CAIRO — Neither the Tired Creek Lake Authority or the Grady County Board of Commissioners need specific authorization to remove the trees in the normal pool of the lake, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

The Tired Creek Lake Authority discussed correspondence from the Corps of Engineers regarding removing trees Wednesday morning. 

According to correspondence with Richard Morgan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulatory branch project manger, there are no conditions in the Tired Creek Lake permit that “prevent or concern removing trees and woody debris from within the normal pool of the lake; when the lake is dry, partially filled, or filled.”

“In the future, Grady County does not need to inquire to the Corps about tree and woody debris removal, provided the method of removal does not involve the discharge of fill material into the lake, impacts to the 100-foot buffer, or involve other conditions of the permit,” Morgan stated in the correspondence. 

The authority made the recommendation to remove trees in the lake’s bed back in July. Grady County commissioners have not taken action on the recommendation. 

Along with tree discussion, Lake Authority Chairman Lee Gainous proposed creating a third boat ramp for the west side of Cedar Springs at the lake. 

“We need to build a dock there so when people launch their boat, they can tie it off,” he added. 

Gainous noted the proposed boat ramp would increase access to the lake from Whigham and other areas. 

“As much access we can have, the better,” Gainous said. 

Commissioner T.D. David, who attended the meeting, raised several questions about Tired Creek Lake, notably better informing the public on happenings at Tired Creek Lake. 

“We want people to know what we’re doing, why we’re doing it,” he said. 

David echoed comments from residents at a Tuesday public hearing on the proposed tax hike, during which residents expressed concerns about Tired Creek Lake. David also noted providing more public information, such as expenses at Tired Creek Lake. 

“Nobody’s hidden anything, I can tell you that,” said Randy Wind, Lake Authority secretary. 

Wind also questioned to which time frame providing the information would begin, noting the extensive history of the lake. 

“To give a full picture, you need to include all that,” he said. “I think it’s all in how it’s presented.”

In other business, the Lake Authority: 

• Heard an update from Tired Creek Lake Manager Mike Binion, including water levels at close to 209.5 feet deep. 

• Discussed specifics for boating when the lake reaches the appropriate level. 

• Heard an update on a new flag pole erected at the lake, which was donated by Woodmen of the World. 

• Discussed the Archway partnership with Tired Creek Lake. 

• Discussed the Tired Creek Lake Facebook page. 

• Set the next Tired Creek Lake Authority meeting for Sept. 13, 11 a.m. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.