NorthEast Georgia's Premier Real Estate Resource from The Classic City to Lake Hartwell

What the Corps of Engineers is doing wrong on Lake Hartwell

Nothing!  Betcha' thought I was going to jump on the train with those who like to rant on the CoE . . . didn't you?  Well, sorry to disappoint.  The Corps of Engineers are the favorite demon of those who live around Georgia's revered recreational lake, but they are not doing anything wrong.  The lake is low because it simply has not rained.   

The CoE is not purposefully lowering the lake in a hidden agenda to get us all riled up, build a superramp, or even to prepare for the flood of the masses of snow melt coming next Spring.  As a matter of fact, they are not purposefully lowering the lake at all.

We may see them at night releasing water from the dam.  The Lake Hartwell Dam forms the Savannah River.  Lake Russell is the beginning of the Savannah River.  The Savannah flows down to the ocean, on the way passing by many Georgia counties lying South / South East of Hartwell. 

A certain amount of water needs to flow through the Savannah River at all times to carry the water out to the ocean - with a certain swiftness to dissipate and wash away pollutants without allowing them the opportunity to muck up the lovely shores of Georgia along the way.

Thus, it doesn't matter if it has been raining non-stop in Savannah; if it hasn't been raining in between here and Savannah, we still have to release enough water to assure the river doesn't become a dry river bed mired in commercial polution thick enough to kill all of the wildlife in various areas along the way.

Considering the potential outcome, I'm o.k. with sharing, even if it means having a little less lake to play in.  We still have a lovely lake.  So, lets try giving the CoE a break.  I recommend this outlet for our frustration over the lake levels: Hope and pray for rain with all of your might!  Shoot - if you feel the need, don't hesitate to pull out the rain dances or wash all of your cars by hand (that's always certain to bring rain!). 

In the meantime, please try to conserve on the amount of water used.  A lady recently complained her flowers wouldn't be pretty if she didn't use the lake to irrigate her beds.  I sympathize, because I enjoy pretty flowers as well, but not at the price of loosing an entire river of wildlife and polluting another part of our state.  Now - more than anytime in our recent history - we have to learn to share and think of others.  All it takes is for every family to make one small contribution per day for conservation to make a large difference. 

My recommendations to her: when you are warming the shower in the mornings, collect the water in watering pails, and hand water the flowers (or wash those cars I mentioned earlier).  Small sacrifice to make, a little extra time, but our docks all stay in the water that much longer and her flowers continue to bloom.  The desire to blame someone comes from a feeling of helplessness.  But, we don't have to be completely helpless; waiting for someone else to help us.  We can take positive action NOW to help our lake, ourselves, and our fellow Georgians.  If enough of us do, we have worked together to make a difference.  Wow!  Wouldn't that be satisfying!!??  Conservation - Try It; You'll Like It!

2008 Bassmaster Classic coming to Hartwell Lake

Hartwell Lake - Fifty anglers invited to one of the nation's most prestigious fishing tournaments are expected to reel in the cash at Hartwell Lake.

The three-day 2008 Bassmaster Classic, which offers a $1.2 million purse and a first prize of $500,000, begins Feb. 22 and will be covered by ESPN2.

That's the benefit for Anderson and counties in Georgia and South Carolina that border the lake, said Glenn Brill, executive director of the Anderson Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

"Thirteen hours of (television) exposure will be a tremendous commerical of Hartwell Lake," he said.

The lake has been the site of three previous BASS tournaments.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake draws about 10.5 million visitors a year.

Greenville had been selected as the host city for the 2008 classic. But all contestants, between Feb. 22 and Feb. 24, will be required to enter the lake at Portman Marina near Anderson.

Participants coming to the Upstate include the top 37 from the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year, top three from the Bassmaster Central and Southern Opens, the top six anglers from the BASS Federation Nation National Championship and the winner of the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship.

Sylvia Sanders of the 500-slip Portman Marina said their boats would have no trouble putting into the lake.

"Fifty boats is like a Thursday night fishing tournament to us," she said.

Bassmaster officials arrived by helicopter about a month ago, spoke to the marina owner and left, she said.

The annoucement was made Wednesday that the tournament would launch from Portman.

Mr. Brill, noting a lack of money in the CVB budget to compete with Greenville for the tourament and what he estimates as a $50,000 cost, said Anderson would mostly benefit from pre-tournament visits by the contestants. Each night stayed by a visitor generates $120 in economic benefit, he said.

In 2005, Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania officials chipped in $1.3 million to stage a Bassmaster Classic, and ESPN, which owns BASS, required a $100,000 local sponsorship fee, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper.

According to Bassmaster Classic officials, tournament participants would be banned from Hartwell Lake starting Dec. 15 But practice days have been scheduled for Feb. 12 through Feb. 14 and again on Feb. 20.

All 50 boats would launch Feb. 22 and Feb. 23. But Sunday, Feb. 24, would be limited to the top 25 boats.

The cumulative effect of the tournament is not known for counties and municipalities in the two states that border the 56,000-acre lake.

But the 2005 tournament drew 100,000 people to bridges and banks along Pennsylvania rivers and created more than $30 million in economic benefits, according to the Pittsburgh newspaper.

Wednesday, Fred Turpin of Toccoa took time off work and backed his Stratos fishing boat down a ramp at Tugaloo State Park in Franklin County.

Tournament fishing us unlikey to draw him to Hartwell Lake.

"I just fish to rest and relax," he said.

That's not in store for the Bassmaster contestants, who will need to work hard for their money, Mr. Turpin said.

February's national exposure to Hartwell Lake could be very timely for Hart, Franklin and Stephens counties.

