Blackwater Creek Stream and Wetland Restoration

A new chapter is being written for Blackwater Creek in Lynchburg, Virginia. Following the near failure of the College Lake Dam in 2018, and in compliance with Virginia Dam Safety regulations, the city of Lynchburg enlisted English Construction to dewater the lake and remove the dam. This significant effort is pivotal in transforming the College Lake area, which has deep ties to the local community. Since its construction in 1934, College Lake has been a beloved recreational area and outdoor laboratory for students and faculty at the University of Lynchburg.

RES is a key player in the winning team tasked with removing the dam and subsequently restoring the lakebed and approximately 5,500 linear feet of Blackwater Creek and its tributaries. In partnership with Lynchburg Water Resources (LWR), AECOM, and WC English Construction, RES is leading the ecological restoration efforts that will reshape the future of this historic landscape.

Using advanced bioengineering techniques, RES is building a new stream channel for Blackwater Creek and stabilizing the surrounding floodplain. Methods such as toe wood installation, erosion control measures, and strategically placing gravel and boulders will protect the stream banks from erosion while fostering critical habitats for aquatic species. The project also includes the creation of new wetlands in the former lakebed, with over 35,000 native plants and hundreds of pounds of seed mix to be planted. These efforts will ensure long-term ecological stability while creating thriving habitats for local wildlife.

University of Lynchburg students have played an active role in this restoration, gaining hands-on experience in environmental studies. They’ve conducted water quality research, installed and monitored groundwater wells, and contributed to understanding the site’s evolving ecosystem.

The project, scheduled for completion in July 2025, will also establish new trails for public use, allowing the community to engage with the restored natural environment. Once LWR’s restoration work is complete, the University of Lynchburg will oversee the long-term stewardship of the site, ensuring that Blackwater Creek and its surrounding ecosystems are preserved for generations to come.

Learn More

College Lake Dam Removal Project Moves Into Stream & Wetland Restoration Phase

College Lake Dam Removal: Remove. Restore. Reconnect.