No matter what form of recreation you prefer, if you enjoy activities at High Rock Lake you are considered a stakeholder in licensing decisions made by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).  Your recreational interests have been guaranteed equal consideration in Hydroelectric licensing decisions by the Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1986 (ECPA).  Even though the ECPA states your interests should be given equal consideration, Project 2197 is "Grand fathered" until they are issued a new license in 2008.  They are also exempted from the Environmental Protection Act regulations until then.  The only way to ensure your rights are weighed fairly is to be represented in the relicensing of the project.  Unlike the environment, fish and wildlife there is no governmental agency responsible for protecting your interests.  In reality that may be a good thing since they would not care as much or fight as hard to protect your rights as we will.  There is BIG money in the power industry and every effort will be made by Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI) to guarantee THEY get the maximum consideration whenever possible. 

SaveHighRockLake.org was formed during 2002 when High Rock Lake was devastated due to management of the lake by APGI's interpretation of the rules incorporated in their license in 1968.  The wildlife in and around the lake as well as the economy of the areas surrounding the lake were devastated (see our photo page).  Our goals are simple, to ensure that the new 50 year license to operate the Hydroelectric facility contains the appropriate clearly defined rules and regulations to guarantee the protection of the environment in the entire Yadkin - Pee Dee River basin as well as the rights you have been guaranteed by the ECPA.  High Rock Lake is the second largest lake in NC and has been managed for profit by private industry since 1928.  Its protection is one of our primary concerns.  There is strength in numbers, and we want to make sure every stakeholder is fairly represented.  We have joined forces with three other local organizations representing local property owners and businesses to form the High Rock Lake Coalition.  Together, we hope to ensure that the rights and opinions of as many stakeholders as possible are given the appropriate consideration during the relicensing of FERC Project 2197.  We already represent over 8000 recreational users of Project 2197, but we need everyone who enjoys recreation here to join and increase our strength.  There are no dues to join our group but we do appreciate any donations to our organization.  For a better understanding of our monetary needs click HERE.

In addition to protecting your rights, you will be able to find just about anything you want to know about High Rock Lake on our web site.  The FERC Proj 2197 section has everything you could want to know about the relicensing process and progress.  The News page lets you know what's happening that affects High Rock Lake.  The Events page keeps you informed about special things happening at High Rock.