Rough River Lake Dam Public Hearing Provides Updates

The United States Army Corps of Engineers held a public hearing Tuesday night to discuss the implementation of interim risk reduction measures at Rough River Lake. The measures include reducing the summer pool water level to 490 feet which is 5 feet below the normal pool along with a delayed fill date of April 1 to reduce stress on the dam. The levels would have to remain in place for the completion of the project which is expected to take six years. The Corps of Engineers wanted to address concerns about the impacts on recreation. Based on data from previous summers with pools at similar levels, the Corps of Engineers stated the impacts should be minimal. Eighteen of twenty-one boat ramps will still be accessible and there should be limited impacts to marinas. North Fork Beach and State Park Beach will be closed but Laurel Branch Public Use Beach will be open. Axtel will remain open to campers of the campground only. All Corps of Engineers managed campgrounds will remain open. As far as private docks, approximately 60% may be impacted. Private dock permit holders will need to coordinate with the project office to determine if a temporary extension or relocation is possible. Additional information can be found on the project website.