Newsletter

Currents on the Chattahoochee and Flint

SURVEY SAYS
If you participated in our recent survey we want to thank you for your input. We are reviewing your recommendations and will be addressing them in the near future in the form of direct mailings, newsletter articles and a new web site being launched at the first of the year. While the survey is an important tool, we always welcome any comments or questions you may have at any time!

It is obvious to us based on the survey results that we need to do a better job communicating with you. So this coming year you will see more communication directed toward your individual situation. In order to focus communication on common issues, we have grouped homeowners as shown below by lake and the type of agreement signed with us. We plan to communicate with each group independently of the others in talking about the survey results.

COMMUNICATION GROUPS

Lake Worth
     1. Easement and License Holders

Rivers Alive-Lake Clean-up
The month of October was "Rivers Alive" month. The Georgia Power Company Land Department, Chattahoochee Hydro Group, Plant Franklin, and the Lake Harding Association participated in lake clean-ups on the lakes during "Rivers Alive" month. Over 10,000 lbs of trash and debris were removed from the lakes. Now that is what we call SUCCESS! A special thanks goes out to Steve and Kay McCall who served as coordinators for the Lake Harding Association. Great job to all who participated! http://www.riversalive.org/

Environmental Policy
You, the homeowner made it apparent that you are concerned about the quality of the lake environment. Also, you indicated that you were not 100% clear on our environmental policy and programs.

As the Southeast's premier energy company, Southern Company's challenge and responsibility are clear ---- provide reliable and affordable energy for the people across our region. In doing so, the health of our employees, customers and the public and the protection of our natural environment are among our highest priorities. Like the people we serve, we live and work here too. And we too enjoy living in a clean environment, with clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. Southern Company is committed to doing its part in making sure the Southeast continues to be a great --- and environmentally healthy - place to live, now and for future generations. Visit our website at www.southerncompany.com/planetpower

Bartletts Ferry Land Mangement Environmental Policy consists of four parts

1. Shoreline Management Guidelines
   These construction and permitting guidelines are in place to protect the integrity of the lake community and our lakes natural environment. We view these guidelines as reflecting our values not just rules; We value our lakes' natural resources and know that everyone in the lake community does too.
2. Partnership In Shoreline Management
   GPC has adopted and committed to protect a 25' buffer around our lakes. Our new shoreline guidelines have been structured to include this buffer area as one in which minimal land disturbing activities are permitted. Our goal is to encourage homeowners to leave at least 50% of your shoreline's natural vegetation in place or re-plant this area with native vegetation. This buffer protects the environmental quality of our lake, the lakes' water quality and provides wildlife habitat. This 25' buffer is not just a guideline but a state law in Georgia.
3. Tree Maintenance Program
   In the event a tree must be removed from our property, our policy is 1 for 1 replacement; the homeowner replants a tree for the tree being removed. GPC offers free tree seedlings to lake residents to encourage planting in the 25' buffer area. The seedlings are available at our office the first week of February.
4. Forestry and Wildlife Management
   We manage our forest and lands using best management practices to blend forest and wildlife management objectives. These objectives ensure our renewable resources are protected while being used wisely.