Banks Lake is the very image of the Lanier County Commission and the Chamber of Commerce, both of which want Banks Lake and the boat ramp on the Alapaha River used more and advertised more. The Comprehensive Plan specifically asks for a brochure to do that; see Policy 4.3.

Plus the Comprehensive Plan actually asks for coordination with GA DNR and GDOT about more access to the Alapaha River; see Policy 4.1.

And the Chamber reminds us not to forget Grand Bay, even though that’s not in Lanier County.

Lanier County Commission

The Lanier County Board of Commissioners meets every second Monday of each month at 9:00 AM:

Lanier County Annex Building, 162 West Thigpen Avenue
229-482-2088
Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm Closed Saturdays and Sundays

Parks & Trails, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce

Fishing

Lanier County has long been known as a “Fisherman’s Paradise.” Whether your choice is 12,000 acre Banks Lake or any part of the 60-miles of the Alapaha River that travels through the county on its way to the Suwannee River you will not be disappointed.

Trails

Alapaha River Canoe and Kayak Trail

A concrete boat ramp is located on east of Lakeland on GA 37 gives boaters access to the river. The entrance is on the south side of the highway.

Lanier Parks Inc.

is a GA nonprofit corp. with J. Wendell Goodbee as CEO and CFO and Nell P. Roquemore as Secretary.

Lanier Parks Inc. owns the Lakeland GA 122 park area, the 19 acre parcel 030 0038B. is a GA nonprofit corp. with J. Wendell Goodbee as CEO and CFO and Nell P. Roquemore as Secretary.

Lanier Parks Inc. also owns the 4.47 acre parcel L07 0067 on High Smith Circle, with a pond.

Grand Bay

See separate page.

June 2010 Partial Update to Lanier County Comprehensive Plan

III. Analysis of Areas Requiring Special Attention

1. Areas of significant natural or cultural resources,

particularly where these are likely to be intruded upon, or otherwise impacted, by development;

The areas of significant natural resources includes the Wildlife and Conservation Area, and the Alapaha River Corridor for the County and within Lakeland’s city limits, the Lake Irma Preservation Area and Swamp Conservation Area have been designated as requiring special attention. These areas are important to the County and City; therefore they must be protected and enhanced for the enjoyment of the community and tourist.

IV. Identification of Issues and Opportunities

2. Economic Development

Issues:

• Banks Lake Wildlife refuge is under utilized. It is need of a TEA Grant for walking trails and the refuge needs a RV Park for visitors.

4. Natural Resources

Issues:

• Banks Lake, the Alapaha River, and Lake Irma are underutilized.
• A bridge is needed for cyclist to cross Big Creek. ™
• A brochure is needed for the advertisement of camping sites and boat ramps.

Opportunities:

• ™ There are several public lakes and other water bodies throughout the county.
• ™ Canoe trips on the Alapaha River could improve recreational activity options for visitors and residents.
• ™ A mountain bike trail will be completed during 2010; this trail will go from Lake Irma to Camp Patten.

™™V. Updated Implementation Program

2. Policies

Natural Resources

Issues & Policies

Issue: Banks Lake, the Alapaha River, and Lake Irma are underutilized.

Policy 4.1: Coordinate with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia Department of Transportation and other applicable state agencies to establish more public access points along the Alapaha River.

Issue: A bridge is needed for cyclist to cross 5 Mile Creek.

Policy 4.2: Prepare plans for additional walking paths for future TEA Grant funding consideration.

Issue: A brochure is needed for the advertisement of camping sites and boat ramps.

Policy 4.3: Consider advertisement through the Chamber of Commerce and nearby media outlets in Valdosta and Florida.