GRDA August 22nd Update

August 22, 2017

 

Grand River Dam Authority Police Department 
 EMERGENCY Call 911       GRDA Police Dispatch 918-256-0911

 

Human-Powered Vessels Catching Up to Power Boaters in Fatalities

With just a few weekends of summer remaining and a lot of hot weather attracting people to the water, marine law enforcement agencies around the country are making an effort to emphasize boating safety, especially to enthusiasts of paddlesports, which are surging in popularity – and accidents.
According to a 2015 report from The Outdoor Foundation, paddlesports use increased 14 percent between 2010 and 2014. The number of fatalities also has increased with the rise in popularity of canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and other small craft. Last year’s Recreational Boating Accident report data show 88 percent of boating fatalities happened in boats less than 18 feet long, and almost half of those were in kayaks or canoes. Many paddlecraft are easy to use without a lot of training. That may mislead new paddlecraft users to venture out unaware of boating laws and unprepared to deal with the risks.
Basic safety around water is pretty clear if you think about it, although the differences in boating safety regulations in cities, counties and states are much more confusing. U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that boating accidents and fatalities could be dramatically reduced if the public obeyed the most basic laws: Reduce speeds near shore and congested areas, be visible at night, avoid drinking and driving a boat and wear life jackets while on the water. For paddlers, it mostly boils down to avoiding water beyond your skill set, wearing proper gear for the water temperatures and always wearing a life jacket, also known as a personal flotation device (PFD).
Keeping track of boating safety laws is a boater’s responsibility, although it’s not easy if you visit various waters in various states. According to the law, “flotation device” is “any device used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water and shall include, but not be limited to, inflatable beach toys, rubber inner tubes, rafts and air mattresses.” A stand-up paddleboard is considered a “vessel” because the paddle is a manner of propulsion. Therefore, Coast Guard rules do apply in requiring all persons on a SUP to have a life jacket aboard and be equipped with a sound-producing device such as a whistle. The Coast Guard’s rule says if you come up to another boat, the larger boat has the right of way, except that human-powered boats in most cases have the right of way over power boats. Of course, no laws can fix poor judgment. No rule will save you if a boat can’t see you in the dark.
When enjoying recreational activities on a SUP, know what you are getting into and be prepared for the environment. GRDA Police and marine enforcement officers around the country regularly respond to rescue calls on lakes and rivers from people on human-powered craft that we not prepared for what they got themselves into. Weather, changing water conditions and exhaustion can take a toll on even the strongest individuals who were not prepared for the rigors of their activities. Following the law is one thing – using common sense is another.
 

GRDA Receives License Variance from FERC

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the Grand River Dam Authority’s request for an amendment to its operating license for Pensacola Dam and Grand Lake. That amendment means GRDA will no longer be required to lower Grand Lake from 744 feet to 741 feet beginning in mid-August. FERC issued the order on Tuesday, August 15. It will remain in place throughout the remainder of GRDA’s existing license, which runs through March 2022.
“We are very pleased with FERC’s decision,” said GRDA Chief Executive Officer Dan Sullivan. “This will allow us to hold the elevation of Grand Lake at a level that is much safer for recreation, not only during the busy Labor Day holiday but throughout the latter portion of the boating season.” Sullivan added that the decision by FERC is also notable because it is one of the first, if not the very first, actions on the part of the new commission. Normally a five-member commission, FERC had been without a quorum for six months until two new members -- appointed by President Trump -- were recently approved by the United States Senate and sworn into their positions last week. “We are also very appreciative of Senator Inhofe, not only for his support of our amendment request, but also his efforts in restoring a quorum to FERC,” said Sullivan. “We were able to meet a critical deadline on this issue.”
Instead of lowering the lake from an elevation of 744 feet to 741 feet, the amendment means the lake will only be brought to 743 feet through mid-September, before dropping to 742 feet for the fall and winter months.
In its request to FERC, similar to temporary variance requests made in previous years, GRDA stressed the recreational safety problems caused by the three foot drop in lake levels, as well as the negative impact it has on the area’s economy during a popular summer boating holiday.
“We continue to seek a long-term solution to the lake level issue which would give us more operational control over the lake, while balancing all of the other stakeholder concerns of hydroelectric generation, flood control and recreation,” he said.

