The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will host a public meeting later this month to present and discuss a proposed two-phase drawdown of Blue Mountain Lake in west-central Arkansas, aimed at improving aquatic habitat and supporting critical maintenance.
The meeting will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at the Booneville Community Building, located at 426 North Holden in Booneville.
According to the USACE, the first phase of the drawdown would begin Sept. 2, 2025, lowering the lake to elevation 384 feet, which is the normal winter pool level. This drawdown is intended to expose mudflats around the lake, allowing them to be seeded with millet to enhance habitat for waterfowl and aquatic species.
The second phase would begin May 1, 2026, when the lake would be further reduced to elevation 374 feet. The lake is expected to reach this level by July 25, 2026, and remain there until Nov. 1, 2026. After that, water levels would be gradually restored to the winter pool level of 384 feet, depending on rainfall and downstream water management needs.
The project also aims to allow for essential maintenance on the lake’s intake structure during the low-water period in 2026. USACE officials noted that both phases are necessary to improve long-term lake health and ensure continued safe operations of the facility.
During the public meeting, Corps staff will present details of the drawdown plan, answer questions, and take feedback from the public. Area residents, outdoor recreation users, and local stakeholders are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.
For additional information, contact the Russellville Site Office at 501-340-1435.
About Blue Mountain Lake
Blue Mountain Lake, located in Logan and Yell counties, is managed by the USACE Little Rock District and serves as a popular destination for fishing, boating, birding, and other forms of outdoor recreation.
Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
