The Boone Lake Safety Coalition (BLSC), along with Boone Lake residents, businesses, and recreational users, is deeply concerned about the unusually low water levels being maintained on Boone Lake heading into the summer 2026 boating season.

 

The Boone Lake Safety Coalition was formed to advocate for public safety, responsible reservoir management, and the protection of the communities and businesses that depend on Boone Lake.

 

Boone Lake is one of the most heavily used recreational lakes in the TVA system. Thousands of families, boaters, anglers, skiers, and local businesses depend on safe summer water levels for recreation, tourism, and economic activity.

 

Current lake levels are significantly below normal summer operating levels and are creating serious safety concerns throughout the reservoir. Low water conditions expose or barely cover dangerous hazards including sandbars, rocks, stumps, shallow points, and narrow navigation channels. Many of these hazards are difficult to see and create increased risk for boating accidents, injuries, and property damage — especially during the high-traffic Memorial Day through Labor Day season.

 

The impacts extend far beyond recreation. Marinas, restaurants, vacation rentals, tourism businesses, homeowners, and local communities surrounding Boone Lake are all being negatively affected by reduced lake access and unsafe conditions.

 

We understand TVA must balance flood control, power generation, drought conditions, and overall river system management. However, Boone Lake is currently bearing a disproportionate impact compared to other upstream and downstream reservoirs. Upstream reservoirs including Watauga and South Holston currently have greater storage capacity and remain closer to their normal operating ranges.

 

TVA has both the authority and operational capability to improve conditions on Boone Lake by adjusting reservoir operations and releasing additional water from upstream storage reservoirs in a measured and responsible manner.

 

The Boone Lake Safety Coalition (BLSC) respectfully requests that TVA River Operations:

 

• Raise Boone Lake to a safer summer operating level for the 2026 recreational season
• Prioritize public safety during the peak summer boating months
• Provide greater transparency regarding reservoir management decisions impacting Boone Lake
• Work collaboratively with local communities, businesses, and stakeholders to minimize safety and economic impacts

 

This petition is not asking TVA to ignore drought conditions or compromise flood control responsibilities. We are asking TVA to use the flexibility within its reservoir management system to maintain Boone Lake at a safer and more usable level during the summer season.

The people of Northeast Tennessee deserve a safe and responsibly managed public waterway.

 

Please sign this petition to support public safety, local businesses, tourism, and responsible management of Boone Lake.

— Boone Lake Safety Coalition (BLSC)