This topographical map shows the location of the proposed Lake Clarke Reservoir project in northern Jenkins County. (Photo contributed) The first Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meeting for the proposed Lake Clarke Reservoir project was held Thursday, Oct. 2, at Hanging Rocks Plantation with approximately 40 persons in attendance. The meeting was hosted by the City of Millen, Jenkins County Board of Commissioners, Jenkins County Economic Development Authority, Brier Creek Soil and Water Conservation District and Central Savannah Resource Conservation and Development Council.

Robert Jenkins, moderator, noted that the purpose of the meeting was to bring together representatives of the numerous local, state and federal agencies that would be involved with the project in order to familiarize them with plans and to discuss concerns.

Jenkins explained that the project would utilize the natural springs at Magnolia Springs State Park to create a 3,748- acre reservoir and dam on Big Buckhead Creek in northern Jenkins County and extend into a portion of Burke County. Benefits of the project would include: an alternative water source, flood prevention, recreational opportunities, agricultural uses and fish and wild life habitat, he said.

Jimmy Bramblett of the Natural Resources Conservation Service led a discussion of the impairments and concerns, asking those present to participate in a survey rating their concerns as high, medium or low. Areas discussed included air quality, coastal zone management, endangered and threatened species, water quality, wetlands, prime farmland, cropland erosion and numerous others.

Jenkins said that meeting with a group of technical advisors was just one of the many steps that must be taken as the Lake Clarke Reservoir Committee gathers information to determine if the project is feasible.