February 2018 Promoting & Protecting the Quality and Cleanliness of Tims Ford Lake Volume 19 Issue 1 Tims Ford Council Membership Meeting April 16, 2018 A NOTE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT DAVID JORDAN GUEST SPEAKERS Dennis English Owner DockScapes Board of Directors Twin Creeks The ships store has been moved from its storage loca- tion to its final home. It took about 2 hours to move it from Dry Creek to Twin Creek Marina. The ship store and the fuel pumping stations are scheduled to be operational by April 1. The store will have a small restaurant which will sell hot dogs, hamburgers pizza etc. to the public. The marinas boat docks A, B, C are built with all slips except 14 pre rented. We have one dock left to build that’s D dock. We should begin construction on it the month of February. D dock will have another 44 boat slips. The restaurant and hotel will begin breaking ground in May 2019. The restaurant will have enough parking to accommodate boats. Boat storage is on the radar. Twin Creek is working with TVA on the what the space will allow. Hello my name is David Jordan; I am your new President. I am excited to take on this position. I have had the opportunity of running a non-profit in the past. I started it with just my wife and I. we grew to 60+ members. I believe Tims Ford Council is no different. What I plan is to step up our image in the community. I believe we can do more than Lake Cleanup. We help with the fish habitat, water testing in conjunction with TWRA & TVA. We can help in building handicapped fishing piers and repairing other docks around the lake to make them handicapped accessible. Maybe paint and cleanup some of the public areas like Dry Creek Beach, Winchester City Park and other places around the lake. With the great history of the Council and the work that has already been accomplished over the years, everyone knows these projects take a community to accomplish. All I am asking is come out work an hour or two as we move forward. I want to increase our membership base by having membership drives at various store locations during the Spring and Summer months. I’ve been working on a “Scrapbook” to show our accomplishments. We really need a committee to develop two scrapbooks of work that has been done and plans for future projects around the lake. I have some of the materials already pictures from several members for this. We could use three to five members to get involved with this and complete it by 1 April, 2018…Whatever supplies you need to do this project we will supply. cont. pg2
Transcript
February 2018 Promoting & Protecting the Quality and Cleanliness of Tims Ford Lake Volume 19 Issue 1
Tims Ford Council Membership Meeting April 16, 2018
A NOTE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
DAVID JORDAN
GUEST SPEAKERS Dennis English Owner DockScapes Board of Directors Twin Creeks
The ships store has been moved from its storage loca-tion to its final home. It took about 2 hours to move it from Dry Creek to Twin Creek Marina. The ship store and the fuel pumping stations are scheduled to be operational by April 1. The store will have a small restaurant which will sell hot dogs, hamburgers pizza etc. to the public.
The marinas boat docks A, B, C are built with all slips except 14 pre rented. We have one dock left to build that’s D dock. We should begin construction on it the month of February. D dock will have another 44 boat slips.
The restaurant and hotel will begin breaking ground in May 2019. The restaurant will have enough parking to accommodate boats. Boat storage is on the radar. Twin Creek is working with TVA on the what the space will allow.
Hello my name is David Jordan; I am your new President. I am excited to take on this position. I have had the opportunity of running a non-profit in the past. I started it with just my wife and I. we grew to 60+ members.
I believe Tims Ford Council is no different. What I plan is to step up our image in the community. I believe we can do more than Lake Cleanup. We help with the fish habitat, water testing in conjunction with TWRA & TVA. We can help in building handicapped fishing piers and repairing other docks around the lake to make them handicapped accessible. Maybe paint and cleanup some of the public areas like Dry Creek Beach, Winchester City Park and other places around the lake. With the great history of the Council and the work that has already been accomplished over the years, everyone knows these projects take a community to accomplish. All I am asking is come out work an hour or two as we move forward.
I want to increase our membership base by having membership drives at various store locations during the Spring and Summer months. I’ve been working on a “Scrapbook” to show our accomplishments. We really need a committee to develop two scrapbooks of work that has been done and plans for future projects around the lake. I have some of the materials already pictures from several members for this. We could use three to five members to get involved with this and complete it by 1 April, 2018…Whatever supplies you need to do this project we will supply. cont. pg2
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Another idea is to host a prospective member/current member cookout. We’ll need a small committee to help organize this event to be held at either the Red Roof Building in the Winchester City Park or at the Tims Ford State Park. The Tims Ford Council will get the meat and accessories and everyone will bring a pot of something, chips, drinks etc. It will be a day of fellowship where you can meet other members you haven’t seen in a while along with Businesses and Organizations that have helped us.
