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Park Plaza
600 Monument Street
Suite: 19
Greenwood, SC 29646
Hours: 8:30-5:00 Monday-Friday
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Between 1935 and 1940, Lake Greenwood was created with the construction of Buzzard’s Roost Dam. Lake Management was initially undertaken by the Greenwood County Electric Power Commission. Duke Power leased the hydroelectric and lake operations from Greenwood County. In 2007, Santee Cooper leased the hydroelectric facility from Greenwood County. In 2020, Lockhart Power Company entered into a legal agreement with Greenwood County to generate power.
Created in 2006, the Lake Management Department is responsible for issuing permits for encroachments on Lake Greenwood, registration of encroachments, camping reservations on Goat Island, lake upkeep, larvicide applications and herbicide applications, Greenwood County public lake access areas, assisting in complying with the FERC license, administering shoreline management, and inspection of lake encroachments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rule Curve?
The Rule Curve is a Federally mandated guide for water levels in Lake Greenwood. The Rule Curve stipulates where the lake level should be during the year. See the links on the side for a copy of the Rule Curve.
What are the fishing regulations for Lake Greenwood?
SC Department of Natural Resources has regulations concerning fishing and wildlife. Additional, SC DNR has fish attractors on Lake Greenwood for fishermen. Please visit SC DNR's website for information regarding fishing and wildlife regulations.
What is an encroachment?
An encroachment is anything which extends from lake front property into the lake bed onto County property. Examples are piers, docks, boat ramps, retaining walls and similar items.
Is there a fee for an encroachment?
Yes, there is an annual fee for docks on Lake Greenwood. Currently, the fee is due by September 1.
Is burning leaves and/or trash allowed when the lake is down?
No, burning is not allowed within the bed of the lake on Greenwood County property. Along with this, please do not dump leaves, debris, vegetation into the lake.
How does Greenwood County have the right to require permits and registrations for Laurens and Newberry County lake property?
Greenwood County owns the lake and regulates encroachments around the entire lake. Greenwood County’s lake regulations do not affect how you use your property. However, when you enter the lake bed, you are no longer on your property. Greenwood County is no different than any other property owner.
Why might a lakefront property owner be denied a permit for an encroachment?
The main reasons for permit denial might be due to property line issues or protected habitat areas. However, other circumstances might cause a delay in permits. Surveys may be required for certain issues.
Education Resources
Lake Greenwood... Greenwood's Treasured Lake!
Created in the 1930s, Lake Greenwood is an 11,400 acre lake, located in the Lakelands area. Owned by Greenwood County, the lake is bordered by Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry Counties. An estimated two hundred and twelve miles of shoreline surround the lake which, at times, can create non-point source pollution, if best management practices are not followed.
Lake Management Tasks - Click on this link to view what Greenwood County Lake Management is responsible for.
Lake Greenwood Blueway Canoe Trail
Shoreline Protection
The key way to protect your lakefront property is by designing your waterfront to stop erosion, protect water quality, and beautify your shoreline. Soft armoring is an alternative to the use of expensive, hard retaining walls. Soft armoring protects against shoreline erosion, helps to clean runoff, and helps promote wildlife and aesthetics. Two techniques are mentioned below:
1. Natural shorelines
Buffer zones, created from native, beneficial plants, binds the shoreline and strengthens it to absorb wave energy and prevent erosion. Trees and shrubs, ranging in size and type, provide wildlife cover and habitat. Low growing flowers and ground cover, along the water's edge help minimize erosion and stop wave action. A buffer zone with plants of various types and heights helps create a healthy shoreline.
Reducing the amount of nutrient runoff is the first step toward removing noxious algae and invasive harmful aquatic weeds. Nutrients are found in fertilizers, gray water, and nonpoint source pollution. Excessive amounts of nonpoint source pollution run into rivers and lakes can promote algal blooms and harmful aquatic plants. These noxious, harmful aquatic plants reduce property values and cause freshwater degradation. Buffer zones, created with beneficial native plants, help collect excessive nutrients before they enter the water.
2. Riprap and natural stone
There are certain steep slopes around the lake which may need additional stabilization methods. Riprap is an option which helps prevent erosion, provides fish and wildlife habitat, and helps maintain shorelines. Riprap is rock or rubble which is used to armor shorelines. Geotextile fabric is usually placed beneath the riprap to prevent the soil from eroding between the rock. Riprap and natural stone provides good cover for fish and help soften wave energy.
Clean, healthy lake and beautiful shorelines increase property values, and contribute to the economic status of the entire community. It offers not only aesthetic value but provides ecological value as well. By using native, shoreline vegetation, as a buffer zone, lakefront property owners are providing for both human and ecological concerns. In steeper terrain, the additional use of riprap helps protect the shoreline and prevent erosion.
