As a riverman I am torn on this issue. I run a towboat up and down these rivers and the little extra water is a positive for me for navigation purposes. As for the pleasure boaters... I could give a flip if I ever see another ski boat or jet ski! I hate'm!
If I understand you correctly Whitfield is going after the COE. If that is the only agency he is after it won't do him any good anyway. Barkley is controled by the COE but... Kentucky is a TVA controlled Lake. If TVA isn't mandated to maintain those levels it doesn't matter what the COE does. Ky. Lake will be held where TVA wants it and because Ky. & Barkley are connected by Barkley Canal, Barkley will be at near the same level as Ky.
I need to do some more research on this but I'm all for whatever is best for the fishery and wildlife. Heck with the Lake Lice! There's your primary cause of bank erosion!
Keep us posted.