CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) today announced a coordinated restoration project that will return Turkey Run Lake in Jackson County to a free-flowing stream and associated wetland.
This project will bring the facility into compliance with the West Virginia Dam Safety Act and will improve public safety, enhance habitat and strengthen watershed resilience.Crews are scheduled to begin dewatering the current impoundment later this summer with work to be completed by the end of 2027.
The project follows a detailed engineering and environmental review of Turkey Run Lake dam, which no longer meets modern safety standards and would require extensive reconstruction to remain in service. After evaluating multiple alternatives and soliciting and reviewing public input, WVDNR and WVDEP determined that restoring the natural stream corridor provides the greatest long-term benefit to the community, the watershed and the region’s wildlife.
The restoration of Turkey Run will be funded through West Virginia’s In Lieu Fee (ILF) Program, administered by WVDEP. The ILF Program allows permittees to meet federal stream and wetland mitigation requirements by paying a fee. By using ILF funds for Turkey Run, the agencies can remove an aging dam, restore natural hydrology, and create a resilient wetland‑stream complex that satisfies federal mitigation obligations.
In addition to the restored stream, the project will add wildlife-viewing trails and a smaller fishing pond to allow continued wildlife-associated recreation in the area. WVDNR and WVDEP will work with local partners to identify additional enhancements that support public access and community use.
Both agencies will provide updates as work progresses and will notify the public of any operational adjustments or recreational access modifications as needed.
For more information, contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources at (304) 558-6200, WVdnr.gov or the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection at (304) 926-0440, dep.wv.gov.
