Pacemaker Fishing Forum

At last night's work session, the ALL city council members in attendance voted to instruct their staff and Utilities Commission to explore the possibilities of opening the lake to boats and fishing. This was after an extended period of questions and answers from the Utilities Commission personnel and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Under consideration is a contract between the city and VDGIF to construct and maintain a public marina on 25 acres of land donated by Saranac Development. VDGIF would construct an access road, parking lot and boat ramp, using Dingel Johnson and Virginia Fishing License funds. A concessionaire would be contracted by VDGIF to build and maintain a marina, rent boats and motors and collect ramp fees. A separate annual lake permit would also be required. VDGIF would also patrol the lake, enforce regulations and maintain fish biomass.

This arrangement would leave the city with a neutral cost and assurance that water quality would be maintained.

The timeline is estimated at two years, although a Saranac representative stated that they would like to get it taken care of as quickly as possible.

Stay tuned for future developments.

Charlie........