ublic may review and comment on state safety compliance proposals for Jackson County dam
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that it will host a public meeting to review and receive feedback on proposed options for bringing the Turkey Run Lake Dam in Jackson County into compliance with the West Virginia Dam Control and Safety Act.
The open-house meeting will take place on Thursday, April 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Devilette Athletic Center in Ravenswood. Attendees will have the opportunity to review and comment on the available options for bringing the dam into compliance with current regulations. Attendees may review the proposals at their own pace at any time during the two-hour event and provide individual feedback. WVDNR staff will be present to answer questions regarding the proposals.
“Public input is crucial as we work to bring dams into compliance and ensure the safety of our communities,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Listening to the concerns and insights of the public strengthens our decision-making process as we work to safeguard our wildlife resources and the people who rely on them.”
The Turkey Run Lake Dam, located on the Turkey Run Lake Wildlife Management Area, does not meet the current provisions of the West Virginia Dam Control and Safety Act (§22-14-1) and is considered potentially unsafe during high precipitation events. The 15-acre impoundment, constructed in 1964 and opened to fishing in 1966, provides angling opportunities for warm water species and stocked trout.
Two options are under consideration. One proposal is to repair the existing dam by reinforcing the embankment and building a bridge to handle storm flow at a cost of $30 million. This option would disrupt nearby traffic and homes for several years and would not improve recreational access or habitat. A second proposal is to remove the dam and restore the area to a more natural stream system, which would increase stream and wetland habitat, create a fishing pond, add wildlife viewing areas and expand trail access. Costs associated with this option would be covered by the WVDEP’s in-lieu fee program.
Those unable to attend the meeting in person may view the proposals and submit comments online at sites.google.com/wv.gov/turkey-run-dam/home. Comments are due May 2.
Turkey Run Lake WMA is one of 96 WMAs managed by the WVDNR to provide public access to outdoor recreation across West Virginia. To learn more visit, WVdnr.gov/wildlife-management-areas.