Environmental impacts of raking or blowing leaves into the lakes:
Increased nutrient levels: Leaves contain nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that, when decomposed in water, act as a fertilizer, leading to an excess of nutrients in the lakes.
Algae blooms: The extra nutrients can fuel the rapid growth of algae, which can clog the water and create an unpleasant, unhealthy environment.
Decreased dissolved oxygen: When algae blooms die and decompose, the process uses up a lot of dissolved oxygen in the water, which can suffocate fish and other aquatic organisms.
Increased weed growth: The increased nutrients can also cause excessive growth of aquatic weeds.
Bottom sediment buildup: Leaves can accumulate on the lake bottom, creating a layer of muck that buries the natural lakebed and can be harmful to organisms living there.
The SFLECC removes about 168 cubic yards/hour of silt material. So based on the dredge operating hours averaging 37.17/week from September thru October 2025, an estimated 6,245 cubic yards of silt material (or about 446 standard dump truck loads) have been removed from the lake.
The crew is currently dredging near the Cooper Drive area and will continue into the next few weeks (weather permitting).
Over 200 people showed up to vote for 14 candidates to fill five open positions on the Board of Directors. The meeting was delayed 30 minutes to ensure everyone had an opportunity to register and vote. Approximately 75 stayed for the meeting.
Board President Carrie Woodruff opened the meeting and defined the purpose of the SFLECC and read the mission.
Jack Werner read the slate of candidates and then read the statement regarding the board member situation.
Carrie then went through the financial statement and highlighted the big savings Co-Director & Land Manager, Owen Lovvorn, realized with insurance. She also talked about the funds recouped from treating the invasive Milfoil on Lake Shafer.
Co-Director/Land Manager Owen Lovvorn gave a complete overview of field operations, including the dredging plan for both lakes. Owen also profiled the financial expenses of maintaining and repairing the dredge and excavator. Most of the attendees were from Lake Shafer and raised concerns and questions regarding operations.
Carrie Woodruff then thanked those board members whose 2 terms were ending: Lindy Karberg, Tracey Linder, and herself, and gifts were given.
A period of Questions and Answers followed with most of the concerns being about aquatic vegetation and SFLECC/DNR’s roles in controlling it. Dredging concerns were also mentioned specifically in areas of Big Monon/Bedford Bay, Penrod Dr, Snow Ditch, and Lane Ditch. The Silt Committee is drawing up a 3-year plan to address dredging areas.
At this point, the meeting concluded, and votes were counted by the Nominations Committee. After counting over 200 votes, the SFLECC welcomed 5 new Board Members: Joe Bauer, Todd Lemen, Mike McGuin, Kathy Rokita, and Rick Stetler. Thanks to all the candidates for running and members for attending the SFLECC Annual Meeting.
From the White County Notification System: Recently there have been concerns regarding the possible presence of blue green algae in areas of Lake Shafer. Reports of a blue green coloration and film on the lake have been received locally as well as at the state level. At this time, it is advisable to use precautions around areas of discoloration. Avoid boating or swimming in affected areas. Children and pets should especially avoid coming into contact with the water as they are more vulnerable to ingesting the water. Anyone coming into contact with the lake water should be sure to thoroughly shower with clean water and soap immediately following contact. Water should not be swallowed.
Congratulations to Daniel Holihan on winning the Brand New Yamaha JetBlaster from Tall Timbers Marina! Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s SFLECC Waverunner Raffle!
The Annual Meeting of the Shafer Freeman Lakes Environmental Conservation Corporation will be on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 at the SFLECC Office – 514 S Railroad Street Monticello, IN 47960. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Five Board of Director positions will be filled at the meeting. Please ask about responsibility pertaining to a Directorship.
If you are qualified and interested in becoming an SFLECC Board of Director Candidate, please fill out the form below and return by July 16th, 2025 to info@sflecc.com or mail to SFLECC Attn: Nominations Committee, PO Box 372, Monticello, IN 47960.
Just a reminder that Shorefront Licenses are now due and you can pay for a Standard Shorefront License here. All Association, Commercial, Easement, and Specific Shorefront Licenses can only be paid by mail or by phone at this time. Thank you & Happy June!
Maintaining our dredging equipment is a top priority. In January 2025, our dredge and fuel barge were removed from Lake Shafer for maintenance. The dredge motor was sent to northern Indiana for a complete rebuild and returned to our garage on April 21st and is now back in the water. It should serve us for another 7–8 years.
While the motor was being repaired, our dredge crew worked on refurbishing the barge base, including scraping and applying a rubber sealant to prevent leaks. They have also been busy running our excavator to move silt in our retention ponds and installing new chains and other parts to ensure optimal performance.
Dredging areas for the 2025 season include locations north of 8289 N Kiger Dr on Lake Shafer, progressing downriver toward N Barekman Ct. The 12-inch dredge pump will remove sediments brought down from the Tippecanoe River. Please be aware of the pipeline and buoys marking the dredging zones, which are within Idle Zones enforced by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
🛠️ Fuel Barge Maintenance
The fuel barge was also removed for repairs, including stabilization spuds. All maintenance has been completed, and it’s back in the water alongside the dredge barge.
🌿Invasive Vegetation
Eurasian watermilfoil was found in Lake Shafer last year and was successfully treated with ProcellaCOR. An Invasive Vegetation Committee was created last fall and will continue to monitor and plan next steps. In the off season, they attended a conference to learn more about invasive aquatic vegetation. More information on invasive species identification and what you can do to treat and stop the spread of milfoil is available on the website under Aquatic Vegetation info. SFLECC would like to thank the businesses, organizations and homeowners that have donated to SFLECC’s efforts in eradicating Eurasian watermilfoil!
🐟 Fish Stocking
In March of this year, we stocked 2,700 6-8″ Largemouth Bass in Lake Freeman and 2,700 of the same in Lake Shafer, all thanks to a grant from NiSource/NIPSCO. Happy angling!
🌿Cleanup Crew
Two seasonal employees for our Cleanup Crew have been hired again this year. These positions start in mid-May and run through August. The Cleanup Crew operates on Lake Freeman and Lake Shafer using pontoon boats marked “SFLECC.”
To report large floating logs:
Call SFLECC at (574) 583-9784 to submit a work order.
If a tree is still attached to the shoreline, it cannot be removed due to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources regulations protecting fish habitats.
Please be patient; our crew is addressing tickets in the order received.
How you can help:
Mark hazards with an empty milk jug.
Pick up smaller floating debris in your area.
Do NOT dump leaves, grass clippings, or any hazardous materials into the lakes.
Your voluntary purchase of Clean Lakes Stickers helps offset Cleanup Crew expenses. Each set includes a discount card for local businesses.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our lakes clean, beautiful, and safe!
Yesterday was a beautiful day to put some fish in the lakes! Thanks to NIPSCO, Herman Brothers Fisheries, and Indiana DNR, we were able to put about 5,400 6-8″ Largemouth Bass into Lake Freeman and Lake Shafer.
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