Since the first day as President, I have been working on fundraising. I have been meeting with people and sending out letters. We receive grants from TVA for our lake cleanup. But we need to keep our general fund up for other expenses we have. Prices are steadily going up and these funds will help with other projects that come up.
If you have an other questions or comments you can email me anytime.
Chairman David Jordan 931-607-5836 [email protected] Vice Chairman Lois Brown 967-9472 [email protected] Treasurer Lois Brown Secretary, Publicity Diane Harris (407)273-1797 Board Members at Large Dennis English 952-9889 Jake Davis (256) 783-6953 Dave Van Buskirk 968-6127 Caleb Burgoyne 967-4088 Ron Schmitz (256) 527-8118 Anita Miller (615) 377-1380 Sally Lightner 361-0087
TVA Liaison Wilson Taylor (256) 571-4292
TFC BOARD MEMBERS 2018
KEEP UP WITH US ON WWW.TIMSFORDCOUNCIL.ORG
OR CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK.COM/TIMSFORD
Late Monday afternoon the vision of a Courtesy Dock at the Winchester City Park Launch ramp came to life. After a yearlong process spearheaded by Capt. Jake Davis, Tim Ford Council member, Franklin County Chamber Tourism Committee member and local Bass Guide, the Winchester City Park now has a much-improved facility for boat and water vessel launch and recovery. The project was completely funded by the Tim Ford Council with the permit funds provided by the Bass Club. The 126 foot long structure is build with pressure treated lumber from Franklin County Lumber.
Construction started Friday Dec 1, 2107 and finished late Monday afternoon. Several organizations helped throughout the weekend including Tims Ford Council Members, Franklin County Junior Bass Team, FCHS Bass Team members, local anglers Paul Hutchins, Pete Yates, Chris Long, Drew Relford, Danny Crownover, Gary Lahr, Casey Myers, Michael Craig, Duke Jenkle (Phoenix Boats), Dave Jordan, Josh Powers, Scottie Powers, Anthony Roberts, Amy Powers, Jeff Martin, Dakota Martin, Keagan Sanders, Johnny Ethridge, Lance and Brian Hill, Council President Lois Brown, Jennifer Dolan, Tracey Gearlds. Travis Boswell owner of Boswell Landscaping provided and operated the skid steer and auger to place the 34 post which are anchored in the lake bed with concrete.
Lois Brown, Tims Ford Council, President stated the council membership had been looking for ways to help the community and improve access to the lake and Capt. Jake presented the idea of building a courtesy dock to assist with launching of boats and watercraft. After a complete review and seeing the plans we felt that with the increased usage at the City Park by pleasure boaters and the growing number of fishing tournaments, we felt this would be a great opportunity to help our community.
About the Tims Ford Council, established in 1995 by local lake property owners with the objective of promote and protect the quality of life on Tims Ford Lake. The council is a 501c organization which funds and conducts yearly lake clean up days, water quality testing, habitat Restoration and lake facility improvements. Membership is open to all at a cost of $15 per year per household. The councils next lake cleanup project will be on Feb 10, 2018 held at the Tims Ford State Park. You can find more information at www.timsfordcouncil.org or on Facebook
Tims Ford Council Constructs Courtesy Dock at Winchester City Park
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A NOTE FROM VICE PRESIDENT
LOIS BROWN
A special thank you goes out to Twin Creeks for allowing us to meet in their Club house. Dennis English presented an excellent update of the marina.
Three docks have been installed and most of the slips have been rented. The fuel pumping station and the ship’s store have a planned opening date of April, 2018. The cabins and hotel restaurant are projected to be open in May, 2019. There will be boat parking for the restaurant.
Election of new officers was carried out. David Jordan was elected President. Lois Brown will serve as Vice President and Interim Treasurer. We hope to have a permanent Treasurer in July, 2018. Sally Lightner will serve as Membership Chairperson and John Casey will serve as Water Quality Testing Program Chairperson. A meeting of the water testing team will be scheduled soon so that the activities can resume this Spring. John has a background in Water Quality and Wastewater Testing and we are excited to have him in this role. Inclement weather date is scheduled for April 14. We have been asked to get the word out to friends, organizations and neighborhoods.
