Something that should make our whole Lake Freeman Family happy.
It’s official, we are down ONLY two feet! I say only because Lake Freeman was down almost twelve feet the beginning of December. The recent snow and rain has really helped. Now let’s hope the Federal Appellate Court hands down an opinion is our favor to ensure this never happens again. The picture below illustrates how bad we were.
Still waiting for the Federal Court of Appeals opinion. Could be any time now. Please contact our state representatives and ask them to help. We need a scientific, mutually beneficial program. Draining and killing one ecosystem to attempt to help another is NOT prudent.
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.
Poll Results
What is your biggest concern about Lake Freeman being drained?
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The Lake wildlife dying: Freeman mussels, fish, birds etc. ( 16%)
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Someone getting seriously injured or killed ( 2%)
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My seawall collapsing ( 6%)
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My dock collapsing ( 0.29%)
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My home value collapsing ( 27.71%)
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Unbridled Government power ( 10.86%)
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The paralyzed Lake economy, our cherished businesses ( 18%)
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The water draw down won’t accomplish a dang thing ( 6.86%)
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Can't get my boat out ( 10.57%)
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Can't find the wrench I dropped in 2015 ( 1.71%)
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.
Congressman Baird vows to help Lake Freeman
Congressman Jim Baird (4th District Indiana) was re-elected to a second term. All of us on Lake Freeman could not be happier. He has been a stout advocate for the Lake. In his promise to constituents, he called the Lake Freeman situation a “Catastrophe”. He also vowed to make sure the lowering and its’ affects never happens again. A big thank you to Congressman Baird!
Did you know?
Over 221,000 mussels have died on Lake Freeman since August of 2020 due to the USFWS water release mandate.
