Lakes Cunningham and Robinson are owned and operated by the Commission of Public Works of the City of Greer as sources of water supply. In addition, both reservoirs offer recreational facilities to its citizens.

Rules and Regulations

The following rules and regulations govern the use of Lake Robinson plus the strip of land from the water level to elevation 900 feet above mean sea level and Lake Cunningham plus the strip of land from the water level to elevation 850 feet above mean sea level which is the property line of all lots and tracts adjoining each reservation respectfully.

I. GENERAL

1. The Commission of Public Works of the city of Greer PROVIDES A FULL-TIME warden who resides near the Reservoir and maintains an office at the public dock facility area provided with access from the intersection of May’s Bridge Road and Groce Meadow Road S23-92. The Warden is the official custodian and is responsible for the operations of the Reservoir facilities and the enforcement of the Rules and Regulations. The Warden is directly responsible to the General Manager of the Commission of Public Works. The Wardens are commissioned state officers and have authority to make charges.
2. All persons using the Lake and adjoining property owners are subject to all Rules and Regulations, which have been adopted by the commission. These Rules and Regulations have been enacted pursuant to statutory authority directing the Commission to have full management and control over all Reservoir properties.
3. No one may utilize the strip of land between the water’s edge and elevation 900 feet above sea level on Lake Robinson and elevation 850 feet above sea level on Lake Cunningham or the surface waters of either lake for commercial purposes or operations.
4. No person shall pollute the waters of lake Robinson or Lake Cunningham nor the strip of land between the water’s edge and elevation 900 feet above msl and elevation 850 feet above msl respectfully with any sewage, garbage, rubbish, tree limbs, stumps, debris or waster of any kind. No person shall use gasoline, oil lubricants or any other substance in such a manner as to cause pollution of the water or the strip of land as previously described.
5. No person may have in their possession any firearm which includes rifles, shotguns, pistols, pellet guns, BB guns, any air gun, longbows, crossbows, dart guns, or sling shots. Firecrackers, all types of fireworks and any type of explosive will not be allowed on the Reservoir properties including the strip of land between Lake Robinson and 850 feet above sea level on Lake Cunningham.
6. There shall be no wading, bathing or swimming in Lake Robinson Reservoir and Lake Cunningham or adjoining river connecting within CPW properties.
7. Authorized use of the Lake and all CPW Properties is allowed only between the hours of official sunrise and official sunset, unless otherwise designated by a Commission official.
8. There shall be no picnicking, cleaning, or cooking of fish or other food between the water’s edge and elevation 900 feet above sea level on Lake Robinson and 850 feet on Lake Cunningham except picnicking is permitted in the designated areas.
9. No adjacent land owner, person, firm or corporation may remove from the strip of land between the water’s edge and elevations 900 feet above sea level on Lake Cunningham any trees or growth without the express approval of the lake Warden. Only grass may be planted on the strip of land referred to above. Failure to comply may result in prosecution.
10. All Rules and Regulations of South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources apply to the Lake Robinson Reservoir Property and Lake Cunningham in addition to the more restrictive rules set forth herein.
11. Pets must be leashed and under control at all times. Pets are not allowed in the public shelter or any area directly adjacent to a picnic table. Retrievers may be trained/worked every Tuesday and Wednesday in areas designated by the Lake Warden. Horses are not allowed on Reservoir property including the strip of land between the water’s edge and the elevation 900 feet above sea level on Lake Robinson and 850 feet above sea level on Lake Cunningham.
12. Vehicles are limited to the paved areas of the public access. Dirt bikes, dune buggies, all-terrain vehicles and other vehicles not showing street legality are not permitted on Reservoir property including the strip of land between the water’s edge and the elevation 900 feet above sea level on Lake Robinson and 850 feet above sea level on Lake Cunningham.
    1. Willful recklessness is subject to prosecution.
    2. Abandoned vehicles left past official hours (without due reason) will be towed at the owner’s expense.
    3. Vehicles on Reservoir property outside of the public access area will be charged with trespassing.
    4. Roller skates and skateboards are not allowed.
    5. Bicycles and mopeds are restricted to the paved areas of the public access.
    6. All vehicles are subject to search.
    
