COLUMBUS, OH - On March 1, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put "stop-logs" in place at the primary spillway, allowing Buckeye Lake to fill to the interim summer pool level, which is one foot below normal summer pool. Stop-logs are historically installed on March 1 to allow the water to rise for the recreational season on the lake.

After receiving information regarding the restricted speed zone that had been in place since construction on the dam began, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft conducted additional analysis and determined that once the water level reaches the designated interim pool level, normal boating operations, including towed water sports, could resume at Buckeye Lake without a restricted area.

ODNR encourages people to practice safe boating and use caution when operating a vessel in the lake. The decision to remove the limited speed zone area is based on maintaining the interim summer pool water levels and could be re-evaluated if water levels decrease due to lack of precipitation. The embankment stability berm remains a construction site, and operating a vessel near the berm is prohibited.

As in previous years, a no-wake zone will remain in place around Cranberry Bog in an effort to minimize wave impact and preserve the natural treasure.

ODNR will continue to proactively monitor and maintain water levels at the interim summer pool level during recreational seasons until the dam replacement project is completed. The dam is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018.

ODNR ensures a wise balance between the use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

For more information, contact:
Matt Eiselstein, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6860