Press Release

DWR Now Leasing Falls Mills Lake for Public Access

Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is pleased to announce that Falls Mills Lake in Tazewell County, is the newest property to be enrolled in the Public Opportunities for Wildlife Related Recreation (POWRR) program. The Falls Mills Lake property consists of a 101-acre lake, 42 acres of upland habitats and a 21-acre wetland. The property will soon be open to the public for fishing, boating, wildlife viewing and restricted hunting and trapping. The lake is only a short drive from Bluefield, VA with excellent access from Interstate 77 and Route 460. DWR is leasing the lake from Falls Mills Lake, Inc.

This property provides unique opportunities for the public to engage in a wide variety of recreational activities and observe a diverse array of wildlife. DWR will manage fish and wildlife populations, maintain access infrastructure and improve habitats at the site. Planned habitat work will focus on native plantings that will benefit the lake by reducing erosion, improving water quality and creating important habitats for wildlife. Educational waysides will be developed to provide more information about wildlife species and their habitats. “I’m so happy that the DWR is able to lease this property via the POWRR program as it will offer ample opportunities for more publicly accessible wildlife-related recreation in this region of Virginia. Falls Mills Lake is a premier location in Southwest Virginia to view and photograph an assortment of notable species including unique waterfowl, hawks, eagles, and songbirds which I’m sure many wildlife enthusiasts will welcome the opportunity to more readily observe,” said Meagan Thomas, Watchable Wildlife Biologist for DWR.

Subject to COVID restrictions, DWR plans to partner with Tazewell County to offer a variety of special events that celebrate wildlife and outdoor recreation. Youth and senior fishing events as well as watchable wildlife events are all being considered. Ms. Maggie Asbury, Tazewell Board of Supervisors, noted “I am truly excited to be partnering with DWR on enhancing this beautiful lake in my district of Tazewell County. I have fond memories as a child learning to swim there and it has always had a special place in my heart. We have been blessed for years by the efforts of the Falls Mills Volunteer Fishing Club members who managed it for our citizens and we are very grateful for their time and efforts.” Tazewell County Administrator Eric Young added “The Board is excited to add another opportunity for amazing outdoor experiences to our menu of lakes, rivers, and trails. We look forward to working with the State in an effort to maximize opportunities at Falls Mills, one of the most beautiful places in our County.”

All appropriate Virginia licenses will be required to fish, hunt or trap. Fishing regulations established by the private fishing club in the past will remain in place. Those regulations include catch-and-release restrictions for bass, and a 10-inch minimum size limit and fifteen per day creel limit on crappie. Statewide regulations are in effect for other fish species. Statewide boating laws will also be enforced on the lake. Only paddle craft or boats with electric motors will be allowed. Gasoline motor use is prohibited. Possession of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited. Hunting will not be allowed until September 2021. Specific hunting regulations will be posted on the Agency website and at appropriate locations on the property. DWR’s Conservation Police Officers will make regular patrols to promote safety and compliance with rules and regulations.

The POWRR program is funded by a VPA HIP grant from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The grant makes it possible for the DWR to lease private lands for public access. To learn more about the program visit virginiawildlife.gov/powrr or call 276-783-4860.