A major renovation project is set to begin this spring at a popular southeast Nebraska fishing destination. The Game and Parks Commission plans to make repairs to the dam, as well as make other upgrades, at Burchard Lake in Pawnee County. Officials detailed the project during a meeting Wednesday evening in Tecumseh.
The main purpose of the project involves repairing a leak to the outlet structure in the dam, which was built in 1959, and had a life expectancy of 50 years. Tony Barada with the Game and Parks Commission says the structure was repaired once, when a leak was discovered in the early 1980s, and those repairs have allowed the life of the structure to be extended to its full life expectancy. (play audio :41)
Barada says the Burchard Lake project has been on the drawing board for several years, and has been prioritized for this year.
Similar projects in the past have required lakes to be almost completely drained and the fish to be killed. But as Burchard Lake is one of the better fisheries in the area, Barada says they don’t plan to completely drain the lake. (play audio :20)
Improvements that will be made include installing a new boat ramp, jetties, a handicap-accessible fishing pier, and improving angler access along the shoreline, in addition to making improvements to the fish habitat in exposed areas of the lakebed.
The Game and Parks Commission will get bids out for the project soon, and Barada says the timeline calls for the lake level to be drawn down this spring, with work to be completed in about a year. Barada says the nature of the work, with a lot of heavy construction equipment, will require the lake to be closed. (play audio :26)
Funds for the restoration project are coming from the Game and Parks Commission, through fees anglers pay for fishing licenses.. (play audio :30)
While Burchard Lake will be closed during the renovation project, Barada says other nearby lakes are available for anglers, including Mayberry Lake, Verdon Lake, Rockford Lake, and Kirkman’s Cove Recreation Area.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Two file to challenge local legislator
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
Support sought for fire ravaged family
USD 415 board select new member
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
LATEST STORIES
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Tuition increase by KU, others in state
KS grad requirements updated after two decades.
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
Senator Slama won't endorse candidate in legislative race
Local author brings "Broken and Chained" to Falls City Saturday
RELATED STORIES
Household Hazardous Waste Collections start Friday in SE Neb.
People Urged to Test Homes for Radon
Household Hazardous Waste Collections Set in SE Neb
Environmental Education Programs Planned at Squaw Creek Refuge
Electronic Waste Recycling Event Saturday in Humboldt
Health Alerts End at Southeast Nebraska Lakes
Driving with Earth Day in Mind
NRD Board Continues Fight Against Plant at Kirkman's Cove