As promised, here are some pictures from Lake Lanier, north of Atlanta (Click each picture for a bigger view). Due to a Southeast drought, the lake is at near historic low levels--well at least since it was dammed. And yes, it was raining hard when we were taking the pictures. Kinda ruins the effect, but I'm a fan of irony.
Picture 1: Closed boat ramp--you'll understand why it's closed after you view the next picture.
Picture 2: A picture from the lake bed. My friend Chuck is standing at the bottom of the ramp. I am standing in the lake bed. For perspective, the car at the top of the ramp is a big honkin' Ford Expedition.
Picture 3: A picture of some lake front floating boat docks. I'm pretty sure the steps are supposed to connect to the docks.
Picture 4: A formerly waterfront bulkhead and walkway.
Picture 5: The dam at the center of the controversy (Buford Dam). In the picture you can see the high water mark. At question is the flow rate from the dam. The State of Georgia wants to reduce the outflow rate to preserve water levels in the lake and maintain water supplies for much of the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Army Corps of Engineers is claiming it's hands are tied due to Endangered Species Act habitat preservation requirements downstream and historic water sharing agreements with Alabama and Florida. I just like the name Buford.
Picture 6: Self-portrait. Me playing with my friends iMac. What? I can't have fun while doing field research. And yes, there was beer involved.
