MOULTRIE — The big boulders below the dam at Reed Bingham State Park resemble large piles of brown bread baking in the May sun. There is no water cascading over the dam and through their crevices.
The drought that plagues South Georgia has the lake at very low levels, incredibly low for this time of year. Below the dam, Little River is not flowing. Wading birds, such as the blue heron, traipse through the pools spearing small fish.
Typically at this time of year, fisherman are found below the dam catching redbreast and bluegill in the eddies between the rocks and the dam. Not so on Friday. It was dry boulders and dry dirt.
“And I’m afraid we’re going to have a tremendous grass problem in the lake with these conditions,” said Park Superintendent Chet Powell.
Powell said the low water combined with the warm temperatures is causing the grass to grow. In the shallows, the light can get down into the depths to create the photosynthesis necessary to make the grass much more prolific.
Except in the channel, Reed Bingham is a shallow lake. It’s long had a grass problem.
“And we don’t have the money here now to fight it. I’ve ordered a new chemical that we want to try on it. It should be here next week,” said Powell.
Powell said the grass problem could be bad enough to make the lake almost non-navigable this summer.
Irrigation upstream of the park may contribute to the low water levels in the lake as farmers battle the worst drought in 50 years. In some areas, farmers are irrigating their land so they can get seed into the ground and others are trying to save those plants that are up.
Also upstream, logs and stumps are being revealed that boaters must be wary of.
“Some of this happens every year but generally it’s at the end of the summer,” said Powell.
Still the park is a popular place as visitors take advantage of the camping and nature trails as well as the lake. The park is home to a bald eagle, numerous deer and alligators. Also, gopher tortoises have been quite a feature at the park as volunteers have helped protect their eggs from predators such as fox, armadillos and opossums.
“And we’ve just had a couple drive in from South Carolina to view a limkin,” said Powell.
A limkin is a rare wading bird for these parts. It’s smaller than the blue heron, which is very common in this area. The limkin is common to Florida and Southeast Georgia along the Okefenokee Swamp. It feeds in the shallows off frogs, tadpoles, water bugs and small fish.
Local News
Drought may spur grass in lake
- Local News
-
-
Crash injures woman, 3 kids
A 20-year-old woman injured in a Sunday evening wreck remained hospitalized on Tuesday, while the driver accused of causing the accident is charged with driving while taking morphine.
-
'Les Miserables' at CCHS
A cast of 70 students is putting the final touches on their upcoming presentation of the classic “Les Miserables.”
The Colquitt County High School Choral Department, will present “Les Miserables,” in the Withers Auditorium starting Thursday, Feb. 9, at 8 p.m. The show will run Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and on Sunday, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. -
Archbold's ex-CEO denied new trial
An order filed Tuesday says a jury finding the former president and chief executive officer of Archbold Medical Center guilty does not amount to “a serious miscarriage of justice.”
- CORRECTION: Wayne Littles
-
Tickets on sale for Daddy-Daughter Dance
A Daddy-Daughter Dance will be held on Friday, Feb. 17, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the Colquitt County Arts Center, 401 7th Avenue S.W. Proceeds will benefit Serenity House.
-
Singing Echoes to perform
- Hurst Boiler launches new website
- Your Agenda 2/08/12
-
![5th electricity 003[1].jpg](http://d6673sr63mbv7.cloudfront.net/archive/x1346838054/g030000000000000000d6371e227f7423fa9d3a0ebc69bc48283acc4713.jpg "5th electricity 003[1].jpg")
Fifth graders learn about electricity
-
Suspects struggle with deputies
An unlicensed driver who tried to avoid a license check Sunday morning didn’t help his cause when he allegedly struggled with two deputies after a traffic stop.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
