Douglas Lake Property
Below the 1002′ contour
When Douglas Lake was created, TVA acquired all of the lands that now make up Douglas Lake. They then created a flowage easement (and area where they could inundate with water) at both the 1002′ contour and the 1007′ contour. Then TVA granted most of the land back to the original landowners.
These landowners began to divide their lands. Often, the surveyors cut off the land at the 1002′ contour as anything below it was essentially useless. This practice went on until well into the 2000s.
At some point, some industrious persons decided to purchase the remaining lands below the 1002′ contour from the various heirs. They then proceeded to “close off” these lands to everyone, claiming that everyone was trespassing.
This prompted TVA to begin requiring anyone seeking a dock permit to prove that they had the right to use the land below the 1002′ contour.
If you have land or are purchasing land on Douglas Lake, you will be well served to ensure that you have legal access to the adjoining lands below the 1002′ contour. If you do not, you do not have lake access. You can look all you want, but you can’t touch.
The lake height is over the top today! You should not let it go above its levels because it is destroying peoples property lines, their docks, stairs and it just is mind boggling that no one sued you all for damages!
Ok, so I am not the government and don’t control the lake.
On May 29th at 10:00 pm, the reservoir level (lake) of Douglas Lake was at 998.34*. It can still go up 3.66 feet before it reaches the 1002′ contour, which is the 100-year flood.
TVA has a flowage easement up to the 1007′ contour. Anything constructed below that (docks included) are done at the peril of the landowner.
And one last thing, the only way someone can sue the federal government is to get permission from the federal government to sue the federal government. Also, TVA, while an independent agency, is controlled by the federal government to some degree. So suing is not such an easy prospect.
*go here to get the app
https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/tva-lake-info-app