Burnside Tourism News Brief

“The only town on Lake Cumberland!” P.O. Box 8, Burnside, KY 42519

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Burnside mayor says Lake Cumberland ‘not your typical lake’ in response to concern over water level

BURNSIDE, Ky. – Known for their slogan, “The only town on Lake Cumberland,” to nearly anyone that frequents the popular southern Kentucky lake, the town of Burnside, Ky. is rallying its resources to bring the “good news” about the lake to its many loyal visitors.

“All the media reports you hear say the lake is going to be 43 feet below the tree line,” said Burnside Mayor Chuck Fourman. “Many of our customers are used to lakes that aren’t even 44 feet deep, so when they read that Cumberland will be 40 feet less, I can see where they’d panic. What they don’t realize is that Cumberland is not your typical lake.”

The lowering of Lake Cumberland is the result of repairs being made to Wolf Creek Dam to reduce a “seepage” issue it has experienced for several years now. Lowering the lake level is necessary to reduce the pressure exerted by the water on the structure of the dam and allow the Army Corp of Engineers and contractors to complete the work required.

Mayor Fourman echoes the concerns expressed by many Lake Cumberland area residents and business owners who say the lake level won’t impact them nearly as much as the negative media attention attached to it. His empathy extends to the concerns of business owners in the area more than most mayors. The Fourman family owns and operates a popular lodging destination on the lake.

According to many long-time Burnside residents who frequent the lake on a regular basis, the focus has been placed on the headwater areas and creeks that feed the lake where the water will be very low. “The areas where the lower level will be most visible are, for the most part, areas that boaters rarely visit,” added Fourman.

Another positive that locals point out is that the eight ramps open for the summer handle the vast majority of boaters already. Three of the eight active ramps currently benefit Burnside and Pulaski County: General Burnside Island, Lee’s Ford Marina, and Waitsboro

“Communication of facts is the key,’” says Fourman. “I would urge anyone concerned about the issue to logon to our Web site and get the facts. Anyone who visits us at www.burnsidetoursim.com will get up-to-date information,” assures Fourman.

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Editor: For more information, please contact:
Dona Howard: (606)219-0382
Melanie Arnold: (606)219-8996