Charles Mill Lake is one of ten lakes owned and operated by MWCD. The
lake has been filling up with silt, reducing the navigability of the
lake. Because of the siltation problem, it was decided dredging the
lake was the answer. The dredge project is being funded by a $815,006
grant by the State of Ohio NatureWorks Program through the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources.
The depth of Charles Mill Lake in the area to be dredged is about three
feet on average; the dredge project will increase the depth to five
feet in the channels. The dredging project will create navigable channels
in the lake where access is becoming a problem. The channels will be
from 60 to 75 feet wide. The project is being started where the sedimentation
is the worst. The goal is to create access to and from the Black Fork
of the Mohican River, residential areas and the campground. The area
immediately north of State Route 430 and west of the bridge is being
prepared to serve as a staging area. The dredge will be launched from
this area. The dredging will start at the launch site and move north
to the US Route 30 bridge.
The dredge material will be disposed of in the lake adjacent to Pine
Island and the "Haunted Island," creating a wetland environment
that will enhance waterfowl breeding and fish habitat. A floating barrier
will contain the dredge material until it is stable. Dredge material
will be disposed of by transport through a 10" pressure pipe which
will lay between the dredge and the disposal area. The pipe will be
marked with orange buoys. The pipe will float and may be crossed with
care. Outboard motors should not be locked in the down position when
it is idle crossing the pipe.
Recreational users will be able to use the lake during the dredging.
Fishing and boating is permissible in the dredge area as long as a reasonable
distance is maintained between the boat and the dredge. The public is
asked never to board the dredge when idle.
For more information contact the MWCD toll-free at (877) 363-8500
or email info@mwcdlakes.com.
