Lake Lynn Hydroelectric Project (P-2459) Notification of Closure of Section of Cheat Lake Trail
In accordance with License Article 415, Lake Lynn Generation (Lake Lynn) maintains the Cheat Lake Trail which is a 4.5-mile hiking/biking trail that extends along the eastern shore of Cheat Lake. Lake Lynn is hereby providing notification that it has temporarily closed a section of the Cheat Lake Trail due to severe damage from recent heavy rains.
In July, heavy rains resulted in downed trees, areas of severe erosion and slope stability issues along the trail and its immediate vicinity. Lake Lynn has conducted an initial assessment of the storm damage and completed preliminary cleanup activities. Damage and debris issues affecting the northern section of the trail were relatively limited and have been addressed. This section of the trail remains open to the public.
The southern section of trail, extending 0.5 miles south of Cheat Lake Park to the trail’s southern terminus at the Cheat Lake Wildlife Habitat and Nature Viewing Area experienced more significant damage, possibly due to recent development and land use changes in the immediate vicinity. This section of the trail has been closed to the public until further notice due to safety concerns and areas of impassibility. The closed section has been gated and locked, and signs have been posted to prevent public access. Notification of the closure has also been posted on the Cheat Lake public information website (https://cheatlake.today/).
Lake Lynn is in the process of further assessing the causes of the damage and evaluating potential repair solutions. Due to the level of damage, and the expected complexity of identifying an appropriate long-term solution to restore the trail and minimize future stormwater management issues, it is expected that the trail closure will remain in place for some time. In order to keep the Commission updated on its progress, Lake Lynn proposes to submit a status update by December 31, 2019.
Notice from Lake Lynn Generation on August 23, 2019