while the Corps of Engineers is responsible for navigation (the locks). However, on the Cumberland River system, it's a one-man show�the Corps of Engineers controls it all.

According to TWRA spokesperson Doug Markham, the Corps of Engineers released only a short emailed statement to a reporter that read, "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is currently in the process of finalizing a plan to restrict boat access to hazardous waters directly upstream and downstream of all hydroelectric power plant facilities along the Cumberland River and its tributaries. When the implementation plan is finalized, the corps will release the information to the public."

A week ago, Sen. Lamar Alexander sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers, saying, "I am writing to express my concerns about your decision to restrict access to fishing areas in dam tailwaters on the Cumberland River system and recommend that you reconsider that decision.

"The Cumberland River system is a significant source of enjoyment for Tennesseans and visitors from around the world. Those who enjoy fishing and the businesses that serve them benefit from the open access of the Cumberland River system, and the revenue that is generated by these activities is an important part of Tennessee�s economy."

The pretense of the closure is for reason of safety.

"It is my understanding that the current practice has not resulted in a significantly higher risk to public safety than is experienced at other dams across the country," Alexander wrote.

Bobby Wilson, TWRA chief of fisheries, sent a letter expressing the importance of Cumberland tailwater fisheries and the potential negative impact of closing down access.

"A decision to restrict access will annually eliminate thousands of trips made by sport anglers and commercial fishing guides," Wilson said. "We strongly urge you to consider other alternatives and seek public comment as you move forward on this question."

Fishermen are up in arms, and Internet fishing forums are ablaze with antagonistic talk.

Meanwhile, the current commander of the Nashville District, Lt. Col. James A. DeLapp, has so far refused to comment.

If you want to help keep any dominoes from falling, here are some addresses and people to contact with your concerns:

�Lt. Col. James A. DeLapp
Commander, Nashville District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 1070
Nashville, TN 37202-1070





�Sen. Lamar Alexander (statewide representation)

�Sen. Bob Corker (statewide representation)

�Rep. Diane Black (District 6)

�Rep. Marsha Blackburn (District 7)

�Rep. Jim Cooper (District 5)

�Rep. Scott DesJarlais (District 4)

�Corps of Engineers Facebook page

Richard Simms is a contributing writer, focusing on outdoor sports. The opinions expressed in this column belong solely to the author, not Nooga.com or its employees.

[Tyme2fish]

Why??? This hoovers!!

[410th]

Corps of Engineers threatens closure of prime fishing areas
By Richard Simms Published Wednesday, November 28th 2012
Whether on the Tennessee River or Cumberland River, the tailwater areas immediately beneath dams provide excellent fishing opportunities for hundreds of thousands of fishing trips every year. (Photo: Richard Simms) There is a controversy brewing in Middle Tennessee that every fisherman in Tennessee�and across the country�should know about.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is considering a plan to close access to tailwater areas immediately below all dams on the Cumberland River. That would include popular fishing areas such as Cheatham Dam, Old Hickory, Percy Priest and Center Hill. They might not be areas that you and I fish regularly, but if they get shut down, might they simply be the first dominoes to fall across the state?

Tennessee has nearly 1 million citizens who fish, and most of them realize know that tailwater areas immediately beneath dams are often some of the most productive waters on the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers.

On the Tennessee River, dams are jointly operated with TVA controlling hydroelectric facilities and water flow, while the Corps of Engineers is responsible for navigation (the locks). However, on the Cumberland River system, it's a one-man show�the Corps of Engineers controls it all.

According to TWRA spokesperson Doug Markham, the Corps of Engineers released only a short emailed statement to a reporter that read, "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is currently in the process of finalizing a plan to restrict boat access to hazardous waters directly upstream and downstream of all hydroelectric power plant facilities along the Cumberland River and its tributaries. When the implementation plan is finalized, the corps will release the information to the public."

A week ago, Sen. Lamar Alexander sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers, saying, "I am writing to express my concerns about your decision to restrict access to fishing areas in dam tailwaters on the Cumberland River system and recommend that you reconsider that decision.

"The Cumberland River system is a significant source of enjoyment for Tennesseans and visitors from around the world. Those who enjoy fishing and the businesses that serve them benefit from the open access of the Cumberland River system, and the revenue that is generated by these activities is an important part of Tennessee�s economy."

The pretense of the closure is for reason of safety.

"It is my understanding that the current practice has not resulted in a significantly higher risk to public safety than is experienced at other dams across the country," Alexander wrote.

Bobby Wilson, TWRA chief of fisheries, sent a letter expressing the importance of Cumberland tailwater fisheries and the potential negative impact of closing down access.

"A decision to restrict access will annually eliminate thousands of trips made by sport anglers and commercial fishing guides," Wilson said. "We strongly urge you to consider other alternatives and seek public comment as you move forward on this question."

Fishermen are up in arms, and Internet fishing forums are ablaze with antagonistic talk.

Meanwhile, the current commander of the Nashville District, Lt. Col. James A. DeLapp, has so far refused to comment.

If you want to help keep any dominoes from falling, here are some addresses and people to contact with your concerns:

�Lt. Col. James A. DeLapp
Commander, Nashville District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 1070
Nashville, TN 37202-1070





�Sen. Lamar Alexander (statewide representation)

�Sen. Bob Corker (statewide representation)

�Rep. Diane Black (District 6)

�Rep. Marsha Blackburn (District 7)

�Rep. Jim Cooper (District 5)

�Rep. Scott DesJarlais (District 4)

�Corps of Engineers Facebook page

Richard Simms is a contributing writer, focusing on outdoor sports. The opinions expressed in this column belong solely to the author, not Nooga.com or its employees.