Jake Davis discussed Lake Clean-Up which is scheduled for February 10, 2018 at the State Park boat ramp from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at which time help will be needed to move trash bags from the boats to the dumpster.
Please note the new website that David Jordan has completed. This is an exciting year with renewed energy in growing membership, building a strong story added businesses and increased activity. Please support our new president as he does need many people for this organization to move forward.
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With our reservoirs aging and the depletion of habitat, whether is from yearly water level changes, decay or erosion as anglers we can help. Before you say it, I’ve heard all the excuses not to build brush piles or fish attractors and not one of them hold water. Several Bass Clubs and small groups of anglers have already joined with federal, state and local officials to restore and improve our lakes across the country with great success. The overall health of any given reservoir affects the community in a host of ways, to include tourism, local employment and property values. We need your help to ensure future generations can enjoy our lakes as we have throughout our years.
Why artificial habitat? Bass, Crappie, Sunfish and many more will use brush piles throughout the year and will not only increase your chances of a good stringer of fish, but will improve the overall health of your fishery. First, I recommend you get help…placing brush piles is a lot of work. Talk to three or four friends or better yet make it a yearly club event on your home lake. Second, do your research and/or coordinate efforts will local wildlife resource agencies, dock owners and property owners. A great example is the tree cutting and habitat project which Big Shanty Bassmasters partnered with the Corp of Engineers and GADNR on Altoona Lake located in North Georgia completes each year, which not only provides good habitat but helps stop bank erosion as well. Another, great example is the joint effort between the stakeholders of Table Rock Lake and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, who joined forces to revitalize the lake with amazing results for years to come.
What makes a good brush pile? Foremost is location, brush piles do not manufacture fish, the best locations have an existing population of fish in the area. Docks, just outside spawning areas, creek channel bends and channel ledges are some good starting places. Depth of water is another consideration; I suggest placing brush pile at several depths in the same area ranging from couple of feet down to 25 or 30 foot of water. Second is material, it’s a good practice to use several different materials in the same “Brush pile”. A good example would be two Christmas trees with hardwood between them or a PVC attractor such as the porcupine fish attractors. If using Christmas Trees, prune several of the limbs out of them leaving room for a fish to get between the branches, providing an ambush position. Furthermore, most people believe Christmas tree should be vertical in position, however I personally like to mix it up and will place a few lying flat sided.
Restoring Lake Habitat, How and Why it’s Needed
page 7
Before sinking/placing a tree think about getting hung up in it. Trim all the twigs and smaller limbs. The more forks it has the better. Point the treetop towards where you'll be fishing from. Use plenty of anchor weight, tie several concrete block to the underside of the trunk/tree to keep it up off the bottom. When securing the tree/brush please use a heavy gauge wire and tie it tight.
Lastly, Stack beds such as those found on Kentucky Lake, Percy Priest, Tims Ford Lake and many other have been a great success. They provide cover and spawning areas for all types of game fish as well as food sources such as shad and crawfish. Stack beds are mainly made of 2x2 material driven in to the bottom of the lake. These are spaced 6 to 8 inches apart and average 2 to 4 foot in height once driven in. If the lake bottom prevents driving the stacks build them with cross members at the bottom and use a concrete block to hold it in place.
Here is some general guidelines which almost every fisheries biologist I talked to provided:
Contact your local fisheries biologist for advice and assistance
Use different types of material in the same brush pile.
Never use treated or painted lumber
Ensure your brush pile is secure and will not float or move around
When placing brush around docks, take other water activities in to consideration. Place the brush well under the dock or well outside swim areas
When using Christmas Trees, prune a few limbs from the center
Place brush piles at several depths, this will help keep fish in the area
Never place brush piles by yourself…have a buddy with you accidents happen
The next time you or your local organization are looking for a community project, may I submit that you get with your local fisheries agencies and put a plan together for some lake restoration projects.
Capt. Jake Davis is a USCG Licensed professional fishing guide on Lake Guntersville and Tim’s Ford Lake; to reserve your “Day on the Lake” visit www.midsouthbassguide.com or call/email 615-613-2382, [email protected]
Restoring Lake Habitat, How and Why it’s Needed cont. pg. 6
2433 Decherd BLVD, Winchester, TN 37398
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As of 2 February 2018, there has been 9 fatal boating accidents around the country. Everyone of these incidents where avoidable with just a little commonsense. Almost all the fatalities where the result of either not wearing a life vest or using unserviceable equipment. The other cause was just plain unsafe operation of the vessels. Either way, ALL where avoidable and preventable.
