Press Release:

January 30, 2009

Friends of Philpott  and the Corps of Engineers Work Together on Plans for the Future of Philpott Lake

Thursday evening, the board of directors of Friends of Phipott, Inc. and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sat down to discuss the Corps’ Five Year Facilities Improvement Plan for Bowens Creek, Salthouse, Horseshoe Point, Jamison Mill and other parks around the Lake..

Craig Rockwell (Rocky, as he likes to be called), newly arrived Operations Manager for Philpott Lake, comes to the area from Clarkston, 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 stated “Rocky doesn't have a magic wand, but he is willing to support us in getting things done that will benefit everyone”. “None of the plans are iron clad because of funds available to the Corps is based on our economy. Friends of Philpott and other organizations can be of tremendous help acquiring funds through grant writing and fund raising to make a lot of the improvement plans possible”.

Rocky stated, "It is advantageous to get contractors in to do the actual work than have volunteers doing the labor, because it helps the area economy provide jobs. But volunteerisms is a critical part of any sustainable management program.”

According to Ms. Drage, “There may be times that the Corps may ask us to help out with some hands on work. We still need help working on the Trail at Jamison Mill”. The trail system is going forward in connecting Jamison Mill Park with Horseshoe and Salthouse. Funding for that has just came through. 

One thing we all agreed to is we did not want another Smith Lake at Philpott Lake. The community continued support will make a BIG impact on improvements at the Lake.

FOP Mission: is to provide environmentally responsible use, development, and protection of the natural and recreational resources at Philpott Lake through community involvement and education.