    

The speed limit of 10 mph will be enforced.

13. No one is permitted on the dams of Lakes Robinson or Cunningham, the dike or the dirt-fill area, which is near the public entrance. This includes the riprap, the grassed banks and the graveled roads. These areas are plainly marked.
14. In compliance with the South Carolina Highway Department, there will be no parking, no fishing, and no swimming from Few’s Bridge (Few’s Bridge Road), Tyger Bridge (Blind Tyger Road) and Gilreath Bridge (SC 101). These areas are patrolled by the County Sheriff’s Department, the SC Highway Patrol, SC DNR, and the Lake Wardens.
15. Baiting for the attraction of waterfowl, wildlife and other species of birds is prohibited on Reservoir properties of Robinson and Cunningham.
16. Adjacent landowners are prohibited from launching any boat or vessel onto Lake Robinson or Lake Cunningham waters unless an approved ramp has been constructed or with the Warden’s consent.
17. Adjacent landowners are prohibited from driving vehicles onto Reservoir properties unless an approved driveway or road has been constructed or with the Warden’s consent.
18. All properties of Lake John A. Robinson and Lake Cunningham except the area above SC 101 Bridge are classified as bird and wildlife sanctuaries. Hunting or molestation of any waterfowl, wildlife or other bird species on Reservoir property is prohibited and will be strictly enforced by prosecution statutes of the South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources.
19. The Commission of Public Works in the issuance of permits and the allowance of public access, fishing, and boating, accepts no responsibility for any acts, actions, or accidents which may occur while in attendance on the lands or waters owned and operated by the Commission of Public Works.

II. Warden

1. The Lake Warden shall collect all fees and issue all written permits as provided in these Rules and Regulations.
2. The Warden shall deny admission to the Reservoir areas to any person known to have willfully violated, or to be violating any of the Rules and Regulations. Persons showing evidence of intoxication shall not be permitted to enter a boat or go upon the Reservoir properties, nor will alcoholic beverages be permitted or consumed on the Reservoir properties or in any boat. Persons careless in the operation of boats shall be asked to leave the Reservoir areas, and be denied future admission, as a Warden deems necessary. Persons who misbehave and/or are discourteous on the Lake or Reservoir properties so as to interfere with the peaceful use of the Lake and adjoining property by others shall be asked to leave the Reservoir areas and be denied future admission as a Warden deems necessary.
3. The Warden has the authority to revoke any/or all season or daily permits when he deems such action is necessary. The person or persons whose permit is revoked shall be verbally advised.
4. The Warden is hereby vested with the authority to take necessary steps to insure wholesome activities on the Reservoir properties and to remove from the Reservoir properties persons who are creating a nuisance or disturbance.

III. Structures

Erection of structures on Commission of Public Works’ Property

1. Construction of Ramps and Docks, etc. – The construction, installation, establishment or creation of any ramps, docks & affixed or floating, driveways, roads, boat-launching devices, or any other facilities or devices for the placing of a boat or boats, in and upon the ponded water for the use by a property owner, or owners, whose property does not front or abut on or form part of the shoreline of the ponded waters and contour elevation 900 feet above sea level on Lake Robinson and elevation 850 feet above msl on Lake Cunningham will not be permitted.

   Only property owners owning property fronting and abutting on and forming part of the shoreline of the ponded waters and contour elevation 900 feet above sea level on Lake Robinson and elevation 850 feet msl on Lake Cunningham may be granted the authority to construct, install, establish, or create any such boat ramps, dock, driveway, road, boat-launching device or other facility or device for placing boats in and upon the ponded waters

   A property owner is hereby defined as a single person or single family unit owning a lot or parcel of land of sufficient land area and dimensions to secure a Greenville County Building Permit to construct a residence there on and to accommodate a septic tank system approved by the Greenville County Health Department, No scheme or plan to permit access or use of the Lakes by others by means of joint ownership of a lot or lots, or the use of partnerships, clubs, corporations, or the granting of right-of-way over or permission to use lake front lots or any other plan or scheme designed to avoid application of this rule shall be permitted.

