Under the Last Word column of the VAGazette (May 31st), an anonymous writer said:
" It will be a major mistake to make the once serene and scenic Lake Powell into a wetlands. Beyond the obvious aesthetic diminishment, there has been and would be a major environmental decline from what previously existed. That area is seen by thousands of visitors to Jamestown, and the former lake was a great introduction and
Slowly, the lake is dying with undergrowth and eventually forest taking over.
This lake did provide a good sediment trap for 41 Sub-divisions and commercial developments (See Commentary by Charles A. Lord). Now, storm water will rush straight passed the broken dam, into the James river. Is this really an environmental improvement?
[The broken Dam - June 2008]
Under the title, Empty Lake Powell offers new benefit, Gazette reporter Cortney Langley writes:
JAMES CITY - A novel plan for Lake Powell would leave it empty of water but fulfilling nonetheless for the owners.
The Army Corps of Engineers recently asked the owners to consider not repairing the dam for refilling, and instead establish a wetlands mitigation bank.
See The Virginia Gazette May 28, 2008 for the full story
[The pictures were taken of the Lake prior to the collapse of the Dam.]
In Saturday's Virginia Gazette, there is a letter by Donald Topping, The Lake Powell Owners, On behalf of the private owners of Lake Powell and Lake Powell Dam, the letter sets out to thank all "who have been an integral part in the discovery phase of the creation of a service tax district."
The letter talks about a ....
[Photo: Lake, North of Jamestown Road]