Sept. 10, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: We are members of Maury River Voices, a citizen-led community group in Rockbridge County dedicated to raising awareness about the Goshen dam and ongoing sediment pollution in the Maury River associated with the Goshen Scout Reservation’s dam operations.
The Maury River is a vital ecosystem and an important source of drinking water for Lexington. We advocate for transparency, safety, and the long-term protection of the river. For many of us, this river is home — and protecting it means protecting everything that depends on it.
The issue dates back to 1966, when the Goshen Scout Reservation dammed the Little Calfpasture River to create Lake Merriweather. Each year, the lake is lowered by opening the gates of Goshen dam, exposing hundreds of acres of shoreline and lakebed sediment. Tons of sediment are carried downstream into the impaired Little Calfpasture River and the Maury River as the lake is lowered, even without a storm or rainfall event.
This issue has been studied for years, and professional recommendations have been made, yet the lake continues to be lowered. We believe this recurring sediment pollution deserves greater public attention because of its impacts on aquatic life, water clarity, recreation, and potentially our drinking water source.
As additional studies and grant-funded projects are once again being considered, we believe the community should remain engaged in determining what action is needed to protect the river now.
Our goal is to keep the community informed and encourage meaningful discussion about the health and protection of the Maury River. Studies are valuable when they lead to action.
Learn more at Maury River Voices on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or contact us at mauryrivervoices@gmail. com. JULIA KENNEDY JENNY PALISANO JOAN JOYCE Maury River Voices
