06/07/2023
One of my favorite camping locations.
ON THIS DAY, 70 years ago -- Spruce K**b Lake opened to the public on the first day of fishing season 70 years ago on June 6, 1953. Located near Spruce K**b, the 25-acre lake was the first impoundment of its kind constructed on Monongahela National Forest using a Memorandum of Agreement with the West Virginia Conservation Commission (later West Virginia Division of Natural Resources) signed February 4, 1952.
It is estimated that a whopping 10,000 anglers and visitors were on hand for the lakeโs grand opening. The success of this impoundment prompted Monongahela National Forest to build more lakes, including Summit Lake near Richwood (1956); Lake Sherwood near Neola (1959); and Lake Buffalo near Bartow (1971). Spruce K**b Lake is still one of the most popular places to fish on the Forest.
USDA Forest Service photo, June 6, 1953, Grand Opening.