Look like this will effect Wolf Creek also.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20...nclick_check=1

Billy

["The Man"]

WOW!!! Something has to be done to stop this...... It's just crazy.

[Shellkat]

More durn govertment crap

[Olgrey]

I don't know if you guys remember it, but some years ago TVA was making noise about developing some of the Land between the lakes. As I remember, there was some discussion about hotels, motels, and amusement park stuff. This basically violated the understanding/agreement that existed when the original owners had to give up their property to TVA, that it would never be developed. As would be expected, the families of the people who had lived at LBL were up in arms. After some discussions between the politicians and TVA leadership, TVA pretty much thumbed their nose at the people's and politician's objections. Anyway after much cussin and discussing, the politicians ended up telling TVA that it had been created by the politicians and it could also be taken out or done away with by the politicians and TVA backed down. The best I remember this was in the same time frame during which TVA was handing out some sizeable bonuses to management and supervisors that were supposedly making some great management decisions. Does any of this sound familiar? Just the same old BS!

[Shellkat]

go to tva facebook page" Nashville District "and voice your opinion on fishing below these dams

[peter]

Time to contact Mitch McConnel...and any other of our federal elected officials.

Doesn't the corps get their funding from Congress.

I think I remember him helping out a lot in keeping Wolf Creek Hatchery open. He must be aware how important fishing is to a large percentage of his constituents being from Kentucky.

[peter]

Senate Passes Alexander, McConnell, Corker, Paul Amendment Opposing Corps’ Fishing Restrictions
Amendment would allow Congress to prevent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from erecting physical barriers to tailwaters fishing areas on Cumberland River
***
“This amendment sends a clear message to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: that it should stop wasting $2.6 million in taxpayer money enforcing these unnecessary and unreasonable fishing restrictions.” – Lamar Alexander


WASHINGTON, March 21 – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) announced today that the Senate passed the budget resolution amendment he sponsored with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) that would allow Congress to pass legislation prohibiting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from implementing proposed fishing restriction on the Cumberland River.


“This amendment sends a clear message to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: that it should stop wasting $2.6 million in taxpayer money enforcing these unnecessary and unreasonable fishing restrictions,” Alexander said. “Instead, the Corps should work with the wildlife agencies in Tennessee and Kentucky to develop a sensible plan to promote public safety when water is spilling through the dam.”


Alexander’s amendment opposes a $2.6 million Corps plan to erect physical barriers restricting access to tailwaters fishing areas below 10 dams on the Cumberland River in Tennessee and Kentucky. The senator has asked the Corps to explore alternatives – such as signs, sirens and lights – and work with wildlife agencies in Tennessee and Kentucky to satisfy safety and regulatory requirements to improve safety.


Alexander continued, “The tailwaters are only dangerous when the water is spilling through the dam, which on average is about 20 percent of the time. Closing off the tailwaters 100 percent of the time would be like keeping the gate down at the railroad crossing 100 percent of the time. The track isn’t dangerous when the train isn’t coming, and the tailwaters aren’t dangerous when the water isn’t spilling through the dam.”


In addition to various legislative efforts, Alexander has also held several discussions with Corps officials, including Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy, whom he encouraged to reconsider the $2.6 million expenditure in light of the sequester’s automatic spending cuts.

[Lowerider]

Awesome! I can return my hydraulic bolt cutters now....

[peter]

​IT'S HERE FOLKS - OUR TIME TO RALLY AND LET THE CORPS HEAR US! I can't think of very many times when an influential Congressman and three very important U.S. Senators have come together at a rally like this. Lets show them we are behind their efforts to stop the Corps from barricading our dams! The information is below and look forward to seeing you Saturday!! Wade White, Lyon Co. Judge Executive.

FREEDOM TO FISH RALLY


Please make plans to join us at the Freedom to Fish Rally at the Barkley Dam Pavilion.


Saturday, April 13, 2013, 11:00 AM CST
Speakers will be:


· Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White


· Livingston County Judge-Executive Chris Lasher


· U. S. Senator Mitch McConnell


· U. S. Senator Lamar Alexander


· U. S. Senator Rand Paul


· U. S. Congressman Ed Whitfield


Background Information:


The United States Army Corps of Engineers has proposed restricted access areas below all the dams along the Cumberland River, including Barkley Dam. This would eliminate the freedom to fish in the prime areas for fish populations, the tailwaters below the dams.


The federal delegation has introduced the “Freedom to Fish Act,” which would prevent the Corps of Engineers from taking any action to establish a restricted area prohibiting public access to waters downstream of a dam, and for other purposes.


Many private organizations, state Departments of Fish and Wildlife, and the Governors of Tennessee and Kentucky have spoken out against the proposed restricted areas.


Vendor Information


Please note that the selling of merchandise or food is not allowed due to regulations. Informational booths by outdoor, fishing, and/or sportsman groups are welcome and appreciated. Call 270-885-1212 or email [email protected] for more information or to RSVP.


Directions:


· From I24 – take exit 31


· Go South on KY-453


· Take the ramp to US-62 E/US-641 N


· Turn left onto US-62 E/US-641 N


· Take the first Right after the Cumberland River Bridge and follow the signs to the pavilion/picnic area


Information for the media will be sent in a press release. This document is for invitation and informational purposes only. Media inquiries should be directed to Dan Bayens at 859-230-6187 or by email [email protected]


This message was sent by Wade White using the Change.org system. You received this email because you signed a petition started by Wade White on Change.org: "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Stop the Restriction of Access to Public Waterways ." Change.org does not endorse contents of this message.


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[Shellkat]

Just read on facebook where corps putting out bueys to close off dams this week