We live in a part of the Midwest where good lake fishing is not as readily available as in some close-by states. That’s one of the reasons that Badger Lake was built in 1965. As the centerpiece of John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, it has served our county well for a variety of recreational purpose including fishing.

Now the lake needs major renovation so it can be enjoyed for many decades hence. The undertaking has been named the Badger Lake Restoration Project and will proceed if the Webster County Board of Supervisors approves a bid for the project at its Aug. 16 meeting.

The investment needed to complete this necessary enhancement of the lake will amount to no more than $250,000. It will be mostly financed through the Conservation Trust Fund. A $63,000 Water Quality Grant from the state will also help pay for the Badger Lake project.

This work on the lake is necessary. According to Webster County Conservation Director Matt Cosgrove, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has found that the lake has lost a “significant number” of its game fish population during the winterkill. The work involved will include silt removal and shoreline protection, Cosgrove said.

There was considerable enthusiasm for this project displayed at a public hearing about the endeavor held during a recent Board of Supervisors meeting. The Messenger shares that sentiment and urges the board to give this restoration effort final approval next week.

Badger Lake is a tremendous asset to our county’s park system and should be kept in top shape.

This lake is a joy for fishing enthusiasts and others who engage in recreational pursuits on it or nearby.