Resources
Claytor Lake is unique in its abundance of natural resources. Its adjacent shorelines are graced with sheer rock walls and upland forests that not only provide terrestrial habitat but also filter pollutants, protecting and enhancing water quality for residents and visitors to recreate and enjoy. Benefits extend well beyond the limits of the reservoir, as the clean water is utilized by Pulaski County as a source of drinking water. Additionally, Claytor Lake supports a diverse assemblage of fish species, as well as many varied species of aquatic and land animals. A recent aquatic resources report lists 30 different fish species, including black bass, catfish, walleye, and striped bass.
Numerous management plans serve to protect the abundant natural resources found at Claytor Lake including:
- Shoreline Management Plan to guide land use and protect environmental resources
- Erosion Monitoring Plan to monitor and assess erosion along the shoreline
- Sedimentation Monitoring Plan to monitor and assess sedimentation in areas of concern
- Water Management Plan that includes operational and recreational provisions covering lake levels and downstream water releases
- Water Quality Monitoring Plan to monitor and assess dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature at the project and implement DO enhancement measures
- Freshwater Mussel Adaptive Management Plan to provide for long-term monitoring of freshwater mussels downstream of the dam
- Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan to monitor and control non-native, invasive vegetation at the project
- Habitat Management Plan to protect and enhance valuable shoreline and riparian habitat at the project
- Fringed Mountain Snail Management Plan to protect this federally listed species.