BIG SHOAL CREEK Proposed Dam

[DeBo]

This week I met with Laura Cameron, Corp of Engineers planner for proposed Pine Mountain Dam on Lee Creek. The meeting went very well and I came away assured that all our comments are on record and all alternatives will be considered.

At the meeting on Lee Creek I also inquired about the proposed dam on Big Shoal Creek. The Tri-county Water District has had news stories in the papers which would seem to indicate that the dam is ready for construction. Nothing could be further from the truth.

This project was resurrected from a 1970's feasibility study. Tri-county asked the Corp if the dam could be built and of course it can. The more important question; Should it be built?, was never asked. However, when the Corp found out that Tri-county did not own the land and would have to get the land from the USFS, they immediately dropped the issue.

Today, I spoke with a ranger from the Mt. Magazine District which contains Big Shoal Creek. He said that Tri County will have to come up with nearly a thousand acres of private land with special characteristics which exceed the value of the Big Shoal Creek area before a land swap could be considered. He said also that even if they find such a place the process would take several years and the public would have the opportunity to comment. His feeling seemed to be, without actually saying so, that the swap is unlikely to happen.

Both agencies were friendly and cooperative. The ACC will continue to monitor this issue.


Debbie Doss 10-23-09

[T Yamashita]

Thanks Deb!
ty