Camp Powhatan (Va) Needs $250K For Dam Repair

[RememberSchiff]

http://www.roanoke.com/news/dam-repairs-at-blue-ridge-scout-reservation-could-put-summer/article_ea1ff901-6ecd-5b4a-9420-5db18505f465.html

 

“The Boy Scouts were very badly behind on their inspections,†Tom Roberts, a dam safety engineer with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation said. “They haven’t been maintaining their dam and it badly needs this work.â€

 

Dams have to be inspected yearly and regulations put in place in 2008 better take into account people and properties located downstream and how they would be affected if dams were to fail. The Powhatan dam is classified as a high-hazard dam because if it were to fail, it’s likely at least one life would be lost.

 

About $250,000 and at least four to six weeks of work stand between the camp and having a lake that is usable for summer aquatics like swimming, canoeing and kayaking, Dan Johnson, a Scout executive with the Blue Ridge Council said.

 

We risk not being able to fill the lake,†Johnson said. “That’s what has put us in a hurry-up situation. Obviously, the lake is important for our camp to start by the first week of June.â€

 

This announcement comes shortly after the April 1 due date for a portion of nonrefundable deposits to attend camp this summer.

About 8,000 campers visit the several camps at the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation each summer, with about half of those attending Camp Powhatan. Scout troops usually spend about a week at the summer camp.

 

The council is counting on donations to cover supplies and labor....

 

I see a loooong OA weekend.   More information at link above.

[resqman]

Good camp.  I have attended as an adult camper twice.  Hope they are able to raise the money and make the repairs in time for summer.

[scoutldr]

There, but for the Grace of God...

 

This is a popular alternative to our Council camp ... cooler temps, low humidity and fewer skeeters.

[RememberSchiff]

Council is responsible for maintaining their camps and insuring safety not only for campers but for neighbors and the environment. Maybe a trip to the Johnstown Flood Memorial?

http://www.nps.gov/jofl/index.htm

 

An update, they seem to be making progress towards opening for summer camp.

http://www.southwesttimes.com/2015/04/repairs-at-boy-scout-campground-coming-along/

[RememberSchiff]

Update:

http://www.southwesttimes.com/2015/05/lake-powhatan-returning-in-time-for-camp/

 

This past week, Blue Ridge Mountain Council received permission from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to start filling the lake after long needed repairs to the lake’s dam were completed. That work has been going on since March, as construction crews removed the concrete from the dam’s old spillway, excavated, hauled dirt and installed rebar.

...

The project to repair the dam received support from Pulaski County businesses such as H.T. Bowling Inc., JWB Contractors, Chandler Concrete, and Gregory Seeding. In addition to providing financial help, most of those businesses donated manpower and supplies, as well as general consultation for dam improvements.

...

Private parties also donated over $50,000 to help cover repair costs, which were estimated at $260,000. Blue Ridge Mountain Council turned to crowd funding to help raise project finances through a campaign on www.gofundme.com/powhatan.

...

The lake at Camp Powhatan is fed by Max Creek, which then flows from the dam into a community below, therefore classifying the lake as “high hazard.†Although the lake was completely dry last month, Johnson said he was optimistic that the repairs would be finished in time for camp to be held this summer.

 

At this point, the lake at Camp Powhatan is filling up, and awaiting 4,000 summer scouts, who will continue on the tradition. According to Grubb, camp is scheduled to start June 14.

 

Great comeback.

Edited May 28, 2015 by RememberSchiff