2. No temporary or permanent structure of any kind, with the exception of a dock or dock ramp and retaining walls as set forth may be erected on property owned by the Commission of Public Works between contour line 900 and the water line of Lake Robinson or contour line 850 and the water line on Lake Cunningham. Fencing to the water line of Lake Cunningham is permissible for pasturing.
3. Any person or persons who have erected or have caused to be erected temporary or permanent structures between contour line 900 and the water line of Lake Robinson and contour line 850 and the water line of Lake Cunningham or who shall at any time erect or cause to be erected such structures shall upon request by the Commission of Public Works immediately remove those structures from the Commission of Public Works’ Property. Upon failure of the party or parties responsible for the construction of any improvements on Commission of Public Works’ property to remove them, the Commissioners may cause the improvements to be removed at the expense of the person or persons who erected the improvements and all active permits previously issued to that person shall be cancelled.
4. Before construction or launching of a structure, a written application must be made with a Lake Warden and a written permit secured. Notify a Warden prior to construction.
5. The Provisions of No. 2) notwithstanding, a property owner as defined in Section III, Paragraph 1) having lot frontage on Lake Robinson at elevation 900 or on Lake Cunningham at elevation 850 may apply to the Commissioners of Public Works for permission to construct a dock or dock walkway in the following manner.
   1. Application shall be made to a Lake Warden, which application shall include specifications of dock walkway and dock size and location of dock with reference to Lake frontage owned by the landowner.
   2. A Lake Warden shall deny permission for the construction of any dock or dock walkway, which in his opinion, is not warranted by the Lake frontage of a particular lot, by the shape of the shoreline and by any and all other circumstances, which would endanger the health, safety and welfare of persons entitled to use Lake Robinson or Lake Cunningham for any authorized purpose.
   3. If the Warden shall determine that a permit should be denied, he shall furnish to the applicant in writing his grounds for the denial and such writing shall be sent by registered or certified mail.
   4. Any landowner whose application for a permit to construct a dock and dock walkway has been denied by the Warden may appeal such decision to the General Manager and to the Commissioners of Public Works of the City of Greer by written notice sent by registered mail within ten (10) days from the rejection of the application. The appeal shall set forth in writing the grounds for the appeal and include plats or drawing if location or frontage is an issue in the appeal.
   5. A dock and/or dock walkway shall be removed by its landowner upon five (5) days written notice to do so given by a Warden to the owner by registered or certified mail.

IV. Boating

1. The operation of boats of any type authorized on Lakes Robinson or Cunningham shall be at the risk of the user and shall be subject to all Federal Laws, Regulation and State Laws, Rules and Regulations (attention is directed to Title 50, Section 21-10 through 23-280 especially 21-30 and 23-280 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina) and shall also be subject to the Rules and Regulations herein set forth by the Commission of Public Works of the City of Greer.
2. All Regulations of the Division of Boating of the South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources are hereby made a part of these Regulations. A copy is available from the Lake Warden.
3. No boat, vessel, or vehicle of any kind whatsoever shall be operated for hire or for commercial purposes on Lake Robinson or Lake Cunningham.
4. No boat or vessel shall be operated within a distance of 200 feet of the spillway of either dam.
5. No boat or vessel with more than a 10 hp shall be operated on the lakes. Larger motors must be removed from any watercraft before Reservoir permits will be issued.
6. There shall be no rafts, hydroplanes, racing hulls, houseboats, jet-skis, wave runners or the like, pontoons, tire-tubes, wind-surfing craft permitted on Lake Robinson or Lake Cunningham. Any inflatable craft will have to be approved by the Lake Warden.
7. It shall be the responsibility of the operator of each boat or vessel to make certain that there is a U.S. Coast Guard approved lifesaving device for each person aboard.
8. No person shall operate a boat or vessel at a speed in excess of ten (10) miles per hour within any cove or when approaching any dock bridge or congested area, and no person shall operate a boat in such a manner as to endanger the passengers of any boat or the safety of other persons or property. The operator is legally responsible for the wake of his boat.
9. Sailboats, kayaks and canoes not requiring State registration will be allowed after acquiring Reservoir permits. Intentional tipping over and flipping is prohibited and will result in permit revocations.
10. All watercraft are prohibited from tying to the intake riser and barrel floats (located in front of the spillway), all shallow water markers, all private docks, all bridges and the Commission’s boathouse. When using the public dock facility, watercrafts are prohibited from tying to the support brackets, pilings, and the handrails.
11. All boats and vessels are subject to search.



