Federal and state agencies work together to restore Claytor Lake following devastating storm impact

Dublin, Virginia – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in collaboration with FEMA, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and Friends of Claytor Lake, has successfully completed post-Hurricane Helene debris removal at Claytor Lake. With the cleanup now finished, the operations center at Claytor Lake State Park has been demobilized, restoring normal access to the area.

Comprehensive Debris Removal Efforts

The cleanup operation involved the use of modular barges, tugboats, excavators, and a 40-cubic-yard roll-off container to collect and sort debris. The collected materials were categorized into:

• Green waste (natural debris such as trees and branches)
• Construction material
• General trash
• Hazardous materials

After being properly sorted, the debris was transported to a designated disposal site. The removal of both floating and submerged debris has helped return Claytor Lake to its pre-storm condition, ensuring it remains safe and accessible for visitors.

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Funkhouser, acting commander of USACE Norfolk District, highlighted the importance of this cleanup effort. “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers takes pride in rapidly responding to natural disasters and restoring impacted areas. Working closely with our federal, state, and local partners, we successfully removed all floating and submerged debris, returning Claytor Lake to its pre-storm conditions, ensuring it remains safe and accessible for the community. We appreciate the patience of residents and visitors as we completed this critical effort.”

Claytor Lake State Park Returns to Normal Operations

Claytor Lake State Park, which served as the operations center during the cleanup, is now back to normal operations. The park, located on the northern shore of the lake, offers:

• Four miles of lake frontage
• A designated swim beach
• Over 470 acres of fields and woodland

With the cleanup efforts complete, the Claytor Lake State Park boat ramp and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) boat ramp off Bear Drive have fully reopened and are operating seven days a week.

DCR Director Matt Wells praised the combined efforts of all agencies and volunteers who contributed to the restoration of Claytor Lake. “The cleanup of Claytor Lake is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our federal and state agencies, park rangers, and community members. Their combined efforts have restored this natural space, demonstrating what can be achieved when we work together for the benefit of our public lands.”

Ongoing Repairs and Temporary Closures

While the debris removal is complete, some repairs are still necessary due to damage caused by heavy equipment during the cleanup. The affected areas include:

• Boat ramps
• Parking lots at Claytor Lake State Park
• The DWR parking lot, which requires regrading

These areas will require temporary closures, which will be announced at a later date as repair work progresses.

The successful cleanup of Claytor Lake reflects the dedication of multiple agencies working together to restore and protect public lands. With the lake now clear of debris and park facilities reopening, visitors can once again enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Claytor Lake.