INDIAN LAKE -- For years Indian Lake has been the go-to spot for families to vacation in the summer, but the lake that is well-known for entertaining the family is actually in bad shape.
"It's been an issue ever since 1990. That was the reason the Water Shed Project was formed, to address the sedimentation problem that was existing at that time. The sediment was allowing the water to fill up and almost become a shallow wetland," said Vicki Boots, Executive Director of the Indian Lake Water Shed Project.
Daily sediment at the bottom the lake is rising and causing issues for boaters there, some actually hitting the bottom.
"When you have to be constantly aware of low water and protecting your boat then it does put a damper on your good time," said boater Matt Wheeler.
To get that sediment out, you have to dredge; a process that hasn't happened at Indian Lake in more than three years due to financial constraints.
"The dredge that is proposed for Indian Lake right now is a $900,000 piece of equipment, and that's one of the smaller machines," said Vicki Boots.
"Just to have our own dredge working it will be great because what we have right now is a 1964 dredge and it starts working then it quits...bare with us we're addressing this issue and hopefully this time next year this problem will be remedied and things will be back to what they're use to about ten years ago," said Pam Miller from the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce.
State legislators approved funds to purchase a new dredge, but it may time to get the lake back to what it used to be.
Officials say it is important for people to watch out for high sediment spots if they come to this lake tomorrow and throughout the weekend. There is a fireworks show planned at the lake Saturday.
"It's been an issue ever since 1990. That was the reason the Water Shed Project was formed, to address the sedimentation problem that was existing at that time. The sediment was allowing the water to fill up and almost become a shallow wetland," said Vicki Boots, Executive Director of the Indian Lake Water Shed Project.
Daily sediment at the bottom the lake is rising and causing issues for boaters there, some actually hitting the bottom.
"When you have to be constantly aware of low water and protecting your boat then it does put a damper on your good time," said boater Matt Wheeler.
To get that sediment out, you have to dredge; a process that hasn't happened at Indian Lake in more than three years due to financial constraints.
"The dredge that is proposed for Indian Lake right now is a $900,000 piece of equipment, and that's one of the smaller machines," said Vicki Boots.
"Just to have our own dredge working it will be great because what we have right now is a 1964 dredge and it starts working then it quits...bare with us we're addressing this issue and hopefully this time next year this problem will be remedied and things will be back to what they're use to about ten years ago," said Pam Miller from the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce.
State legislators approved funds to purchase a new dredge, but it may time to get the lake back to what it used to be.
Officials say it is important for people to watch out for high sediment spots if they come to this lake tomorrow and throughout the weekend. There is a fireworks show planned at the lake Saturday.
