MORGANTOWN — BOPARC Executive Director Greg Travinski announced that the main loop trail and floating boat launch at Flegal Reservoir have been completed. However, the property remains off-limits to the public as BOPARC coordinates with the city of Morgantown to install proper signage, trash receptacles, and other necessary components before officially opening the site for recreational use.
Travinski provided this update to the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners following reports and photos of people accessing the 125-acre property for various activities—some of which will never be permitted. The reservoir, which holds 370 million gallons of water, serves as a drinking water source for the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB).
Regarding fishing, Travinski explained that the rollout has been somewhat complicated by the reservoir’s inclusion as an available fishing location in the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR) 2026 Fishing Regulations Summary. The WVDNR began a multi-year fish stocking program in 2023 and will monitor the site as a fishery.
“We are working with the city to get some signage out there, at least some initial educational signage about what activities will be permitted when the property is made available to the public,” Travinski said.
According to the agreement between the city, BOPARC, and MUB, certain restrictions will apply to recreational access at Flegal Reservoir. Fishing with live bait will be prohibited, as will access to the dam facility. All motorized boats and motorized vehicles will be banned from the property except in designated parking areas. Non-motorized boats will be allowed on the water, but not within 100 feet of the water intake tower.
In addition to unauthorized fishing and boating, concerns have been raised about hunting on the property. Travinski noted that he has received reports of duck hunters accessing the water by boat and has been shown photos of shell casings near the reservoir and trail loop.
“Those weren’t ammunition used for duck hunting—they were a larger caliber, so it appears other types of shooting activities have been occurring out there as well,” he said.
Hunting, trapping, and similar activities will not be permitted on the property. Travinski emphasized the importance of establishing clear signage to communicate these rules. “Step one is putting up signs stating what’s prohibited, and then working with our team on how to intervene to enforce these regulations as soon as possible,” he added.
The city financed the recreational improvements, contracting North Carolina-based Nature Trails for $1.5 million to construct trails—including a three-mile loop trail around the reservoir—as well as water crossings and the floating boat launch. Once complete, BOPARC will operate, manage, and maintain the site for public use.
BOPARC member Jenny Selin expressed enthusiasm about opening the area to nature lovers soon. “We’re getting ready to open,” she said. “But right now, we are not open.”
Visitors are encouraged to stay off the property until all preparations are complete and official opening notices are posted.
https://www.dominionpost.com/2026/01/19/flegal-reservoir-remains-off-limits-as-boparc-prepares-for-public-access/