The moratorium on new dock permits on Lake Lanier has been extended for the second time. On this occasion the extension is indefinite due to the lack of rain in northeast Georgia.
Last April, the Corps of Engineers announced the moratorium to carefully analyze how many permits were left. That moratorium was extended through the summer after 10 deaths on the lake left shoreline management park rangers busy with safety duties.
Now the low lake level has caused another extension.
The baking hot summer has left the lake nearly 9 feet below full pool with little chance that rain the next few weeks will make a difference. Any rainfall will likely be absorbed by the land before reaching lake or rivers.
The Corps of Engineers normally enters a moratorium on issuing new permits when water levels drop below 1063. “If the drought continues the moratorium, which began in April, will continue until the lake level rises above 1064”, said Chief Ranger Chris Lovelady. “Low water level moratoriums have been implemented several times in the past under similar drought and low lake level conditions.