The Knox Lake Dam is scheduled to hold a dedication ceremony for the renovated dam on Thursday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m.
Knox Lake Dam was built by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife in 1954 to provide recreational opportunities to the public, particularly boaters and anglers.
Sarah Schott, a natural resource technician at the Ohio Division of Wildlife, said the project will advocate for easier access to those who use it.
“First and foremost, the restoration of this dam was essential for the safety of the community. Knox Lake Dam is classified by the ODNR Division of Water as a class one dam, which means potential downstream hazards include probable loss of life,” she told the Mount Vernon News. “Therefore, the Knox Lake restoration project is first and foremost a victory for public safety, which is always our primary goal and responsibility. The new dam is safer and easier to maintain, providing peace of mind to residents that the lake will be there to enjoy for decades to come.”
Schott said the dam would provide Ohioans with fantastic recreational opportunities.
“Knox Lake has become a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, boating and fishing, with largemouth bass, crappie and catfish targeted most by anglers,” she said. “Surveys and studies have shown that Knox Lake boasts one of the best bass fisheries in Ohio. This draws people from across the state and boosts the local economy.”
The dam restoration project began in June 2020 and was completed this July, according to Schott.
“Michael Baker International was hired to engineer the project, and Beaver Excavating was selected through a bid process to complete the construction,” she said. “The project cost was $4.6 million and was funded from a portion of the state gasoline tax received by the Division of Wildlife, also known as the Wildlife Boater Angler Fund.”
Those interested in attending the event must reserve a spot by calling Schott at 614-519-2986 by Friday, Sept. 24.
“The ceremony will be held below the dam, where parking spaces are limited,” Schott said. “Those attending should be aware there will be no seating and little shade, so please plan accordingly.”
