John Beilhart IV, wildlife and forestry specialist with the Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation District, said this is the perfect time to clean up the lake bed, shorelines and surrounding area with the water level low due to the dam replacement project.

“I had been out there fishing down by the dam, it’s just littered with pop cans and garbage,” he said Wednesday.

He came up with the idea for a cleanup, to take advantage of the lake being drained, which has made the garbage and debris more visible.

The SWCD is partnering with Guilford Lake State Park and Kimble Recycling and Disposal Services to host the cleanup event, with the goal of removing as much litter and debris as possible.

In the distance, a crane for the Guilford Lake Dam replacement project can be seen across the little bit of water that’s left at Guilford Lake State Park. A cleanup is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for volunteers to pick up trash and debris. Volunteers should meet at the beach parking lot on Camp Boulevard. (Photo by John Beilhart IV)

“By doing this we can ensure a healthier environment for wildlife and a more enjoyable experience for park visitors once the lake is refilled in the spring of 2027. Participants will work together to collect trash from around the lake and dispose of it in a dumpster which will be located at the beach parking lot,” a press release about the event said.

The press release said all organizations involved “encourage residents and visitors who are passionate about environmental stewardship to join this community effort. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the park and help maintain the scenic beauty of Guilford Lake for many future generations to enjoy.”

When asked about the condition of the lake bed, Beilhart said “the lake has dried up quite a bit.”

He suggested volunteers dress for the weather, wear muck boots or hiking boots. The event will be held rain or shine.

Most of the lake bed is solid, he said, but there are areas where there’s still mud and water, in some spots the water is still 8 or 9 feet deep. Those areas will be avoided. Trash bags and buckets will be provided.

For additional information or to express an interest in volunteering, contact Beilart at 330-277-2977. He said members of the beautification society from the Guilford Lake Civic Association already indicated they plan to be there. He’s also been talking with a lot of the local residents around the lake and shared the call for volunteers on social media.

He’s been reading all about the dam replacement project online at ohiodnr.gov under Guilford Lake Dam where there are details about the project and a timeline to keep residents informed.

The ODNR website page gives a little history about the dam and the need for the project.

“The Guilford Lake Dam has served the region for nearly two centuries, with its origins dating back to 1846 when it was constructed as a feeder reservoir for the Sandy-Beaver Canal. Over time, the dam has undergone several significant upgrades, including a full reconstruction in 1933 and major modifications in 1957, 1968, and 1983. Despite these efforts, modern dam safety regulations require spillway modification and dam rehabilitation work to ensure public safety and compliance with current standards. A tremendous capital investment will address any current deficiencies and prepare Guilford Lake State Park Dam to endure for decades more,” the ODNR website page said.

According to the website, recent engineering evaluations identified several issues with the dam’s structure and function, with the concrete spillway showing deterioration and separation at the joints.

“More critically, the spillway lacks sufficient capacity to safely pass the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF), as required by ODNR Dam Safety regulations. The embankment also has insufficient safety factors for seepage and stability, and the internal drainage system has reached the end of its design life. Addressing these issues is essential to protect downstream communities and preserve Guilford Lake as a recreational resource,” the website said.

The project will include construction of “a new labyrinth spillway structure designed to pass the PMF without overtopping the embankment, all while maintaining the current normal pool elevation and ensuring that downstream discharges during significant storm events remain consistent with pre-rehabilitation conditions. For the embankment, crews will excavate the existing structure to install a modern drainage and filter system with monitoring capability, then rebuild and reinforce the embankment with additional material at the downstream toe.”

The drawdown of the water started last Labor Day, with the refilling expected in spring 2027.

According to the schedule, bids were opened on Oct. 23, 2025 with a project cost of $14 million and The Ruhlin Company approved as the contractor by the Controlling Board. The work has been progressing, with the spillway demolition completed, concrete being poured for the upper cutoff wall, lower cutoff wall and stilling basin at the base of the spillway.

To learn more about the project, visit the ODNR website or just type in Guilford Lake Dam and it will pop up.

No swimming or boating is allowed, but the state park campground remains open. Fishing is permitted outside of the construction area. Public access to the construction site is prohibited, but photos of the progress can be seen on the Guilford Lake State Park Facebook page.

According to the notice on the website, “the construction project is moving well and is on time with projected schedule.”