KERR LAKE PARK WATCH (KLPW) a support and improvements group for the park facilities at Kerr Lake has verified that the public will be allowed to make oral comments at two upcoming meetings staged by the US Army Corps of Engineers.  The Corps is preparing a “Kerr Reservoir Aquatic Vegetation Management Program (AVMP). In order to implement that program, an Environmental Assessment (EA) will be developed for the evaluation of the environmental impacts on John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir Project (Kerr Reservoir) and contiguous water bodies, associated with the AVMP.”  The study has to do with the exploding population of the aquatic nuisance weed, Hydrilla, shown below in the photo of a Kerr Lake cove.  The photo was taken less than 20 days ago.

The letter went on to say that written comments will be received until November 26, 2012 and that two public information and comment sessions have been scheduled for Tuesday, November 13 — 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Vance Granville Community College Civic Center, 200 Community College Road in Henderson, NC.  The second meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 15, 2012 — 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the John H Kerr Reservoir Visitor Assistance Center, 1930 Mays Chapel Road in Boydton, VA.

The letter added, “The public are invited to come at any time during these open sessions to learn more about the proposed Kerr AVMP. Comments received during the scoping process may also result in

coordination with individuals or agencies on an as-needed basis to discuss certain issues.”

“After distributing this letter we started getting emails and calls as to whether the public can speak on record about the increasing problem with hydrilla in Kerr Lake,” said KLPW spokesman Frank Timberlake.  “Inquiries reached the point that we went back to the Corps of Engineers and specifically asked if these meetings will allow citizens to speak their piece about Hydrilla concerns.”

The Corps’ Kerr Lake Manager Michael Womack told KLPW, “Yes, the scoping letter on the website gives all means available for providing comment, to include the two public meetings that will be held next week. Forms will be provided at these public information and comment sessions to receive written comments that will be incorporated/addressed in the Environmental Assessment.”

KLPW has urged its membership to make comment for the record concerning Hydrilla in Kerr Lake. According to Timberlake, “As far as anyone is concerned, Kerr Lake belongs to the US Army Corps of Engineers.  All parks and recreation facilities not owned by the Corps are leased from the Corps.  As the Corps is the owner of the lake, my question is how can the Corps allow individuals or states to treat the water in a lake where the Corps owns the water and the land it is on?  We also want to know why there is such a rush to obtain public input.  We will be watching what happens closely.  Just look at this close-up taken less than three weeks ago of your Kerr Lake.”

Kerr Lake Park Watch has the Environmental Assessment letter in its entirety on www.kerrlakeparkwatch.org or interested persons may request a copy from info@kerrlakeparkwatch.org.

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Names and contacts of public officials with Kerr Lake management responsibilities can be furnished by contacting KLPW at info@kerrlakeparkwatch.org.