There is a State Park with a 302-acre lake located 13 miles from my home.

In 2008, the lake was drained in order to construct a new dam, perform maintenance to the boat ramps, repair shoreline, and to improve water quality and fish habitat. The state had budget issues part-way into the project, and the work was put on hold, leaving the lake devoid of water for several years. We visited the lake twice while it was dry and took some photos.

A boat dock leading to nowhere. This dock used to extend about sixty feet out onto the lake, where several boats could be tied overnight at the campground.

A shallow creek was the only water present in the lake bed.

A lonely picnic table overlooks the lake.

The decaying remains of a foot bridge that linked one side of the campground to the other.

The forlorn and overgrown beach.

Trees that were once submerged for fish habitat.

Pallet structures that served as fish habitat.

I took the previous photos on a visit in 2010. The lake wasn't full again until 2015.

By that time, many willow saplings had grown in the fertile lake bottom soil. To this day they remain, emerging from the water's surface in some areas. The boat docks at the campground were removed, along with some of the towering shade trees, which really disappoints me. It isn't the same campground I remember from years ago.

But I, among many other area residents, are very happy to have the lake back. The park, which is 1,417 acres in size, is a wonderful place to spend a weekend with family, or to go alone and enjoy quiet time in nature.

Thank You!