As part of the improvements planned at Perry State Forest, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry will decommission Reclamation Impoundment No. 3, also known as Stump Lake.
"Safety is always our top priority," Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser said. "It is our goal with this project is to efficiently and effectively remove any potential future risk before it becomes a serious issue."
After assessment, engineers determined that the dam, which was not constructed for long term use, is showing signs of decline that would be too costly to repair. The project will result in the temporary closure of Forest Road 1 beginning on Aug. 1. Work is expected to last approximately 90 days.
Stump Lake got its name from the tree stumps sticking up out of the water. While aesthetically pleasing, the lake has become biologically dead with little to no aquatic life because of acid mine drainage. Maintenance of the dam is difficult due to its steepness and the need to continually remove woody vegetation that would damage the dam. With the dam showing signs of decline, the costs of maintaining safety standards are not feasible and the decision was made to decommission the lake.
The project will be performed by a contractor with oversight from the ODNR Division of Engineering. Due to the water's low pH, the water will be treated before it is drained into Buckeye Fork. The project will result in a more natural stream structure integrated with a wetland where the lake currently resides and Forest Road 1 reconstructed in the same location. This project was presented in the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 State Forest Workplan and went through the open house process for public input.
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