The lake remained as a source of pleasant outings and good fishing, but it was filling up with silt, gravel and trees. In the late 1980s, efforts were begun to clean out the lake. It was drained and a lot of good people put their time, efforts and money into the project, but it remains unfinished today. Photo by Clyde Rowen. Taken late 1990s after heavy rain.
Shows derelict light plant.
In 1999, the Hartville Community Betterment Association took on the lake project. The paperwork has been completed requesting the State Legislature to approve the use of the National Guard, under the auspices of the Army Corps of Engineers, to clean out the lake bed, repair the dam and restore the lake to its pristine beauty and recreational benefits.