ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Once the Elk River Dam project was completed, the extent to which the public could utilize the new manmade lake it created became a topic of discussion.
Following the completion of the dam and leading up to the July 1953 dedication of the lake in honor of the late Col. Lebbeus Woods, various meetings were held and decisions made pertaining to public recreation at the reservoir.
In mid-1950, work began on a project to dam the Elk River to create a repository to provide the Arnold Engineering Development Center with cooling water for its test facilities. The Elk River Dam was completed in September 1952. The waterbody created through this effort, which would come to be known as Woods Reservoir the year after the dam was built, has provided water for AEDC for more than 70 years.
Then-AEDC Commander Brig. Gen. Samuel Harris called for a luncheon to take place on Feb. 18, 1953, to discuss opening Woods Reservoir, at the time known simply as the AEDC Lake, for fishing.
During this meeting, Harris announced that the lake would be opened for fishing either under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Conservation or the U.S. Air Force.
“AEDC Lake belongs to the public and will be open to the public,” Harris said to a group of community leaders gathered for the luncheon.
Some time prior to this meeting, a lease had been tendered to the Department of Conservation to supervise the lake. If the department failed to act by March 3, 1953, Harris indicated the lease may be withdrawn.
It was further determined during the luncheon that, if the Department of Conservation did not accept the lease, the lake would open for fishing on May 30, 1953, and would be administered by state, federal and Air Force laws and regulations.
Harris proposed that an advisory council be established to discuss details and “ground rules” for operation of the AEDC Lake.
“The sportsmen present at Wednesday’s meeting agreed with the general that this would be an excellent way to get the ‘ground rules’ settled, discuss docks, boats, and get the lake operation underway,” states an AEDC news released issued Feb. 19, 1953. “General Harris also stated, ‘I do not think it will be necessary to charge a fee for fishing if the [Air Force] operates the lake.’
“This statement met unanimous approval of the group present.”
On March 4, 1953, it was announced that AEDC had reached an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Conservation for operation of the AEDC Lake.
In a news release issued on that date, Harris stated the Air Force would open the lake for fishing on May 30 and would control all fishing activities.
“Individuals will not be permitted to lease land for cabins, boats, docks or facilities,” Harris said.
This announcement came on the heels of a March 3, 1953, meeting between AEDC officials and Department of Conservation personnel during which it was decided that the Air Force would control all fishing on the lake.
The AEDC Lake Advisory Council, composed of sportsmen from communities surrounding AEDC, held its first meeting on March 16, 1953. During that gathering, it was decided that dock and boat concession be awarded on a bid basis.
“A contract for the operation of the docks and boat rentals will be awarded to the individual or firm bidding the highest percentage of gross receipts,” states an AEDC news release issued March 18, 1953. “Bids will be requested by the Nashville District of the Corps of Engineers, in the next few weeks.”
The council also voted to open the lake for fishing on May 30 of that year, the date previously suggested by Harris. The reservoir was effectively opened to public recreation at this time.
No limitations on the size of boats or motors were established, but U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations would be observed and enforced on the lake. Concessioners would be required to equip their boats with life preservers.
It was also announced following the meeting that no fee would be charged nor permit issued by the Air Force for fishing on the Lake.
“The fishermen need only purchase the state fishing license,” the news release stated. “It was pointed out, however, that all state fishing laws will apply and will be enforced by State Game and Fishing Wardens and Air Force officials.
“The Council pointed out that all fishermen will be expected to conduct themselves in a ‘sportsmen-like’ manner. After a warning of unsportsman-like conduct, the person would be barred from the lake.”
A proposed plan to make the AEDC reservation a “wildlife management area” was also discussed during the meeting. Per this plan, the Fisha and Game Commission would assume responsibility for planning, providing funds and personnel, food for wildlife, stocking fish and game, and management. No action was taken on this proposal pending a study by the Air Force and the Advisory Council.
Further steps to prepare the lake for public use were taken in April 1953. That month, Harris announced the northwest shoreline of the lake and adjacent road were closed to public travel. It was also announced boat launching would not be permitted at the AEDC Pumping Station on the lake.
It was also announced that month that the lake area would be sprayed during the summer months to control mosquitoes.
The reservoir was filled to its normal high level for the first time on May 1, 1953.
“Operation rules require that the reservoir be held several feet below top level during the spring flood season to enable the routing of flood waters through the reservoir with no damage downstream,” an AEDC news release issued April 30, 1953, states. “Recent heavy rains which fell last Wednesday night were more than enough to fill the reservoir.”
On May 18, 1953, AEDC announced the rules and regulations governing public use of the lake. These rules stated that free use of the lake by the general public for picnicking, camping, fishing and hunting, except in designated restricted areas, is “permitted and encouraged.” Such activities would be subject to all federal, state and local laws and sanitation regulations, as well as other rules and regulations established by the AEDC commander.
Duck hunting on the AEDC reservoir was to be with shotgun only and would require an AEDC hunting permit, as well as a state hunting license and Federal migratory bird hunting stamp.
The rules prohibited the “destruction, injury, defacement or removal” of public property, vegetation, and rocks and minerals. The disposal of
Camping on government property for two weeks or longer would require a permit from the AEDC commander.
“Campfires must be extinguished and the area left neat and clean after use,” the rules stated.
Among other regulations, the published rules also prohibited picnicking, camping and campfires on the north shore of the reservoir between the dam and Morris Ferry Bridge in the interest of public safety. The rules also stated that commercial operations of any kind are permitted “only under lease agreement with the Government” as approved by the AEDC commander.
In mid-June 1953, Harris announced bids would be taken on the dock site known as Morris Ferry Bridge on the lake.
“The successful bidder will have to show financial ability to develop the dock facilities estimated by the government to cost $35,000,” the announcement stated. “Roads and parking areas, mooring facilities, a café and overnight and vacation cabins are included in the initial facilities to be developed. Swimming facilities may be provided by the lessee at this option.”
This bid was awarded to T.H. Jones and E.B. Kilgore in August of that year.
Also in June 1953, Harris announced that a 10 mile per hour speed limit was in effect on the AEDC Lake.
“In order to insure that no fatal accidents occur, it is deemed absolutely necessary to establish the 10 mile per hour speed limit, and the 5 mile per hour speed limit around the Morris Ferry Bridge,” Harris said. “I believe everyone concerned, fishermen and boating enthusiasts, will benefit by these necessary safety measures.”
On July 1, 1953, the AEDC Lake was dedicated as Woods Reservoir in memory of Col. Woods, one of the first two Air Force officers to come to Tennessee in connection with AEDC. Woods passed away in May 1953.
This is the 11th in a series of articles highlighting the history of Arnold Engineering Development Complex during its first 75 years. Additional articles will be published throughout 2026 to commemorate the anniversary of AEDC.