U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District’s Monroe Lake celebrated its 60th anniversary on Oct. 24, 2024. A reception was held at the tailwater area beneath the dam, where visitors had the opportunity to speak with sponsors, view photo boards, take a self-guided hike on the dam and listen to speakers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District, U.S. Forest Service, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Monroe Lake was constructed by the Louisville District in 1964 for the primary purpose of flood risk management. Since becoming operational 60 years ago, the reservoir has provided more than $124 million in flood risk management benefits to downstream communities. While Monroe Lake’s primary purpose is flood risk management, other authorized purposes include water supply/water quality, fish and wildlife management and recreation.
Louisville District Natural Resource Specialist Tyler Blankenship spoke about USACE’s role in the management of Monroe Lake over the past 60 years and emphasized the importance of the project.
“We are stewards of the land, and we need to protect it for future generations,” said Blankenship.
The Director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Daniel Bortner, spoke on how important the lake has been to him throughout his life, as well as to the many Hoosiers who rely on it not only for recreation but also as a source of drinking water for residents of Bloomington, Indiana.
“With reservoirs such as Monroe Lake, Hoosiers enjoy the benefits of reduced flooding, a more ample supply of drinking water, and beautiful places to explore," said Bortner. "Whether you work for IDNR, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or the U.S. Forest Service, we want to say thank you for everything you do every day to help make Monroe Lake such a special place for Hoosiers and our guests across the country. We’ve been at it now for 60 years, and we’re just getting started.”
Here’s to 60 more years, Monroe Lake—or, as the locals would say, Lake Monroe!