It makes no difference if you are out on an afternoon cruise with the pontoon, paddling around the lake in your Kayak or fishing a tournament of some kind. Last summer one of our own council members was nearly killed when a boater lost sight because of the sun, failed to slowdown and literally ran her Kayak over. The last loss of life was a Kayak Angler on Kentucky Lake who failed to wear a life vest. No matter how good of a swimmer you think you are when the unexpected happens we ALL panic to a certain level and the one item that can save your life is your Personal Floatation Device. Here is some general items everyone needs to check every time we take to the water.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFDS)
o Have onboard one PFD per passenger, minimum of two
o Have onboard a throwable device (for vessels larger than 16 ft.)
o Discuss proper use/location of PFDs SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES
o Have onboard a horn that can emit a four-second blast audible for 1/2 mile
o Bring a spare can of air (disposable Air Horn) or an alternate device
o Attach a whistle to each PFD
LIGHTS & SHAPES
o Test navigation lights
o Check instrument lights
o Bring a flashlight and spare batteries
DISTRESS SIGNALS
o Ensure that flares, day signals, etc., are accessible, not out dated and stored in a dry location
o Discuss location, proper use and safety rules
TOOLS & SPARES
o Be sure to have a basic toolbox with boat-appropriate tools
o Be sure to bring a spare fuel filter, light bulbs, through-hull plugs, etc.
FUEL & OIL
o Check fuel levels
o Check the engine oil and coolant levels
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
o Make sure you have a fully charged, accessible fire extinguisher(s) as specified in Coast Guard rules
o Ensure mounts are secure and functional
o Discuss location with passengers and crew
VENTILATION
o On any powered vessel check that interior spaces are well ventilated
o If you smell fuel before ventilating, run blowers for several minutes and re-check before starting
o If odors persist, shut down the engine and look for the source of the leak
Staying Safe While Boating By Capt. Jake Davis, USCG/MMC, Tims Ford Council Member
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VENTILATION
o On any powered vessel check that interior spaces are well ventilated
o If you smell fuel before ventilating, run blowers for several minutes and re-check before starting
o If odors persist, shut down the engine and look for the source of the leak
BILGES
o Ensure bilges are reasonably dry and pumps are not running excessively
o Clean any spilled oil or waste in bilges to prevent overboard discharge
WEATHER FORECAST
o Check the weather forecast before departure
BATTERY CARE
o For dual charging systems, check that the selector switch is in the proper position
o Ensure power is on to the entire vessel
o Bring spare batteries for handheld radio, flashlight, portable navigational aid, etc.
o Ensure rechargeable batteries are charged
DOCKING & ANCHORING TIPS
o Be sure to have one anchor set up
o Bring two or three extra dock lines
o Visually inspect lines for chafe or wear
o Bring fenders (minimum 2) for docking or towing
RULES & DOCUMENTATION
o Bring registration and insurance papers, operator’s license, fishing license, etc.
o Bring chart(s) for the area you intend to cruise
Staying Safe While Boating cont. pg. 9 TIMS FORD COUNCIL
TREASURY REPORT
JANUARY 1 – January 31, 2018
Balance 12/31/2017
TFC Operating Funds $ 1,488.48
TVA Grants/Lake Clean-Up Funds $ 1,331.66
Balance 1/31/2018.
TFC Operating Funds $ 1,703.48
Credits 290.00
Debits 75.00
TVA Grants/Lake Clean-Up Funds $ 1,331.66
Approved Budget for 2018
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce $ 75.00
Printing Costs $160.00
PO Box Rental $ 90.00
TN Corporate Report/changes $ 40.00
TN Corporate Bylaw changes $ 20.00
Water Testing Supplies $635.00)
Website hosting (biennial) $195.00 yearly
Postage $ 49.00
US 990N (postcard) No fee
TN Charitable Exemption No fee
Total $ 1264.00
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If you would like to run a classified ad, contact the TFC Newsletter Editor David Jordan 931-607-5836 or email at [email protected] for more information. R a t e s p e r y e a r a r e : B u s i n e s s C a r d — 1 / 4 p a g e $ 3 0 ; 1 / 3 — 1 / 2 p a g e $ 4 0 ; f u l l p a g e $ 6 0
