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| FishTails |
UPDATE: Woodrum Lake Dam Issue
[Wednesday, August 9, 2005]
As I reported earlier, Woodrum Lake in Jackson County was in the midst of a severe issue concerning the lower gate
on the dam. During routine inspection by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a problem developed and the
gate could not be closed. The result was a steady water loss and lowering pool levels. It was hoped that it was
merely an obstruction lodged in the gate mechanism which could be quickly removed and the gate put back in operation.
On Friday the 5th, the special diver arrived from Oklahoma and made an inspection dive. Again on Saturday he viewed
the situation and confirmed what we all dreaded. The problem was not an obstruction but a mechanical problem with
the gate. As a result, the gate cannot be repaired before essentially all the water escapes the lake, in effect
draining the basin.
What happens now?
Basically the DNR will attempt to rescue the fish that will invariably be swept through the dam. As I mentioned
in the earlier note, this will not be an easy task. With the quickly lowering water levels, the DNR has deemed
it impractical if not impossible to attempt a rescue within the lake basin. The recovery attempt will be made in
a spillway area immediately below the dam. A small pool is present and it is hoped that fish can be recovered there.
Access to this area is severely limited and it will be difficult to get stocking trucks to the site. In addition,
it is a considerable climb from the recovery site to where the trucks can be stationed.
Bass and muskies will be the primary targets for the recovery effort. Naturally, we are hoping that a large percentage
of the advanced fingerlings we have stocked in the lake over the last four years can be recovered as well as any
adult fish that may populate the lake. The same can be said for the bass population within the lake. Every effort
will be taken to do so but success is not insured. We have little experience on the condition of the fish as they
exit the dam. Experts tell us that a large vortex may form since the outflow can't be controlled. Water current
may be excessive and hinder recovery. Water temps, oxygen content, etc. may be critical at this point also. Previous
DNR experience draining lakes has been under more controlled conditions. Transporting recovered fish has inherent
issues and Scott Morrison, District VI Biologist, is developing a plan for relocation. Safety and health of the
recovered fish will be a priority. As with any endeavor of this type, hard decisions will have to be made at the
time as the situation dictates.
What can we do?
Scott has indicated that he will contact us if manpower is required. He anticipates that about five (5) Chapter
09 members may be needed. Please realize that if we are called upon, this will not be an easy task. No. 1, the
situation is dire and we will have to deal with this in a positive manner. To be honest, the fishery as we know
it is at risk, and we have to realize that every attempt will be made to ease a desperate situation. No. 2, the
work will be difficult. If you feel you are physically up to the task, let us know. It may involve manually carrying
fish up over a steep embankment to get them to the tank trucks. No. 3, the timing cannot be pinpointed. It is anticipated
that the recovery attempt may happen anywhere from Friday the 12th. up to Monday the 15th. Short notice may be
given if and when the call comes.
Due to my daughters wedding this weekend, I may not be available for this unpleasant task. VP Larry Robinson has
volunteered to be the point man for any Chapter 09 involvement in the project if we are contacted.
Here's what we need. If you feel you can definitely be available and able to help, please contact Larry as soon
as possible. Be specific when you would be available, preferably in 12 hour blocks, ie. Friday morning, Friday
night, Saturday morning, Saturday night, etc. Figure on this happening up through Monday if you are available.
Remember, this probably will not be a 1 or 2 hour activity. Considerable time may be required once the process
begins. I would plan on bringing some sandwiches, plenty of drinks and clothing to suit the conditions. Boots may
be required. Don't figure on being able to drive to the location, due to limited access our group would probably
meet with Scott somewhere off a main road and be escorted into the site by DNR vehicle.
Larry can be contacted via phone at 740-423-8146 or e-mail at: lrob2@charter.net
Get in contact with him ASAP so a plan can be put together. Make sure he has your phone no. so he can call you
if we are contacted to help in the recovery.
Thanks,
Jim Moore, President
WV Chapter 09 MI |
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