LWPOA Project Summaries

Lake Relicensing

Alabama Power filed the license application in November 2021 and, so far, no challenges have arisen. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has until November 2023 to ask for more information and analysis, review the entire package, and grant the renewed license. The application or license itself can be challenged at any time, including after the new license is granted. The Alabama Power Company has worked very hard to address all concerns that could lead to a challenge as it is better in all respects to get it right the first time rather than go back and change anything. There is no such thing as a small change as any alteration sends a ripple through the entire entire system. Every aspect of the damn and reservoir operation are interconnected, from lake levels, to flood control, to fish habitat and spawning, to power output, and continuous flows in the river below the dam.

Renew Our Rivers Lake Cleanup 2024

LWPOA

This year resulted in another successful lake cleanup effort! “Renew Our Rivers” is a true focus of Alabama Power and they are great partners in this endeavor, providing barges and volunteers to move trash picked up along the lake shores back to the dumpsters at the 48 ramp.

Many thanks to the volunteers who came to contribute their time! We had 133 people turn out over the course of 3 days collecting in excess of 2.84 tons of trash (5,680 lbs). Many thanks to ALA-GA Rolloff (Andy Etheridge) for providing these necessary dumpsters and portable restrooms.

Mornings began with breakfast provided by Heather and HB Enger, Pat Lettieri, and Steve Blaskowski. Hungry vounteers were provided lunches by Chick-fil-A in Carrollton (David Daniel), Smokin’Pig Barbeque (Telisha and Donnie Gibson) and Hunter Bend Realty (Crystal Barnes). Ice was donated by Wedowee Bait and Tackle while drinks and snacks were funded by Terry Norton.

Generous folks provided help by volunteering their pontoon boats: Melanie and John Beaty, Barry & Carol Popham, Steve Blaskowski, Susan Urquhart, Wedowee Marine South (3 boats), Alabama Power (3 boats) and Wedowee Docks,

We could not have made this event such a success without all these wonderful participants. We also appreciate Pat Lettieri's leadership efforts in coordinating these efforts and resources.

Kids' Fishing Day 2024

LWPOA Laura Krug

Kids Fishing Day was held at Lake Wedowee on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Children 15 years and younger were invited to try their luck at reeling in farm-raised catfish at the Rice Pavilion. Over 89 kids registered upon arrival, and received tickets for prizes that were awarded throughout the afternoon.

The event was open to LWPOA members' and non-members' children alike. KFD has great community support with dozens of businesses as sponsors. A hot dog meal was provided by the LWPOA and cooked by Randolph Sheriff David Cofield and other volunteers.

Platinum Sponsors

Rice Pavilion on Lake Wedowee, ALA-GA Roll Offs, Ken Seiffert-State Farm, Wedowee Animal Hospital

Gold Sponsors

Lakeview Auto Service, Inc., Whispering Pines Farm-Roanoke, Robinson Salvage, Terry and Sherrie Norton Lakehomes Reality, Southern States Bank, Wedowee Building Supply

Silver Sponsors

Best Brands Plus Randolph County, Lake Wedowee Bait and Tackle, Randolph Farmers CO-OP, Split Ends, Greg's Lawn Care, Ray Bucks Feed Supply, Huey's Grocery LLC, First State Bank-Lineville, Crouch Team Reality-Keller Williams, Best Brands Plus Randolph Co. Appliance, LLC, Superior Pest Control, ALFA Insurance-Wedowee, Boondocks, Our Town Pharmacy, Wedowee Landscape, Sydney Nails, OK Tire Store

Water Quality

LWPOA Frank Varisco

The heart of our water monitoring is the network of volunteers who test the water around the lake monthly. Thank you to the water testers: Frank Varisco, Jackie and Buddy Blue, Barry Morris, Tom Lettieri, Tommy Cain, Tommy Bell, Susan Urquhart, Kim Elmore, Bob Krug, Kevin and Edie Sutton, Phil and Susan Cantrell, Debbie Young, Terry Mattocks, and Pat High. The volunteers are trained by Alabama Water Watch/Auburn University. Interested in becoming a volunteer water tester please contact Frank Varisco.

Lake Wedowee Safety

LWPOA Tommy Bell

The Water Safety Committee of LWPOA partners with the Alabama Marine Police to replace and maintain the hazard buoys on the lake. In 2021 we replaced 10 missing or damaged buoys and will place 10 more in the fall of 2022. The buoys mark areas that are too shallow to safely operate a boat at summer or winter water levels. Several of the hazard buoys in strategic locations are lighted to assist navigating the lake at night for fishermen and pleasure boaters. LWPOA can only mark select hazards as approved by the Alabama Marine Police. We have no authority to place “No Wake” or other restrictive buoys. The buoys and accessories are purchased by the LWPOA and made possible by the annual dues paid by our membership.

The Association is very grateful to our local Alabama Marine Police officers who work tirelessly to protect us on the lake. You may never meet them, but they will be there for our lake community when we need them.