I just read the June 2 article in The Times about the pending study to increase water inflow needed in Florida to save their endangered mussels once again.

What I don't understand is the fact that the Corps of Engineers has squandered releases when water levels have been high and left little or no wiggle room when the rains don't come to maintain a more consistence flow. But the flow for Woodruff Dam has been consistent in recent years, even in drought periods.

Lake Lanier can store vast amounts of water even over full pool. There seems to be a lack of water management once again and a disconnect to the tri-state needs for a stable system.

It's easier for them to hide behind the outdated manuel and put their hands up and say it's Congress, not them.

But I have to ask our state government: Do we have a person or department that monitors water flow in and out of Lanier on a daily or weekly basis? Does the state look at the levels and activity of the whole basin as well and how it relates to the whole system and past year's activity as well?

When I look at the corps' water level activity site and go back to past years, I don't see where Florida could have major level issues that would effect water flow for those mussels.

Is it more likely their seafood industry lobby has more concerns and are using this stupid mussel to muscle the court?

Where are our congressmen on this? The level went up and now it's a nonissue in Washington and to our newly elected governor, who knows how Washington works.

Lanier's level is going down and we need to not have 2006 starting all over again. They need to keep the heat up on this before Georgia looks water foolish.

We need leadership and facts on water levels past and present to support Lake Lanier's needs since we're the beginning of this water journey.

Jane Browder
Gainesville