Extreme Winter Weather Hampers Forest Service Improvements At Lake Moomaw

Warm Springs,VA – Winter weather continues to delay campground improvement work at Lake Moomaw. It is now likely that this winter weather delay will affect the normal opening of Campgrounds 1, 2, and 3 at Lake Moomaw. The Sugar Ridge Campground at Lake Moomaw will open April 5, however Campgrounds 1, 2, and 3 will remain closed until bath house renovations are completed. New restrooms and bath houses are being added to Campgrounds 1, 2, and 3 and to the swimming beach area within the Bolar Mountain Recreation Area at Lake Moomaw. All of the old structures have been cleared away to make room for the new facilities. Construction is expected to resume as soon as weather permits. The contract for the Lake Moomaw renovation was awarded to Plecker Construction.

At least 5,600 acres of prescribed fire is planned for the Warm Springs and James River Districts for 2009-2010 season. Approximately 8 prescribed burns ranging in size from 26 to 2,400 acres will be ignited by hand and helicopter. Spring prescribed burns are typically conducted from early March to early May. The burn objectives vary but this year they include creating golden wing warbler habitat, improving overwinter habitat for small mammals, increasing forage and browse for large game, reducing hazardous fuel and restoration of our oak and hickory forests.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the lead federal agency responsible for making the decision on whether or not to allow the installation of equipment on Gathright Dam for the purposes of generating hydroelectric power. The hydroelectric project proposal at Lake Moomaw by West Virginia Hydro Inc. recently solicited public comment and included sponsoring public meetings and a field trip to the site. FERC will prepare an environmental analysis and issue a decision on the future of hydroelectric power at Lake Moomaw by December, 2010.