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Lake Murray near Columbia, SC

47,500 acres, 40 miles long and 650 miles of shoreline

Lake Murray is a 77 year old, 47,500 acre impoundment located near Columbia, SC. South Carolina Electric and Gas Company operates a hydro electric generating facility and manages the lake and other public resources under a license granted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Lake Watch on Lake Murray is a citizens' watch dog organization committed to protecting and enhancing the lake's environmental and recreational resources thru public education and involvement in decision making processes. The waters of Lake Murray are publicly owned. The project's lands are under Federal control. How the water and the lands are used is a public matter. Our goal is to protect the public's interest in the use of those resources.

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Premium Photographic Prints of Lake Murray Scenes

Lake Murray Images is donating to Lake Watch, 20% of the profits from sales of Lake Murray Prints. Go to www.lakemurrayimages.com to view and purchase from over 80 images of lake scenes. Help support Lake Murray's environmental resources by purchasing a print.

" News Brief "

Water withdrawal bill goes to Senate floor

by Steve Bell, Lake Watch Columnist

A overflow crowd of conservationist and industry leaders showed up Wednesday, Jan. 27,to hear the Senate Agricultural and Natural Resouces Committee's debate on legislation that would require new industries to obtain permits from SC DHEC before making large withdrawals from public waterways. (click to read article) (click) to read the latest version of Senate Bill 452)

Help protect the lake by contributing to the SCELP

Lake Murray is undergoing intense development pressures, especially in the lower lake and some projects can be potentially harmful to the lake's health. In order for the lake community to challenge projects that pose a threat to the lake, it is essential that we have access to legal resources. Normally this can be expensive but the SC Environmental Law Project offers assistance for free. SCELP is able to offer services because of the many donations received from environmentally consious organizations and citizens throughout the state. Please help us safeguard the lake's environmental resources by contributing to the SCELP. Go to www.scelp.org and make a donation.

Agencies say too much shoreline development will ruin the lake

Right-Camping Creek cove "For Sale"

"In consideration of current water quality trends, DHEC believes that minimization of future urban development along the Lake Murray shoreline is necessary to maintain long term water quality"..................Rheta Geddings, Bureau of Water

"It is abundantly clear that certain areas slated for future development, need to be protected for their natural, recreational, and scenic values." ...Ed Duncan, Environmental Programs Director, SCDNR

"Rapid development has caused a general degradation of water quality, boating safety problems due to crowding, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat." .....Roger Banks, Field Supervisor US Fish and Wildlife Service

"The increasing development is affecting recreational usage and safety on the lake and adding to concerns about water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and scenic integrity." ..............Tony Bebber, Planning Manager, SC PRT

" The licensee's (SCE&G) proposal, to allow consumer demand and economic factors to dictate type, location, and size of development will not ensure protection of aquatic and terrestrial resources. Some areas of the lake are not conducive to development. Without planning and foresight, shoreline development can contribute to overcrowding conditions, and environmental degradation. ".... Mark Robinson, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Please help us support our wildlife and water quality experts

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"Join Lake Watch" "Others talk about it, we are doing something about it!"

Lake Watch President Steve Bell was honored at the SC Wildlife Federation's 41^st Banquet in Spartanburg, receiving this year's Water Conservation Award. The Federation honored 14 other Conservationists at the 3 day affair held at the Marriott at Renaissance Park near downtown Spartanburg on Saturday, January 21. Federation President Angela Viney made the award presentation, stating that "Steve Bell, an active volunteer on conservation issues around Lake Murray, is the driving force and President of Lake Watch, a non-profit watchdog group that keeps an eye on activities that affect the water quality, wildlife habitat, scenic integrity, and recreational use of the lake. Steve is in constant touch with state and federal agencies and other organizations involved in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues involving Lake Murray and the Saluda Hydroelectric Project. He works to coordinate efforts among a variety of these interests, review notices, keep interested parties informed of others' actions, and encourage action to protect the water and land resources associated with the lake. Steve is considered "the voice of the lake" when news media needs information or comments on lake matters. He continues to stress the need to rebalance the uses of the lake to protect the natural and recreational needs with the residential, commercial, and industrial needs. Steve keeps pressure on the power company and public agencies to work toward solutions that will protect the natural resources of the lake and river below the dam. Because of his dedication to Lake Murray and endless conservation efforts, he is this year's Water Conservation Award winner."

FERC Who?

!!!!!People who ride subways to work are in control of our lake!!!!!!

Visit our FERC page to learn how to access the project record and file comments and complaints.

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Volunteer to be a "Lake Watcher"

Adopt a shoreline

We are establishing a lake wide network of volunteers to, in effect, adopt Federally protected wildlife areas. These include "environmentally sensitive areas" (ESA's). ESA's are typically (but not always) vegetated areas located at the back of shallow coves. Volunteers will keep a watchful eye out for any illegal clearing or signs of pollutants entering their assigned areas. Call or email for details

"Alert"

Please report any clearing of ESA's to Lake Watch immediately.Call 803-730-8121 or email us at lakewatchman@yahoo.com. ESA's are Federally protected shorelines that contain button bushes, willows, cypress etc.

"Free Membership"

Got Issues? We do too. Let's do something about it.

Lake Watch needs your support. If you are one of the tens of thousands of people who use Lake Murray each year, who want good water quality, protection of wildlife areas, more areas for public recreation and higher water levels for year round boating, join Lake Murray Watch. We are pro-active, committed and focused on protecting the public's interest in the future of the lake. There are no membership fees. We don't want your money, we want your support. We'll put you on our email list and alert you when we need your help. Visit our "Join" page for instructions. Please bookmark this site and visit us often.

Email us at lakewatchman@yahoo.com

Steve Bell - President -803-730-8121

Directors- Steve Bell, Mike Sloan, Michael Mayfield