Hamilton Lake Association

Black Creek Walk August 4, 2010

HLA members Al Byers, Bill Martins and Bill Dillon, accompanied by DNR representatives Kent Tracy and Kayleen Hart walked the Black Creek from its mouth back to the five locations which were stabilized by Willams Creek Engineering and Construction on a state LARE grant awarded last year.  In partnership with the HLA, the state provided $51,000 of the $68,000 project to help stabilize the banks of Black Creek in order to diminish the amount of sediment and tree branches and tree trunks which flow into Hamilton Lake during periods of high water, especially in late spring. 

This stream alternates from a quiet and bucolic little brook in late summer to a raging powerhouse after a three or four inch spring storm which follows the break up of accumulated winter ice.  One wonders what geologic forces created the Black Creek drainage area as many sections of its banks are as much as thirty-five feet high with snakelike curves from its mouth to the source.  Surely, the HLA and state of Indiana could have spent five times as much and still had a problem with this tough little stream, but it is clear that the work done was done well and the log supports and hundreds of willow trees planted behind them will in time strengthen the banks.  It was a very good beginning.

Business Donors Recognized

Twenty-nine area businesses and civic organization have so far contributed to the 2010 Hamilton Lake Association fund-raising efforts.   Please check them out on our page entitled BUSINESS DONORS and please do support and patronize them.

It has been stated repeatedly that this year has reflected both unprecedented needs and unprecedented financial commitment by the HLA.  At this time, although donations are still trickling in, the association stands $39,000 short of being able to pay the $165,000 weed control bill which, by all accounts, has once again turned Hamilton Lake from a very weedy and tricky body of water to navigate in May to a marvelous place for summer enjoyment.  Anyone who spent time on the lake over the Independence Day weekend can attest to that. 

Again, additional funding is sorely needed for the HLA to pay for this transformation and we hope that every lake area property owner and every business which profits from the presence of this beautiful lake will come forward and help.  If you have not yet made your contribution, check our "Membership" page for details and remember that the cost of maintaining Hamilton Lake goes on year after year and requires a year after year commitment from the lake community.