4/16/2007

Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov
Contact: Bret Preston, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Marion County’s Big Run Lake to Close

Big Run Lake, a 7-acre impoundment in Marion County owned by the West Virginia Conservation Committee, will be drained by the West Virginia Conservation Committee’s Monongahela District, starting in April 2007. The lake is being drained to provide access to abandoned gas wells that must be plugged prior to deep mining the area by Consol Coal Company.

Anglers should be aware that the lake will be closed until further notice because of hazardous conditions resulting from the draining of the lake and plugging the gas wells. Persons should be aware that the banks of the lake may be unstable and may present hazardous conditions to those attempting to walk or climb on them.

**DNR**