14 January 2009
                                                                        POC: Linda Drage 276-681-6805
                                                                                  Mary Lawson 276-629-4512 ext 227

New Philpott Lake Operations Manager meets Friends of Philpott

BASSETT, Virginia—The first 2009 meeting of Friends of Philpott included one guest who literally drove across the Continental United States to appear. Craig Rockwell, newly arrived Operations Manager for Philpott Lake, comes to the area from Walla Walla, Washington, where he was Assistant Natural Resource Manager. Rockwell said “I have been here less than a week and I have already met dozens of people, especially you folks, who are committed to this great natural resource.”

            Rockwell, who has 30 years experience in Natural Resources Management, said that he was excited to be joining a highly motivated staff, and delighted to find so many community members eager to provide support. “We are a federal activity,” Rockwell said, “but we are also friends and neighbors. This lake truly is ‘your lake’—and we appreciate the way you’ve pitched in to make improvements and offer opportunities to the public. I look forward to working with you!”

            Friends of Philpott President, Linda Drage, led a meeting that strongly demonstrated the range of projects supported and built by the Friends. Recently, the group saw completion of a dredging project to widen the channel to Jamison Mill Recreation Area, which was funded by money raised by the Friends, in-kind donations, and a grant from Franklin County Parks and Recreation.

            The group is also partnering with the Corps of Engineers, Franklin County Parks and Recreation, Henry County Bike Club, Franklin Freewheelers, Inc. and Southern Virginia Mountain Bike Association to improve the trail system at Jamison Mill Recreation Area, which will be incorporated into the next phase of the 20-mile shared-use trail system at Philpott Lake.  With the help of donated equipment and volunteers, the group is literally carving a well-designed path through the woods that can be used by hikers and bikers.

            Education Coordinator for the Friends, Rob Herbst, brought a special program to the meeting. Herbst, history teacher at Franklin County High School and also a Master Falconer, brought a barn owl to the meeting to demonstrate the types of educational programs the Friends will be offering at some of their special events throughout the year.

            Drage emphasized that the opportunities to enjoy the natural wonders offered by Philpott Lake and the public lands surrounding the lake are virtually endless—and so are the opportunities to help the public better understand this lake that belongs to all.

            “We are always looking for new members and great ideas,” she said. “We are interested in supporting all kinds of activities that have a relationship to the lake. We’d love to participate in gathering historical information about the lake and the communities around it. We hope to keep building and improving the trails. We want to get kids back out-of-doors and enjoying the natural world. If you are interested in any aspect of life around the lake, we sure invite you to join us! “

            The Friends of Philpott, Inc. serves Franklin, Henry and Patrick Counties, all of which border Philpott Lake.