Permits

12. Permits for all boats placed on Lake Robinson or Lake Cunningham must be secured from the Warden before these crafts are placed o the waters of the Reservoir. The operator must have the written permit on board at all times and the permit sticker must be attached to the boat. The schedules of costs for the permits are as follows:

Boat Permits

	Sptbg. & Greenville County resident	Resident outside Sptbg. & Greenville County	Out of State
Daily permits for bots without motors and botes with up to 10 H.P.	$3.00	$4.00	$6.00
Season permits (Calendar Year) for bots without motors and botes with up to 10 H.P.	$30.00	$40.00	$50.00



13. Any boat permit may be revoked and immediately seized by a Warden whenever the holder thereof violates any of the Rules and Regulations governing the use of Lake Robinson or Lake Cunningham or any of the restrictions, which might be attached to the permit.
14. The Warden may deny a permit to any owner of any boat or vessel which:
    1. Is in unsafe condition.
    2. Is greater than eighteen (18) feet in length or is a houseboat of any type whatsoever.
    3. Is a raft, hydroplane, racing hull, pontoon, Jet Ski, windsurfing craft, or any inflatable raft.
    4. Has a motor, which serial number, title number, or model number has been removed and a Warden shall revoke the permit previously issued if he later discovers a boat propelled by a motor on which the serial number has been removed, changed, or altered.
15. If alterations to the exhaust system on any motor, results in excessive noise, no permit shall be issued. If a permit has been issued, such permit shall be immediately revoked and seized by a Warden.
16. No person under sixteen years of age shall operate a boat or vessel of any type, unless supervised by a responsible adult. The number of children under the age of twelve years in any boat or vessel may not exceed three, and in no case, shall there be more than two children under twelve years per adult in any boat or vessel. At no time shall the boat carry more than the recommended weight specified by the boat manufacturer.
17. No boat of any type will be permitted to be tied up, anchored, or left on the Reservoir premises overnight. Dock owners are permitted to leave their boats secured to their docks. Motor must be disabled during this time.
18. Permits will not be issued to any boat in which the motor exceeds recommended H.P. limits.

V. Fishing

1. Any person desiring to fish on or from Lake Robinson or Lake Cunningham is required to secure a written permit from a Warden.
2. Loaning a fish permit is prohibited and will result in loss of privilege for parties involved Season permits are written for the calendar year. The fishing access fees shall be set forth in these Rules and Regulations as follows:
   
   Season Permits

   	South Carolina Resident	Out of state Resident
   Fishing from boat or shore	$5.00	$6.00

3. Anyone fishing on or from the Reservoir must have a valid South Carolina Fishing License to exhibit to a Warden.
4. All persons showing proof of age 65 or over may be issued a fishing permit without cost.
5. All Rules and Regulations of the South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources concerning fishing are hereby made a part of these Regulations. A copy of these Regulations is available from a Warden upon request.
6. No fishing shall be permitted within a distance of 200 feet of the spillway
7. Upon producing leave papers, military personnel are exempt from Lake Robinson or Lake Cunningham fishing permits.
8. Children under age sixteen are exempt from Lake Robinson and Lake Cunningham fishing permits.
9. All Largemouth bass in possession must be twelve (12) inches in length or larger.
   
   Creel Limits:

   10 largemouth bas per day per person
   30 game fish total per day per person
   No limit on non-game species (catfish, carp, Sucker, gar, shad, mudfish)
   

   Creel and size limits will be strictly enforced by statutes of the South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources.
10. Fishing below or around Lake Robinson and Lake Cunningham dams is prohibited. These are closed areas. Persons in these areas are subject to trespass charges.
11. The priority of the public dock facility is for the convenience of watercraft. Fishing will be permitted from the public dock only when there is no conflict with those operating watercraft.
12. Fishing is to be by line attached to pole or rod or by handheld line only. Two lines or rods per person from shore only.
13. Seines, gigs, basket traps, submerged tires, eel pots, trot lines, turtle hooks, nets, cast nets, jugs, and all other methods of fish-catching devices are not allowed. Violators will be prosecuted in compliance with the South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources statutes.

