SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources boat launches, access roads, parking areas and campgrounds at Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area will be submerged more often and for longer periods over the next 10 years.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in the process of improving the stability and safety of Bluestone Dam. During this modification, routine outflow from the dam will be reduced by more than half, which will cause increased lake levels anytime flows coming into the lake equal or exceed 10,000 cubic feet per second. The lake level will also change more frequently resulting in boat ramps, parking lots, campgrounds and other features of the WMA to flood more often, at higher levels and for longer periods of time.

The five roadway gates, located on the access roads of Bluestone Lake WMA, will be closed during predicted high-water events. These closures will be made for public safety and to prevent vehicles from being flooded or trapped due to flooded roadways.

For current lake level information and water conditions, visitors are encouraged to visit http://www.lrh-wc.usace.army.mil/wm/?basin/kan/bln.

Please contact the WVDNR District 4 Office, located in Beckley, W.Va., at 304-256-6947 for gate closure information and updates.