Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : August 12, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Curtis Taylor , Wildlife Resources Section Chief (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Dredging of Laurel Lake

The Division of Natural Resources announced today that the Guyan Conservation District has awarded a contract to remove sediment from Laurel Lake in Mingo County. Work is scheduled to start on Monday, August 15, 2005. Area residents are advised to use caution when traveling in the area of Laurel Lake since the contractor will be crossing a section of County Route 3/5 to haul sediment removed from the lake. In addition, the lake has been lowered about 15 feet to allow for the removal of the sediment.

Laurel Lake originally contained 29 surface acres. Sediment over the years has silted in the upper portion of the lake resulting in the loss of approximately 7 acres of fishable waters. In addition, the sediment has made it impossible to use the boat launching ramp located on the upper end of the lake. The removal of the sediment will provide area anglers with additional water for fishing and boating.

This project is a joint effort involving the Guyan Conservation District, the West Virginia Conservation Agency, the Division of Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Protection, Southern West Virginia Energy, and Cotigia Development Company.

**DNR**