VI. Dredging or Digging of Channels or Canals

1. The dredging, digging, widening, or altering in any way of any artificial or natural channel, canal, stream, creek, tributary or any other water course is prohibited on any and all property lying below contour elevation 900 feet above sea level for the entire John A. Robinson Reservoir Property and all property lying below elevation 850 feet above mean seal level for the entire Lake Cunningham property.

VII. Revocation of Permits

1. Any permit, whether issued for structures, fishing, or boating, may be revoked by a Warden, whenever the holder thereof willfully violates any of the Rules or Regulations governing the use of John A. Robinson Reservoir and Lake Cunningham or any of the restrictions which might be attached to such permit. The length of revocation of fishing and boating permits will be based on the violation(s) at the discretion of the Wardens and reinstatement fees may be applied.

VIII. Changes in Rules and Regulations

The rules and Regulations contained herein are subject to change by action of the Commission of Public Works of the City of Greer.

IX. Rules and Regulations for Lake Cunningham Waterfowl Area

The section of Lake Cunningham owned or leased by the Commission of Public Works of Greer, located north of Highway 101 and surrounded by O’Neal Church Road, May’s Bridge Road, Groce Meadow Road, and Millford Church Road will be included in the Lake Cunningham Waterfowl Area. (The area will be posted with boundary signs.)

The area will be open on Wednesdays from 5:30 am until 11:00 am during the waterfowl season. Shooting is not permitted until 30 minutes before official sunrise. All hunters must quit shooting by 11:00 am and leave the area by 12:00 noon.

All hunters must have in their possession a license, a game management area permit, a state and federal waterfowl stamp, and an H.I.P. Permit, and all watercraft must display a Lake Cunningham Boat Permit obtained at the warden’s office on Lake Robinson.

Not hunting of any kind is permitted in this area except scheduled hunts during the waterfowl season.

All federal and state laws, limits, etc., must be followed

Canada Goose season will be set by the S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources

Only temporary blinds constructed of native vegetation are permitted. Any blind constructed once vacated may be occupied by any other hunter on a first come basis.

Each hunter is limited t twenty (20) shotgun shells per hunt and no buck shot is allowed. Steel Shot Only.

Any person entering or exiting the area through private land must have written permission from the landowner.

No person may use any vessel in a negligent manner so as to endanger life, limb or property.

Absolutely No Littering. The opportunity to hunt this area is due to the joint effort of the Commission of Public Works of Greer and the South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources. The abuse of these privileges may result in the area being closed for hunting.

Shelter Rental

Lake John A. Robinson has two (2) available shelters for rent at the J. Verne Smith Recreational Area.

Shelter #1 can be reserved for the entire day for a $50.00 fee. Electric outlets available. Open style cookers such as fish fryers, cooking with grease or oil, and charcoal grills are not allowed on the shelter. Shelter #1 has six tables, under cover, and features a large open deck overlooking Lake Robinson. The restrooms are attached to Shelter #1 and are accessible for all park users.

Shelter #2 can be reserved for the entire day for a $30.00 fee. This shelter has three tables under cover and one adjacent table. You will view Lake Robinson and Glassy and Hogback Mountain from the highest point in the park. No electric.

Shelter #3 can be reserved for the entire day for a $30.00 fee. Located at Lake Cunningham Park, on North McElhaney Road off Hwy 101 North, behind Lake Cunningham Fire Department. This shelter has three tables under cover. Handicap parking is adjacent to the shelter, and a covered fishing pier. No electric.

Please clean up the shelters as much as possible after reservation. Extra trash bags are available at the Warden’s office.

Reservations and payments must be made in advance. Your payment confirms your reservations. Payments can be made at the Warden’s office at Lake Robinson or by mailing your check to the following address:

Greer Commission of Public Works
(Attn: Lake Robinson)
P.O. Box 216
Greer, SC 29652

Note: On the check, designate the Shelter #, and reservation date.

Rules and Regulations Adopted by the Commission ERS of Public Works 11/17/86