September 15th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Jennings Randolph Lake has closed the Howell Run boat launch for the remainder of the 2016 recreation season to all boats requiring a trailer to launch due to low lake elevations.  The launch remains open to all other permitted boats; and the lake is now accessible to shoreline fishermen.

 

The Corps encourages boaters to use caution when launching from Howell Run and Maryland boat ramps due to the lower water elevations.  Users should be aware that underwater objects may be closer to the surface, and could potentially pose additional hazards to boaters and skiers.  As always, the Corps encourages using life jackets while on the lake.

 

The boat launch operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is still open for use and is not impacted by the lower lake elevation. The MDNR launch is on Mt. Zion Road, off Maryland State Route 135, near the salt shed on Backbone Mountain.

 

For more information, call the Corps park office at 304-355-2346, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or message the Jennings Randolph Lake Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/USACEJenningsRandolphLake. For information on the MDNR boat launch, call the Herrington Manor State Park at 301-334-9180, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

 

View more information on Jennings Randolph Lake project by visiting their website: http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Missions/DamsRecreation/JenningsRandolphLake.aspx. Project purposes include flood-risk management, water quality, low-flow augmentation, water supply and recreation.