By then, Georgia's Department of Natural Resources will have distributed $3.6 million to compensate for the loss of recreational fishing opportunities. The funds will go into the construction of five projects, including mega-boat ramps at Tugaloo and near Hartwell.

To complete them by Feb. 22 is "really pushing it," said Anthony Rabern of Georgia's DNR.

The money is part of a $11.8 million settlement with Schlumberger Technologies over polychlorinated biphenyl contamination in Hartwell Lake.

South Carolina's share of about $ 8 million is earmarked for dam removals and ecological restorations on Twelve Mile Creek.

Tray Hicks, Hartwell councilman and leader in pushing for a multi-use recreation facility in conjunction with Hart's mega-boat ramp, said the BASS tournament could set the stage for future fishing tournaments that launch from Hartwell.

"Anytime we can get somebody on the lake, it's a positive experience for us," he said.

Lake Hartwell - You'll Never Want to Leave!

How many of you out there have visited our fair city of Hartwell, Georgia on Lake Hartwell?

The Chamber of Commerce boasts that more than 10 million people visit Lake Hartwell every year.  The lake, formed by the Tugaloo and Savannah Rivers, was created in the 1950's when the Hartwell Dam was built.  Featuring more than 56,000 acres of water and 962 miles of shore line, it is one of the largest and most popular recreational lakes in the entire SouthEast.  Those of you who have been here can attest to why; I'd love to hear and share your storeis and impressions of your visits to our area!

In addition to the beautiful scenery and energetic avenues of recreation provided by the lake, the city of Hartwell is one of the most charming places I've ever visited.  The residents are friendly and down-to-earth.  The downtown area is quaint, yet has a lot to offer.  The community is one of the few remaining which still remind you of spending afternoons at the baseball fields, kids playing hide-n-seek on the church grounds while their parents show off their Sunday best, Grandmother's apple fritters, and fire department chicken mulls.  You know the type: everyone you drive past raises their hand in a wave, the local Dairy Queen owner (who's been in business for 36 years) was the marshall for the annual Christmas parade, every 4th of July you'll find everyone involved in a festival that includes a town dance, and on Halloween parents bring their kids trick-or-treating on the town square.  In general, Hartwell represents everything one would expect from the gentle South, PLUS award winning golf courses, country clubs, marinas, upscale dining, and shopping!

Which is why I decided to move my real estate career to Hartwell.  I enjoy introducing others to the wonders of this exceptional area and working with people I would like to have as neighbors.  Not the agressive agent type, but I pursue my clients' and customers' best interests with all my heart and vigor because I'm passionate about Hartwell.  I personally don't think there is any place on earth more suitable for the pursuit of happiness - even if it is just a weekend crusade.

I have several businesses for sale here, individual and large developmental lake lots, lake homes, and even a farm or two.  One thing I feel good about is that investments in our area have always increased due primarily to the lake.  If you've ever played upon our beautiful shores, you know this small southern town is not in danger of dying.  Our average 1/2 acre lake-front lots now sell for $250,000 minimum; up from $75,000 less than 4 years ago.

The world at large is catching on to our community.  Though we have those who came from the North to enjoy our fair weather and many retirees in our magnificant corner of the world, the majority of our newest residents have come from Florida (to escape rising insurance rates), and Atlanta . . . particularly now that (rumor has it) Lake Lanier has become overcrowded, overprices, and stopped permitting new docks.  My biggest responsibility lately is limiting myself to seeking out only those who are worthy of receiving the benefits of working and living in such a close, kind, and supportive community.

Tell you one thing: if you are looking to buy in Hartwell, this is no place for out-n-out bargain hunters - even in today's market.  But, if you prove to be of good character, the people around here will bend over backwards to give you a good deal and help you move to and prosper here.  The words: neighbor, trust, loyalty, and integrity actually mean something in Hartwell - even now, in the 21st century, when the rest of the rate race seems to have had their cheese slide right off their crackers!

Does your family have the proper attitude for such an upscale down-home setting?  Do you feel Hartwell sounds like the type of place you'd like to spend your days (or weekends) working, relaxing, and socializing?  If so, please do not hesitate to contact me.  My phone number is (706) 201-7363.  I work at All Hart Realty in Hartwell, Georgia, and I would love to interview you for the position of being the newest member of our community!

Julie Haley - Income Production Specialist

I am Julie Haley; a real estate agent for All Hart Realty in Hartwell, Georgia.  My specialty is income production properties: retail strip centers, restaurants, vacation rentals, and large lakefront developmental parcels on Lake Hartwell and Lake Russell.   Even if your goal is simply to own a lake home, I can help make your money work for you!

www.JulieHaley.com is my website.    JulieHaley@charter.net is my email.  (706) 201-7363 is my number.

Whatever your investment range or strategy, let's make an appointment to review your goals and investment portfolio requirements.  We'll work together to analyze all factors including: available liquid assets; comfortable debt service; other monies which may be tapped under current tax and investment avenues; your investment comfort level; and your reasons for investing (i.e.: immediate cash flow, personal enjoyment, development, building an ownership portfolio to increase your net worth, etc.).  I can provide you with several packages of investment opportunities, and we'll find the deal to best suit your lifestyle and goals.

I have many lakefront and commercial investment properties, as well as excellent developmental property listings which you won't find on any website.  Please do not hesitate to contact me for information on large developmental parcels on the lake.  There is a lot out there for developers if you know to ask.

In addition to Lake Hartwell, I serve the Lake Russell area.  My subdivision listing for Waterpointe Subdivision is the best I've seen on all of Lake Russell and has a pier on site.  I highly recommend looking it over as well.  Particularly for those investors looking for a short-term / big-gain, Lake Russell is a big hit.  Property values have risen 125% in the past 18 months.