Here's what I took from this
The initial cost of the restrictions will be 2.6M dollar, and then you will have maintence on top of that. One question I have is the ACOE works on a budget and that budget doesn’t get approved until September. How can they put up these barriers at this time, I wouldn’t think they have this money lying around.
It sounds like all agencies want to work with him like TWRA with revisiting a PFD law with more strict restrictions like no auto inflate, must be completely fastened, and higher mandatory fines. TWRA also brought up alternatives like barriers during high output times. It sounds like local law enforcement won't enforce/police the policy due to lack of “manpower”, and other issues that they are tasked with.
Other agencies want to work with him on a more economical resolution, but he has already made his mind. Bfish brought up several things like maintaining the barriers, and proper studies that are mandatory that were not performed, and the Col. couldn’t answer any of his questions. He also brought up about the process of policy change without proper assessment that also couldn’t be answered. There have been no meetings with local leaders, and no meetings with Mayor Dean with the ACOE.
ACOE couldn’t answer how many of the 8 deaths below the dams came from people on the bank, and one guy mentioned that he has rescued 3 people personally from below dams that come from the bank. If he was restricted from these areas then nobody would be there to possibly rescue these people.
Impact studies have not been performed, and it sounds like the only studies that have been done are those directly from the ACOE with hydraulics, and initial cost of barriers. A study taskforce team with all effected agencies has not been created and proper research performed.
An idea of a waiver was brought up when purchasing a fishing license, or with boater registration. When you buy your license you sign a waiver if you want to fish below the dams, or have a $2-$5 fee per license and sign a waiver, or dam stamp.
There was great representation by local law enforcement, TWRA, Tennessee Wildlife Federation, BASS Nation, Southern Woods and Water, Fishin’ Affliction, Local Guides that have raised families by fishing below these dams for the past 40 years.
There was a veteran talking about lightning strikes, and stupid people. (I thought he actually had some good comments).
I’ve drawn a blank on the name (sorry) but at Logan’s before the meeting he brought up a good point about foot access below the dams, and it was also brought up in the meeting. For someone who is older, less agile, or possibly handicap, heck for that matter (anyone). Bank access is just dangerous in most areas, from some of the individuals, to slick, uneven, snakes, or spiders in the rocks. I would feel safer fishing from a watercraft where there is a safe space between me and the guy next to me with the only real hazards being a tripping hazard on the deck of the boat.
There were many issues brought up from enforcement, harvest for a hatchery by TWRA to produce more stocking fish for our waters, to over population, and the wellbeing of fish, diseases etc.
Jeremy
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