Jennings Randolph Lake

Infobox lake
lake_name = Jennings Randolph Lake
image_lake = JenningsRandolphLake.jpg
caption_lake = Jennings Randolph Lake in 2005.
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location = Garrett County, Maryland
coords = coord|39.4325954|N|79.1216993|W|type:waterbody_region:US|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
inflow = North Branch Potomac River
outflow = North Branch Potomac River
catchment =
basin_countries = United States
length =
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Jennings Randolph Lake is a constructed lake of convert|952|acre|km2 and is located on the North Branch Potomac River in Garrett County, Maryland and Mineral County, West Virginia approximately eight miles upstream of Bloomington, Maryland, and approximately five miles north of Elk Garden, West Virginia.

Construction and Management

The lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as authorized by the Flood Control Act of October 23, 1962 (Public Law 87-874) and is described in House Document No. 469, 87th United States Congress, second session. Construction of the lake was completed in 1981. [Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin. Rockville, MD. [http://www.potomacriver.org/water_supply/co-op.htm "Co-op History."] Accessed March 9, 2008.] Originally named Bloomington Lake, it was later renamed for West Virginia Senator Jennings Randolph. The lake, which serves as an emergency reservoir for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, is managed by the Corps of Engineers. [U.S Army Corps of Engineers. Baltimore District. [http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/recreation/jenran.htm "Jennings Randolph Lake."] Accessed March 9, 2008.] Coordination of the lake's use for water supply purposes is managed by the [http://www.potomacriver.org Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin] (ICPRB).

A proposal has been filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by Fairlawn Hydroelectric Company to construct a 10.5 MW hydroelectric facility at the dam. [cite court |litigants =Fairlawn Hydroelectric Company, LLC.; Notice of Intent To FileLicense Application |vol=73|reporter=F.R.|opinion=30390|pinpoint= |court= |date=May 27, 2008|url=http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-11696.pdf ] If approved, construction could occur as early as 2012.

Recreational Facilities

Howell Run Picnic Area

The picnic area is nestled into the rugged hillside and provides the picnicker with a beautiful view of the lake. In addition, a one mile (1.6 km) down and back lakeside trail provides the visitor a means to walk off that large picnic lunch. The Howell Run Picnic Area has 26 picnic tables, 13 grills, two covered pavilions, a comfort facility with flush toilets, potable water, playground equipment, volleyball court, and two horseshoe pits for our visitors' enjoyment. The two covered pavilions each accommodate approximately 50 guests and are equipped with large, group-size grills.The shelters are available for reservations for $50.00/day or can be used on a first-come, first-saved basis. Contact a member of the ranger staff for reservations or call the administration office at [phone] during the hours of 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Howell Run Boat Launch

The Howell Run Boat Launch (located off WV State Route 46) consists of a wide two-lane concrete ramp, with a floating dock for temporary loading and unloading of boats.The large paved parking area ensures plenty of parking spaces and a comfort facility is available for the boater's convenience. Motorboats, sailboats, and other watercraft frequent the lake with water skiing and fishing being the most popular pastime. A vault toilet comfort station is available at the launch facility. Both the comfort station and the launch ramp are lighted at night.A $3.00 day use fee is charged for launching trailered boats; however, annual passes are available for $30.00. The annual pass will be valid for 12 months from the date of sale. (Dpulicate passes will no longer be sold.) There is no launching fee for registered campers and Golden Age/ Golden Access cardholders are entitled to a 50 percent discount towards the boat launch fee.

Robert W. Craig Campground

Our campground is hosted by four full time park attendants that are dedicated to make your stay with us at the Robert W. Craig Campground as enjoyable as possible. This family oriented campground is spaciously located on the hills above the lake. The campground has 82 campsites, of which 70 have electrical services. The facility has hot showers, water hydrants every third or fourth site, and flush toilets at the washhouse and in the back loop comfort station.The campground also features a playground for children, campground store, horseshoe pits, and an amphitheater for evening programs presented by the ranger staff on Saturday nights. A large group picnic shelter with electricity, potable water, a full basketball court and horseshoe pits is also available.The ranger staff as well as the campground hosts will be happy to register any fish caught for our "Catch of the Month" contest.In addition, the "High Timber" and "Sunset" trails are provided for your hiking enjoyment. The "High Timber Trail" is a 3/4 mile tree identification trail while the Sunset Trail offers the hiker a panoramic view of the back of the dam.

Shaw Beach

The Shaw Beach offers a place to cool off on a hot summer day, sand on your feet, a sunny grassy area for relaxing with your favorite book or enjoy the view of the lake. The facility includes a forty-car parking lot, two hundred-foot swim beach, restroom/changing building, playground equipment, water fountains, foot wash station, information bulletin board, and picnic tables.The Corps does not provide lifeguards but does provide safety throw rings each day the beach is open. Beach rules and regulations are posted on the bulletin board. The area is generally open from the week before Memorial Day through the week after Labor Day.

"Source: US Corp of Engineers"

Shaw beach received its name from the small town of Shaw that was flooded when the dam was filled.

References