17-04-2025
Claytor Lake is ready for locals and tourists after completing Helene debris removal
PULASKI COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – Virginia state park officials say Claytor Lake is ready for the summer season, following clean-up efforts from Hurricane Helene.
'I'm very excited for people to get back in the water this summer,' said Laura Walters, chair of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors. 'It's safe, and we're ready to rock and roll. We're open for business.'
Park officials say debris removal below the water's surface was completed in January, allowing the water's condition to improve.
Claytor Lake reopens following Hurricane Helene debris cleanup
'I'm overjoyed,' said Dave Dobbyns, clean up supervisor for the Friends of Claytor Lake. 'You can see the results. I was overjoyed because, after what I saw at the end of September, I thought, 'We'll never get this cleaned up; it'll take us years.''
In Virginia's largest debris removal mission since 2003, FOCL, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency mobilized heavy equipment to remove around 135 acres of debris from the water.
'Claytor Lake is open,' said Steve Rapp, executive director of FOCL. 'We're excited for folks to come out and support our businesses. Everyone's itching to get back on the water.'
Claytor Lake and the attractions in the surrounding areas are prepared to resume their normal operations.
'Claytor Lake is the cornerstone of tourism in Pulaski County,' said Erika Tolbert, tourism director for Pulaski County. 'Thanks to the hard work of FOCL, USACE, and FEMA, we look forward to welcoming folks for another summer full of family fun.'
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