ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, March 15, 1997 TAG: 9703170031
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PULASKI
The road leading to the Gatewood Reservoir Dam, a popular hunting and fishing area, will reopen today. But the U.S. Forest Service will leave it open only until June 1.
The opening of the road will make the area more easily accessible during prime trout season. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will stock the stream with trout.
The road will open again in the fall from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15 to coincide with hunting season.
The Forest Service upset many local residents when it closed the road to vehicles because of road damage, vandalism and the dumping of trash and appliances. About 700 residents signed a petition asking the Forest Service to keep the road open.
However, the Forest Service has only agreed to keep it open during spring and fall. District Ranger Dave Collins said he will consider opening the road in summer if it is kept clean.
The road is closed in the winter to prevent excessive damage to the road.
A major cleanup effort is being planned for early spring. Those interested in volunteering time or equipment should call the Wytheville Forest Service Office at 228-5551.
LENGTH: Short : 32 linesby CNB