Two Lake O’the Pines Beaches Reopened

JEFFERSON — Just in time for the holiday weekend, two beach areas on Lake O’ the Pines have been reopened. Seven beach areas had been closed because of high bacteria levels in the water. After favorable test results came in, officials reopened Brushy Creek Campground and Johnson Creek Campground. Samples will again be taken next week in an effort to reopen the remaining beaches.

The beaches were closed June 18th when unhealthy levels of E. coli bacteria were found. Only the swimming areas have been affected. The U.S. Corps of Engineers said the main body of the lake was safe for recreational use. It is thought that rains in early June washed the bacteria into the lake. The source is thought to be Chicken houses and other commercial animal operations.