Our lake has long been the heart of our community—an Indiana designated freshwater public Natural Resource. It is a place where families boat, fish, swim, paddle, and create lifelong memories. It is also an important natural resource that supports local wildlife, agriculture, homeowners and guests. Our lake enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
For many years, our community has struggled to find a balance that serves everyone who depends on the lake, including property owners, campers, church groups, residents, recreational users, and the agricultural community. Today, two significant challenges continue to threaten the lake's long-term health and enjoyment.
Excessive aquatic vegetation has become increasingly difficult to manage. As weeds grow, die, and decompose, they contribute to a growing layer of muck that limits recreation, affects water quality, and diminishes the overall health of the lake.
Additionally, the annual seasonal drawdown of the lake via the dam—practiced for decades—raises important questions about its long-term impact on water quality, shoreline stability, aquatic habitat, and the overall ecosystem.
Rather than rely on opinions or assumptions, we are committed to pursuing professional-based answers.
We are raising funds to commission an independent study, as recommended by experts, to evaluate how seasonal water-level changes affect a variety of areas such as aquatic vegetation, fish populations, shoreline conditions, sediment buildup (muck), algae, and overall lake health. This research will provide the objective data needed to better understand the lake's challenges and identify practical, long-term solutions.
Funds raised will also help cover the initial legal and administrative work necessary to support this effort, including professional reviews, petitions, and related documentation. By working with experienced freshwater-lake specialists and independent experts, we aim to ensure that our community's interests are represented throughout the process.
Our goal is simple: to help create a healthier lake that supports a longer recreational season, improved water quality, healthier fish and wildlife habitat, reduce excessive vegetation, and provide a stronger protection for shorelines and seawalls. We are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders—including the agricultural community—to seek balanced, sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to protecting this treasured resource for future generations. Thank you for supporting our lake and our community via fact-based information.
Additional Information:
Where Your Money Goes & How It Is Protected
This campaign is being organized on behalf of our concerned members of the community. The organizer(s) of this fundraiser will not act as the beneficiary. 100% of your donations will go directly toward the lake initiative.
To ensure complete transparency, accountability, and security, we have established the following strict fund management protocol:
- Earmarked for Specific Vendors: All funds raised will be used exclusively to pay third-party professionals. This includes the legal team protecting our watershed, the environmental firms conducting the independent lake study, the marketing team driving public awareness (if utilized) and any minimal operating expenses related to the crowdsource platform. Again, no funds will benefit any of the organizers.
- Secure Bank Custody: To protect the capital over the long term, funds do not sit on this crowdfunding platform. Instead, they are being deposited directly into a dedicated, bank account. The account will require two signatures / approval for any vendor to be paid.
- Delayed Payouts for Invoices: The capital will be held securely in our dedicated bank account as the initial work of the teams take place. It will only be released via two signature checking or direct bank wire transfers to our vendors once we receive their line-item invoices.
Any funds not utilized will be redistributed to the funders based on percent of donation compared to cost. It is expected that this process could last for eighteen months or longer although the initial study should be completed within the next six months. The organizer(s) reserves the right to reject any donation for any reason. If a donation is determined to be rejected the site will refund the donation. The goal of this group is to operate in a productive manner absent of drama and antagonist behavior.
