Community reminded to keep watershed lakes in Hopkinsville clean: ‘These spaces are a privilege’

Complaints regarding Lake Blythe have prompted a response from a county official.

Calm lake with clear water along a rocky shoreline and dense green trees under a blue sky.

Christian County NowLake Blythe in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. May 1, 2026 (Daynnah Carmona)

HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – As the weather warms up this spring and people enjoy time out on the water, the community is being reminded to help keep these natural spaces clean.

On April 17, Magistrate Josh Turner shared that residents in his district had shared multiple complaints about conditions at local lakes, specifically Lake Blythe. While visiting these watershed areas, people reported seeing trash, witnessing illegal dumping, fires being started, and vehicles speeding through the narrow roadways.

Charred wood and ash scattered over dirt with broken tiles and a rusted tin can amid debris after a fire.

Shoreline with a rocky beach, grassy hill, and tree line under a clear blue sky.

Calm lake with a pebbled shoreline and dense green trees across the water under a blue, partly cloudy sky.

“Not only are these actions prohibited but they are dangerous to the ecological system and to the residents in the immediate area,” said Turner in response to these claims. As of May 1, Christian County Now found evidence of a fire and surrounding trash that is still visible at the lake.

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Community encouraged to clean space, rules of lake

Rules posted at Lake Blythe remind the public that no alcohol or drugs are permitted in the area along with no open campfires, ATV’s, camping or swimming. Fishing on the lake is permitted with the proper licenses, and boats without a gasoline motor can get on the water.

Watershed lakes in Hopkinsville are owned by the city with the actual water managed by Hopkinsville Surface and Stormwater Utility. Turner said part-time county sanitation officers occasionally check the area for cleanup, but extra help from the community is appreciated.

“These spaces are a privilege to have, and we should do our best as fellow community members to take care of them. It’s just common courtesy,” Turner told Christian County Now. He added that residents who have concerns about the condition of the lake should reach out to HSSU or the Christian County Judge Executives Office.

The 81-acre Lake Blythe is located in northern Hopkinsville off of Madisonville Road on Lake Blythe Road. There is a boat ramp available with a dirt area around the lake. There are no restroom facilities or trash receptacles on site.