The Winona Lake Preservation Association has received a grant from DNR’s Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program for a project on Winona Lake in Kosciusko County. The project will include a temporary closure of the public access site and ramp on the northwest side of the lake for about four weeks starting on Sept. 11.

The project involves the removal of sediment that has accumulated over time at sites on Winona Lake. The sediment will be removed by hydraulic methods, and affected areas will be restored to historical depths. Three areas will be dredged using State and association funds.

Extreme caution should be exercised when boating on Winona Lake during the dredging.

During this project, a hydraulic dredge and pump line will be present. Due to the location of the dewatering basin, pump lines will be located at or near the surface of the lake and may stretch completely across the lake. The lines should be marked with buoys. Orange buoys mark the only location where lines can be safely crossed by watercraft.

A portion of funding for this project comes from annual LARE fees paid by registered motorboat owners and from the Winona Lake Preservation Association.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.

Media contact: Doug Nusbaum, Lake and River Enhancement Program restoration biologist, DNR Fish & Wildlife, 260-244-6805, DNusbaum@dnr.IN.gov