Main attractions and facilities at Land Between the Lakes were spared from damage as a result of last week’s storms despite confirmed tornadoes touching down in two different areas of the recreation area.
Scott Raymond, a public affairs officer with the USDA Forest Service, said power was restored to most areas of LBL Wednesday, including the Golden Pond Visitor’s Center. However, there is no internet which is affecting some services.
click to download audioRaymond said he expects internet service to be restored within a week.
He went on to say the first tornado struck the northern area of LBL near the Hillman Ferry Campground, which was closed for the season.
click to download audioHe said there was a lot of tree damage in and around the campground but the buildings appeared to receive little or no damage.
Raymond said one of LBL’s original structures that was in the path of the tornado was also spared from damage. The St. Stephen’s Church was built in 1900 by German Americans seeking a place to worship. The final regular service was held in the early 1940s with the church sitting vacant for years.
A group restored the church in 2000 with the approval of the Forest Service. Raymond said the church was virtually untouched.
click to download audioIn the southern part of LBL, a second tornado early Saturday caused more tree damage.
click to download audioRaymond said it was fortunate the tornados struck LBL during the offseason when most campgrounds and facilities are closed. He said it would likely take weeks to clear debris and reopen the closed roads. A list of the closed roads can be found on the official LBL website.
