Following are the major goals identified by the Lake Hartwell Association Board for the coming year. We believe that achieving these will positively impact protection of our lake and enhance value for our members. We continue to focus on the ideals expressed in our mission statement “for the sake of the lake.”

President and Board: Fill all open director positions with highly qualified candidates and develop a candidate pool within the committees. Implement a process to formalize the LHA committee functions and increase organizational effectiveness. Develop a plan to increase LHA visibility in the community. Develop an LHA strategy and position regarding commercial and large-scale development around the lake.

Technical: Work with the Riverkeeper organization to implement a Covekeeper program to enhance monitoring of water quality. Interface with the Corps to address effective water level management and develop long-term optimum strategies through completion of Phase 2 of the Basin Comprehensive Study. Advocate for best uses of PCB settlement funds to provide maximum benefit to the natural resources of Lake Hartwell. Provide appropriate monitoring and follow up on the Corps’ river flow purge program to ensure protection of Hartwell waters and fishery.

Webmaster: Complete the redesign of the LHA website to make it more effective for users and provide a credible and professional image for the organization.

Membership: Develop and conduct an evergreen member recruiting process to ensure sustained growth of LHA and achieve budgeted membership. Enhance benefits for LHA business members to encourage membership by business partners who can provide value to the organization. Conduct a business membership drive to increase business memberships by 100%.

Programs: Identify and implement new programs and activities to improve the image of LHA and Lake Hartwell. Conduct a series of water forums at various locations around the lake. Develop materials to better inform members and potential new residents of key provisions in the Shoreline Management Plan. Coordinate this activity with the Corps. Manage and support all LHA member meetings and activities to provide good value and informative presentations.

Publications: Increase value of the LHA newsletter to members by implementing new features like “Ask the Corps,” and activities of interest around the lake. Increase member use of email services for newsletter and notices to reduce LHA costs and improve timeliness of information.

Safety: Conduct a mass mailing of the LHA Navigational Brochure to all lake permit holders in accordance with the BoatUS grant. Conduct two boater safety courses in cooperation with the Power Squadron.

Treasurer: Formally document LHA financial processes, including budget development, auditing and tax filing.

Legislative: Support and lobby for enactment of South Carolina boat noise legislation similar to Georgia’s.

Ensure that outcomes from the Georgia water planning process safeguard our water resources, particularly through stringent controls on interbasin transfers, by active participation on the Savannah/Ogeechee Basin Advisory Committee. Inform South Carolina area legislators of LHA’s positions and concerns. Lobby federal and state representatives to provide funding for the Lake Thurmond oxygen injection project and Phase 2 of the Comprehensive Basin Study to better protect water levels in Lake Hartwell.Support and lobby for enactment of South Carolina boat noise legislation similar to Georgia’s.