Working Together To Change The Lake Freeman Water Level Policy.
Watch Senator Mike Braun speaking at an endangered species sub committee about the Lake Freeman situation. This is fantastic news. We have alerted our leaders to at least talk about the topic. Now let’s find a solution! Mark your calendars for October 3rd. Big rally at the Monticello Courthouse beginning at 12:00 Noon. Make signs, bring your voice. The media will be there!!!
Water levels have dropped by over 74”! That’s over six feet! More water is going out of Lake Freeman than coming in. Conditions are very dangerous. Stumps, dock steel, boulders all are now posing hazards. Be very careful while boating. Idle speeds are recommended. SFLECC continues to fight for “Run of River” standards for Lake Freeman.There is an important court hearing on October 5th to determine next actions. Please contact our state representatives and ask them to help change the current policy which is not based on science.
Just click on their name and send them a message —
U.S. Congressman, 4th district Jim Baird
In 2014, the US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a mandate to maintain a minimum 500 CFS discharge from the Oakdale Dam. This is an attempt (Not based on science) to hydrate endangered mussels down river from the Oakdale on the lower Tippecanoe River. To be clear, we are all in favor of conservation and protecting our lakes. The mandate was issued to keep a subjective minimum flow of water to the lower Tippy. A legal fight has been underway ever since. These mussels have thrived for millions of years, it is testimony to the incredible water conditions of the Twin Lakes and Tippycanoe River. Lake Freeman should not be the watering can for the lower Tippy. Low lake levels on Lake Freeman present dangerous safety hazards. So please keep to the main channel, be extra careful when enjoying watersports and watch out for submerged objects. Let’s pray for more rain.
In the mean time, here’s a link to the Indiana USFWS overview.
Welcome to Lake Freeman Life. We’re here to be the informative resource for the people who live and play around one of Indiana’s most beautiful lakes. Lake Freeman is located in Monticello, Indiana and is a unique treasure. Formed by the construction of the Oakdale Dam in 1925 it is ten miles long and enjoys fifty miles of shoreline. Boaters, fishermen, families and visitors have countless opportunities to enjoy the water and beauty. At Lake Freeman Life, we want to offer fresh and relevant information. Share LakeFreemanLife.com with your family and friends. Bookmark it for yourself. Come back often.Talk to us! We want to keep you informed with stories, news, photos, contests and conversation. We hope you find LakeFreemanLife.com useful.
SFLECC Meeting provided information about Lake Freeman levels.
8-22-2020
The annual SFLECC meeting was held at City Park. The meeting covered Lake Freeman water levels, administration updates and election of new Board members, but the topic most people were interested in was the lake level situation on Lake Freeman.
UPDATE 9-25-2020 — LAKE FREEMAN IS NOW DOWN 77” OVER SIX FEET.
About 40 people were in attendance to hear Lake Levels Committee Chair John Kopplemann give an update. It seems in the short term all we can do is pray for rain. On October 5th there is a Court hearing. SFLECC is challenging the science originally used to set the hydration flow for the Lower Tippycanoe River. Don’t hold your breathe for a verdict. Kopplemann told the audience there quite possibly could be a continuance. He and the rest of SFLECC are doing all they can to find a logical resolution. The US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a mandate in 2012 to maintain a minimum flow from the Oakdale Dam of 500 cfs to maintain hydration for the endangered mussels that inhabit the lower Tippycanoe river. Keep your fingers crossed for compromise. Until then do a rain dance.
Poll Results
What is your favorite Lake Freeman summer beverage?
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Ice Tea ( 16.19%)
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Beer ( 44.76%)
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Wine ( 6.67%)
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Soda ( 2.86%)
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Lemonade ( 3.81%)
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Margarita ( 7.62%)
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Vodka with ? ( 17.14%)
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Energy Drink ( 0.95%)
Sea Level Elevation: 610'
