Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : June 28, 2006

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Robert Beanblossom, Parks and Recreation Section (304) 558-2764 parks@westvirginia.com

Flooding Closes Facilities at Bluestone Lake State Park

And Bluestone Wildlife Management Area

  This week's heavy rain has resulted in the need for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to hold back water behind the Bluestone Dam, causing flooding in several areas of Bluestone Lake State Park and Bluestone Wildlife Management Area in Summers County , according to Robert Beanblossom, district administrator for the Parks and Recreation Section of the Division of Natural Resources.

  The East Shore Campground, the marina, and the boat launching area at Bluestone Lake State Park and the campgrounds at Bluestone Wildlife Management Area were closed June 27 until further notice. The morning of June 28, Park Superintendent Brett McMillion evacuated and closed the Old Mill campground and also closed 10 sites in the Meador campground.

  Corps officials have no estimate as to when the lake will crest, so there is no estimate as to when the closed recreation areas will reopen. All other Bluestone Lake State Park facilities remain open. Anyone planning to visit the park during the next few days is encourage to first call (304) 466-2805 or 1-800-CALL-WVA to make sure facilities are available.

**DNR**