GRDA Holds Lake Hudson “Rush for Brush”

The Grand River Dam Authority’s popular “Rush For Brush” workshop has a new partnership, with a bigger and better event for Saturday, August 26.  The GRDA Ecosystems Management Department – which has been hosting Rush For Brush artificial habitat construction workshops since 2007 – will team with the Indian Territories Chapter of Quail Forever to host its workshop in conjunction with the chapter’s annual youth day event. To be held at Longcrier RV Park on Lake Hudson, the day will be an opportunity for volunteers to once again construct the artificial fish habitats.
At the same time and location, the Chapter will have a BB gun booth for kids, a shotgun shoot and kayaking opportunities (with a lifeguard on duty). Quail Forever will also be providing free hotdogs, hamburgers and water for all participants. “We thought this would be a great way to present another Rush For Brush workshop this year, while also allowing participants to take part in the activities Quail Forever is bringing to the lake,” said GRDA Darrell Townsend, Vice President of Ecosystems and Lake Management. “We’re looking forward to working with the chapter on this event.” GRDA anticipates a large turnout for the workshop and is asking participants to register to insure that enough materials are available.
You can register online by clicking on the “Lake Information” dropdown menu on grda.com , then following the “2017 Lake Events” link to “Rush For Brush Registration.” You can also contact the GRDA Ecosystems Management Department at (918) 256 0895. Longcrier RV Park is located at 2906 E 4675 Road, in Pryor. Turn east on E440 Road off of Highway 69 and follow E440 past Camp Dry Gulch, continuing on until you reach Longcrier RV Park.

GRDA Scenic Rivers Fall Fest 2017

Did You Know?

The leading cause of boating casualties is a collision with another recreational boat, followed by a collision with a fixed object and flooding/swamping.

 

GRDA Opens Ottawa County Lands for Hunting

As it opens up some of its Ottawa County property for controlled hunts this coming fall, the Grand River Dam Authority is announcing that the public can now register for those hunts online.
Prospective hunters can access the online registration at www.grda.com/grda-hunting-drawing. This webpage allows users to sign up for controlled hunts, beginning in the fall, on GRDA property along the Neosho River. Combined, GRDA is opening up approximately 1,800 acres for these hunts.
Prospective hunters can access the online registration at www.grda.com/grda-hunting-drawing. This webpage allows users to sign up for controlled hunts, beginning in the fall, on GRDA property along the Neosho River. Combined, GRDA is opening up approximately 1,800 acres for these hunts.
To complete an online registration, prospective hunters are required to upload a copy of their driver’s license and hunting license. While the hunts are open to the public, GRDA also asks that residents of its municipal customer, public power communities upload a copy of a utility bill as proof of residence for consideration for special opening day hunts. The controlled hunts for deer and waterfowl will begin this fall. In the spring, there will also be a controlled hunt for turkey. Prospective hunters can apply for all of these hunts online now.

Life Jackets Saves Lives!

September Fishing Tournaments

Club                                                          Date                     Launch Site               Boats

