Cook Lake dam project begins

The Black Hills National Forest has confirmed that Cook Lake recreation area will be closing on Monday, July 8 along with Trails 88 and 91 to allow a long-planned project to take place at the spillway.

Now six decades old, the structure is showing wear and tear and will be replaced to stop the leakage and improve the site.

The project is expected to cost $1.2 million and will replace the old earthen dam with four six-foot pipes with a concrete spillway that can handle a much larger volume of water in the event of heavy rain or snow melt.

Closure of the recreation was delayed until after Independence Day to allow the public to enjoy the site over the holiday weekend.

According to Scott Jacobson, Public Affairs Officer, the closure is intended to protect human life and provide public safety during the rebuilding. Construction is expected to last around four months.