S.C.L.I.A. History
In 1984, concerned with the presence of weed and algae growth in the lake, a group of Shipshewana lake residents began meeting to discuss options for lakequality improvement. A task force was formed in 1988 to focus on identifying and filling out lake improvement forms. As a result of this task force a grant was received from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake Enhancement proram to fund a feasibility study of Shipshewana Lake. The International Science and Technology Institute completed the study in 1989, and the LaGrange Park Board agreed to improve the Shipshewana Lake Park.
In 1988, Indiana voters headed to the polls and approved a lottery referendum by a 62% majority. Six months later, the Indiana General Assembly ratified the Lottery Act and Governor Evan Bayh signed it into law. The Lottery bill promised $2.4 million to Indiana Lottery Grant for Shipshewana Lake cleanup. Between 1990 and 1992, the cleanup project was suspended due to promised lottery funds never being received.
Between 1992 and 1998, SCLIA continued water quality testing and planning for the restoration project. In 1997, a permit was obtained to complete dredging of Shipshewana Lake. In 1998, shoreline stabilization was completed and dredging began. Dredging was completed in 2000. Also in 2000, testing for E.Coli began.
In 2001 SCLIA organized the first Goose Round-up in an effort to reduce the goose population on Shipshewana Lake. Goose round-ups are organized every few years, keeping the goose population from getting out of control.
Utilizing funds from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program, eleven acres of the lake were treated for invasive weeds in 2006. In 2007, the entire lake was treated for invasive weeds species through a LARE grant. Unfortunately, LARE funding was diverted by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2009 and treatment for invasive weeds was discontinued.
