Cookeville Budgeting To Save Cane Creek Lake Shore From Erosion

The city of Cookeville is budgeting some $250,000 to begin the rescue of the north shore of Cane Creek Lake from erosion.

Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said the work would save the walking trails that are at risk of washing away.

“It’s been gradual over a period of time,” Woods said. “You know we’ve got waves and wind blowing over the lake on the north shore line, and it’s gotten to the point where it is jeopardizing that lower trail.”

Woods said the department has been in conversation with NRCS and TDEC trying to come up with a design plan. They’ve discussed a variety ways to rescue the shore, including biological treatments, riprap and putting in a sea wall.

While the work does need to start sooner than later to save the trails from future damage, Woods said that as of now the walking trail is still safe for those who wish to use it.

“There is no danger to people utilizing the trail at this point, I don’t want to suggest that,” Woods said. “There is danger of losing the trail as it continues to erode and potentially wash away in the future.”

Woods said ideally the work will begin in the winter when the lake levels are down, and that they would hopefully complete it by spring.