OWASSO BASS CLUB                               8/4/2017            TWIN SPILLWAYS            20
FUTURE BASS TRAILS LLC                        8/5/2017            SOUTHWINDS MARINA    60
SATURDAY NIGHT JACKPOTS                    8/5/2017           WOLF CREEK                   12
OWASSO BASS CLUB                               8/11/2017          TWIN SPILLWAYS            20
FISHERS OF MEN NATIONAL                     8/12/2017          TWIN BRIDGES RAMP      15
ANGLER NATION                                      8/12/2017          SOUTHWINDS MARINA    50
AMERICAN BASS ANGLERS                       8/12/2017          WOLF CREEK                  65
SATURDAY NIGHT JACKPOTS                    8/12/2017          HONEY CREEK                12
LEAVENWORTH BASS CLUB                      8/12&13/17        MARTIN LANDING           20
OWASSO BASS CLUB                               8/18/2017          TWIN SPILLWAYS           20
GREEN COUNTRY BASS ANGLERS             8/18&19/17         BERNICE POINT             10
TULSA SOUTHSIDE HOOKERS BASS         8/19/2017            WOLF CREEK                 60
SATURDAY NIGHT JACKPOTS                   8/19/2017            HONEY CREEK               12
OWASSO BASS CLUB                                 8/25/2017         TWIN SPILLWAYS           20
SATURDAY NIGHT JACKPOTS                  8/26/2017             WOLF CREEK                 12

September Fishing Tournaments

Club                                                          Date                     Launch Site               Boats

OWASSO BASS CLUB                               8/4/2017            TWIN SPILLWAYS            20
FUTURE BASS TRAILS LLC                        8/5/2017            SOUTHWINDS MARINA    60
SATURDAY NIGHT JACKPOTS                    8/5/2017           WOLF CREEK                   12
OWASSO BASS CLUB                               8/11/2017          TWIN SPILLWAYS            20
FISHERS OF MEN NATIONAL                     8/12/2017          TWIN BRIDGES RAMP      15
ANGLER NATION                                      8/12/2017          SOUTHWINDS MARINA    50
AMERICAN BASS ANGLERS                       8/12/2017          WOLF CREEK                  65
SATURDAY NIGHT JACKPOTS                    8/12/2017          HONEY CREEK                12
LEAVENWORTH BASS CLUB                      8/12&13/17        MARTIN LANDING           20
OWASSO BASS CLUB                               8/18/2017          TWIN SPILLWAYS           20
GREEN COUNTRY BASS ANGLERS             8/18&19/17         BERNICE POINT             10
TULSA SOUTHSIDE HOOKERS BASS         8/19/2017            WOLF CREEK                 60
SATURDAY NIGHT JACKPOTS                   8/19/2017            HONEY CREEK               12
OWASSO BASS CLUB                                 8/25/2017         TWIN SPILLWAYS           20
SATURDAY NIGHT JACKPOTS                  8/26/2017             WOLF CREEK                 12

Fifty State Outdoor Recreation Economy Reports Released

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) recently released the state-level Outdoor Recreation Economy Report featuring economic data for all 50 states across the United States, the largest and most comprehensive state-by-state report of its kind. The data underscores a growing economic force that generates billions in consumer spending and creates millions of good-paying, American jobs in communities across the country.   
 
Earlier this year, OIA released its national Outdoor Recreation Economy Report, which found that the outdoor recreation economy generates $887 billion in consumer spending and directly sustains 7.6 million American jobs annually. The state reports released offer a deeper look into a thriving sector that’s helping to create healthier economies and healthier communities. 
 
“No matter what your political affiliation is, where you live or your walk of life, the outdoors brings us together,” said Amy Roberts, OIA executive director. “From Maine to California, consumers are spending more on outdoor recreation as millions of Americans depend on it for their livelihoods. Outdoor recreation is a powerful economic engine that contributes to businesses and healthy communities in each and every state and is a vital and sustainable sector that relies on investing in and protecting America’s public lands and waters.” 
You can view the Oklahoma state’s report at:

Do you have a Special Event Planned?

PLEASE let us know about your lake or river events so we can provide the resources you may need to make it a positive experience!

2017 Lake Events Schedule
Rush For Brush: August 26, Lake Hudson
Scenic Rivers Operations Fall Fest 2017: September 9, Diamondhead Resort
5K Sunset Dam Run: September 23, Disney
South Grand Lake Chamber Hook N Cookoff: September 30, Ketchum Airport
Grove Public Library Touch a Truck: September 30, Wolf Creek Park

 

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