News

Protecting North Georgia’s waterways now involves a science lab at Tallulah Falls School. Through a partnership with Savannah River Keeper and the Lake Burton Civic Association Foundation, TFS is now home to an IDEXX laboratory, one of the most advanced systems available for detecting E. coli in water. The new laboratory will support long-term water quality monitoring in the Rabun and Habersham County watersheds while providing TFS students with meaningful, hands-on research opportunities. 

Thanks to our members’ generosity, the LBCA Foundation was able to award Savannah River Keeper a $25,000 grant this year — helping keep Lake Burton clean and beautiful for generations to come.

Read the full story in The Clayton Tribune here

The Lake Burton Civic Association Foundation (LBCAF) is proud to announce its 2026 Grant Award Recipients, with 25 grants totaling $101,075 awarded to nonprofit organizations serving the Rabun community — including several receiving LBCAF support for the first time. The Clayton Tribune covered the Award Day, which many of the recipients attended.

“This year, the LBCAF Grants Committee faced one of its most rewarding — and most challenging — seasons yet. We received 33 applications requesting more than $160,000 in funding,” said Jeanine Marlow, LBCA Foundation Grant Chair. “Our committee — seven voting members and three advisory members — dedicated significant time to carefully reviewing every application. Each request was evaluated on how well it aligned with LBCA’s mission: advancing water quality, water safety, preservation, and community building in our beloved Rabun community. We know that behind every application is a real organization doing real work for our neighbors.”

READ THE FULL STORY HERE 
 

2026 LBCAF Grant Recipients

*Impact Award Winner

Check out our Water Safety Videos. This is must-read for all Lake Burton boaters!

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Due to inclement weather, all Memorial Day Weekend events are canceled.

The LBCA Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 grant cycle, with a deadline of June 1, 2026. Qualified grant applicants can apply online here: https://bit.ly/lbcafoundation. 
“The LBCA Foundation is honored to serve as both partners and stewards,” said Jeanine Marlow, LBCA Foundation Grant Chair, “connecting our resources with purpose and helping our Rabun community grow into the future it deserves. Every grant we award reflects our collective faith in one another, and that’s something we hold dear.”
Grant recipients must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit the Rabun community. Further details can be found on the LBCA Foundation website and in the application.

About the Lake Burton Civic Association and Foundation
The Lake Burton Civic Association is for people who love Lake Burton and the surrounding area. We are here to promote and maintain the integrity and interests of the lake and those who live here. 
The Lake Burton Civic Association Foundation (LBCAF), a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, was established in 2000 with the support and contributions of the LBCA and our community. The funds raised through the LBCA Tour of Homes and the Annual LBCA Golf Tournament are channeled back into our community.
During their lifetime, LBCA and the Foundation have contributed over $2 million to the Rabun community, making a significant difference in the operations of Volunteer Fire Departments (VFDs) and nonprofits, as well as in the educational journeys of scholarship recipients.
 

Tonight's Gimme Springsteen concert is canceled due to the weather.

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Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Member Meeting and Dinner recently. We missed those who couldn’t join us this year. Hats off to Special Events Committee Chair Andrea Sorgeloos and her volunteers for making the evening fun.
 

Here are the three key topics that generated the most interest and discussion:

Review of Strategic Priorities

We showcased exciting projects aligned with LBCA’s four Core Principles:

• Water Quality
• Water Safety
• Preservation
• Building Community

These initiatives continue to guide our efforts to protect and enhance our beautiful Lake Burton community.
 

LBCA Reaffirms Commitment to Emergency Services

The Association updated our founding mission to support local Volunteer Fire Departments. We’re proud to share details about recent contributions, ongoing partnerships, and new initiatives designed to enhance emergency response capabilities around Lake Burton.
 

Georgia Power Infrastructure Briefing

Jeff Jackson, Georgia Power’s North Georgia Lakes Resource Manager, delivered an informative Burton Dam Power Upgrade Project presentation. The briefing covered the dam’s history, project timelines, and potential impacts on Lake Burton water levels during the upgrade process.

A complete slide deck covering all topics discussed at the meeting is attached. (with audio)

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the committee chairs mentioned on the slides. 

See you on the lake!

Dan Marlow
LBCA President

LBCA Members, don't miss your chance to register for the 34th Annual Golf Tournament, which will be held on Tuesday, August 12, at Waterfall Country Club. This exclusive event sells out each year, so register today!

Concerned about invasive plants on the lake? Need to identify plants? Here's what you need to know!

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Don’t Get Caught Off Guard on the Water!

Our May 31 DNR Safety Meeting drew 35 members who got insider knowledge from the experts. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to the water, this recorded session is packed with essential information that could save you from costly citations and keep you safe on the lake.

What you’ll learn:

• Rules of the Road that every boater must know
• No Wake Zone regulations and enforcement
• Navigation Light Requirements
• Plus, answers to real questions from fellow members

The DNR officers shared their on-the-water perspective and clarified common misconceptions that trip up many boaters. This isn’t just theory – it’s practical guidance, such as how to contact DNR, from the people who enforce these laws daily.
Watch now and boat confidently, knowing you’re following all the rules. The video is approximately an hour long but includes chapters, so you can easily fit it into your schedule. Watch the video here.

Pro tip: Bookmark this video to review before your next outing – it’s the kind of knowledge that pays for itself, ensuring you’re always confident and informed on the water!

Survey Results: The survey results are in! The majority of people commented about boating safety. Read more here.  

Keep the Lake Clean—The Lake Cleanup on May 9 was a big success, thanks to your efforts. The lake was cleaner than in past years, but construction debris remains an issue. Remember, every day is clean-up day at Lake Burton. Homeowners, please share this reminder with your construction and landscape crews.