GAINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) -- Some pilots are lobbying to have north Georgia's Lake Lanier opened to seaplanes.
Erosion control and other changes are also being considered as the lake's master plan is revised.
Seaplanes were among several topics that came up at a recent meeting of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The Times of Gainesville reported.
The current master plan "is in need of revision to address changes in regional land use, population, outdoor recreation trends and Corps of Engineers management policy," the agency says on its website.
In recent days, the corps has been holding open houses to discuss the plans. Officials are also providing results of a study reviewing current and future recreational needs and capacity on the lake. The corps began the study in October 2017.
Information about future planning has covered a variety of topics, including identifying non-recreation areas for erosion control projects, adding paddle sports launching and docks, and expanding hunting opportunities, according to the corps.
Several supporters are the meeting were advocating for allowing seaplanes to take off and land on Lake Lanier. Others had concerns, including some who said they were worried about noise from the aircraft.
Advocates said that while seaplanes may draw onlookers, noise from the craft is minimal.
"The noise at takeoff . is a good bit less than offshore racing-type boats and lasts an average 25-40 seconds," says a brochure from the Lanier Seaplane Pilots Association.
Residents had other concerns, as well, such as speeding on the lake.
"The lake is for families, for fun, for everyone," said Sylvia Padrick, a lake resident in Hall County. "My only concerns are erosion and people not respecting the lake like they should."