Lake Moomaw Disrepair Discussed   Lake Moomaw, Alleghany County, VA (July 30, 2024) - On May 29th, 2024, Bill Uzzell and Bill Wilson, two members of the Jackson River Preservation Association (JRPA), met with Ranger Kevin Kyle and his staff at the USFS headquarters in Hot Springs to discuss problems at Lake Moomaw and how those problems could be solved. It was a very positive meeting with Ranger Kyle outlining plans to re-furbish the dock at Coles Point, establish a “no wake” zone at the north end of the Lake and do other improvements. Bill Wilson, who was then president of the JRPA, reached out to Bill Uzzell recently to get a report from him regarding those plans. The following is Mr. Uzzell’s response, dated July 22, 2024: "As you are fully aware, efforts have been ongoing for years regarding the infrastructure decline on Lake Moomaw.  Fortunately, we have made some progress in improving conditions for the recreational use of the Lake i.e. Fortney Branch dock refurbishing, some buoy replacements, courtesy dock at the Bolar boat ramp etc.... However, there is still a list of projects that have not been rectified and have been identified to the USFS for quite some time now. We were told (Feb '24) that the Coles Point dock had funds allocated and that a contractor had been procured and the repairs would be completed by July 4, 2024. That timeline was adjusted, Kevin and Jake stated (May '24) that the work would begin on July 5, 2024. As of July 18, 2024 no work has begun. Nothing has been roped off to prevent the public from using this dilapidated structure and no construction has begun. There will be a large event sponsored by the Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce on August 19, 2024. This event draws a large crowd for a marathon swimming event that necessitates the use of the Coles Point dock.  The second immediate issue is the reestablishment of the no wake zone buoys in the northern end of the lake.  Kevin informed us that the buoys had been received some time ago and that they would be placed soon. As of July 16, 2024 the buoys have not been placed.  The above projects, are, in my opinion, a priority for the safe use of the lake by the general public. Unfortunately, the lack of action is starting to replicate the habit of delay and non-completion of stated goals and objectives. Additionally, a list of needs was given to Kevin, as requested, in March 2024. They include; courtesy dock for Coles Point, refurbishing of the Bolar marina dock, replacement no-wake buoys at the entrance to Hughes Draft and Big Lick coves for protection of the standing timber and safe boating, re-pave the entrance road to the Fortney Branch boat ramp, re-paint the vehicle parking lines for Fortney, Bolar, and Coles Point parking lots, procurement of an appropriate boating craft capable of providing adequate lake maintenance for the safety of the boating and swimming public, courtesy docks for the campground areas.   I am certain there are additional problems that need to be addressed. I do believe that Kevin and Jake have made efforts to make improvements and are partners in trying to improve conditions to our beautiful resource. However, the completion rate of stated objectives and goals is becoming woefully inadequate. I am not naive to the fact that government bureaucracy can be a hindrance, but some of these projects have been identified for years to several administrations and the time has come to make some additional progress."   The following is Ranger Kevin Kyle’s response to Bill Uzzell’s email, dated July 24, 2024: "I wanted to give you updates on a couple of the projects that you mentioned. Regarding the refurbishing of the dock at Coles Point, we have almost completed the awarding of the contract, and hope to have the work begin next month. The work itself should take two to three weeks to complete. Regarding the establishment of a “no wake” zone at the north end of the Lake and other improvements. The VA DWR asked that we get buy in from Alleghany and Bath Counties for the changes in buoy placement plan and we expect comments back soon. In addition to the “no wake” zone, we are refurbishing the Richardson Gorge Canoe / Kayak Launch area and are about halfway complete with that project. The removal of brush and invasive species occurred recently, grading and additions of gravel will be done in the next few weeks. Additionally, I am happy to report we have been able to continue operation of the six campgrounds around the lake and the surrounding recreational areas including Hidden Valley Recreation Area, Blowing Springs Campground, Poor Farm and two Shooting Ranges. A lot of work has occurred in improving and maintaining conditions in these recreation areas, and we plan to continue measured improvement. Work also continues to get the marina operational and we expect to have a concessionaire in place to operate the store and marina by next spring. I would like to thank all the volunteers at various locations on the district for all the impressive work that they do. We hope to continue to expand our Friends of Lake Moomaw Group, which meets quarterly to discuss Lake Moomaw issues and potential improvements. We welcome anyone who would like to join us in this effort." Wilson said that, although he was disappointed that work had not started earlier, he was encouraged by Ranger Kevin Kyle’s report and was looking forward to seeing the projects’ completion.

* * * * *