CHILLICOTHE, -OH- Work is scheduled to begin next week on a $1,500,000 project to renovate the dam and spillway of Caldwell Lake at Scioto Trail State Park in Ross County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). As part of the project, workers will begin draining the lake on August 6. The lake will remain dry until the project is completed next spring.
The picnic area adjacent to the lake's dam and spillway will be unavailable while construction equipment is active in the area. However, the 54-site family campground west of Caldwell Lake will remain open throughout the repair project.
"This project will upgrade the aging dam and spillway of this man-made lake and provide an opportunity to establish a new fishery in its waters," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks.
After Caldwell Lake refills in summer of 2002, the ODNR Division of Wildlife will stock its waters with largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish. Channel catfish will be introduced in the fall of 2003. ODNR biologists predict the restocking effort will eventually produce bigger, more abundant fish in the lake.
While Caldwell Lake is unavailable, anglers and picnickers are encouraged to fish and enjoy the facilities at nearby Stewart Lake. Stewart Lake also offers a scenic picnic area, featuring a new shelterhouse that may be reserved. Scioto Trail State Park is located south of Chillicothe off U.S. 23. Stewart Lake is located off Stony Creek Road, southwest of Caldwell Lake and the Scioto Trail Park Office. For additional information, call the park office at (740) 663-2125.
For Further Information Contact:
Chris Grupenhof, Scioto Trail State Park
(740) 663-2125
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860