Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge invests in major upgrade for public safety

Safety is always top of mind at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge – for visitors, staff and our concessionaires who operate public services within the refuge. To address structural deficiencies and improve functionality, we are conducting a dam safety modification study of Little Grassy Lake Dam and Spillway. Take a moment to learn more about the project and how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to upgrade public infrastructure.

The Little Grassy Lake dam and spillway structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about structure on the refuge has aged beyond its engineered design life. Constructed in 1951, the dam is currently operating under an emergency action plan due to issues discovered in the spillway as part of a recent inspection. Encompassing 1,000 acres, Little Grassy Lake is one of three reservoirs with high hazard dams within the refuge that need repair. All three reservoirs are vital to fish and wildlife, outdoor recreation and the socioeconomic vitality of the region.

Dam safety modification study timeline and public access

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Starting in August 2024, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, our first step is to assess the extent of necessary repairs through the dam safety modification study. We will also define a design and construction plan with benchmarks after the study concludes. Please refer to our refuge website for the latest information. As this project progresses, there will be opportunities for public input.

Due to aging infrastructure, this assessment phase may require a change in the surface elevation of the lake and could impact existing docks, boat launches and lakeside facilities. Please be advised that during the study, public access to the lake may be limited, if necessary, out of an abundance of caution due to potential dangers. For these reasons, use of the Little Grassy Campground and Marina will be paused, along with a pending contract renewal, out of concern for these potential changes to the landscape.

Access to the group camps around Little Grassy Lake will continue to be available for public use. At this time, all compatible water-based recreation activities are planned to continue throughout the duration of the study, subject to change as safety considerations allow. Visitors are advised to be more aware of submerged objects in the water, which can be a hazard to an unwary boat operator.

We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete the dam safety modification study and work to improve the integrity of refuge infrastructure for future users. Keeping visitors, staff and concessionaires out of harms way is our top priority.