GAINESVILLE, Ga. — While it may still be cold out, and going out on the lake doesn't sound ideal, the unofficial start to boat season is just three months away. However, some are concerned that an invasive species overtaking one north Georgia lake could put all of that in jeopardy.
Homeowners along Lake Chatuge, like Ron Farmer, said they're concerned about what could happen if they don't stop the spread of the invasive plant, parrot feather.
“Much of the economy is rooted in the tourism that comes to Lake Chatuge and property value has already started to suffer," explained Farmer.
Parrot feather, which gets its name from its feather-like leaves, was discovered in the lake recently, and since then, it's spread over about a hundred acres.
“In that area in the southern part of the lake, you can’t take your boat out… and you can’t swim… when you jump in the water, you get creepy weeds all over you," added Farmer.
Farmer said he and others have been pleading with the Tennessee Valley Authority, which oversees the lake, to help them stop the spread. However, a TVA spokesperson said they are only responsible for public access areas of the lake and are conducting an environmental study exploring multiple options for control of parrot feathers around those areas.
This is why Farmer and others have formed a grassroots campaign to fundraise enough money to stop the spread of the plant from destroying Lake Chatuge and from spreading to other Georgia lakes.
“I’m passionate because I love the lake, and a lot of people love the lake, and this has the potential to destroy it," said Farmer.
Anthony Rabern with the Department of Natural Resources said they have been concerned about the plant's appearance for some time, adding that it can grow into thick walls blocking the movement of aquatic life and boats.
"What we're finding in that part of the lake... it's rooted about maybe as deep as 20 ft. deep, so it's almost like an underwater forest," explained Rabern.
The regional fisheries supervisor explains that the plant quickly spreads by being caught in someone's boat motor or even transferred by an animal, which is why he said it's critical that it's taken care of now before it spreads to other Georgia lakes.
Through door-knocking, organizers of a grassroots campaign were able to raise over $100,000 in one week. On Tuesday, Townes County leaders announced that they would be joining in on the effort, donating an additional $100,000.
“I was so excited because I thought we were on our own. I thought they were saying, ‘This is a great thing for you to do, but you’re on your own,’" said Farmer.
The total cost for the treatment is estimated to be about $300,000, which is why campaign organizers said they still need help raising an additional $83,000.
Rabern said he is thankful for the efforts of this group of individuals and their campaign efforts.
"Without this grassroots effort, it would be difficult to take care of. The state doesn't have the resources to deal with it. TVA doesn't have the resources to deal with it. So, hats off to this, this community for, putting their money where their mouth is," said Rabern.