Today marks a pivotal moment for Lake Conway as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) opened all gates at the lake’s dam, signaling the the next phase of an extensive renovation project. This significant step aims to revitalize the 75-year-old lake, a central Arkansas gem, addressing long-standing ecological and infrastructural challenges.
Ben Batten, AGFC Deputy Director, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “With the new spillway, the need for the annual winter drawdown to accommodate heavier rainfall will be eliminated, allowing the use of much more lake area from November through March”.
The project is expected to take up to five years to complete and involves completely draining the lake to implement necessary improvements. With the gates open, the lake’s water level is anticipated to drop to about 257 feet above sea level, approximately 6 feet below normal pool. This reduction follows a 3.5-foot drop since the first gate opening in September, with a further 2-foot decrease expected.
In an interesting twist, the AGFC has introduced a special “Item Removal Permit” to regulate the collection of objects from the lakebed during the renovation. Batten noted the community’s interest in this unique opportunity, saying, “We’ve already seen a few people walking around on the lakebed since the water level has dropped…” The permit requires adherence to specific guidelines, including restricting access to sunrise to sunset, prohibiting motorized vehicles, and allowing only hand tools for digging. All disturbed areas must be restored to their natural state daily, and removal or disturbance of archaeological or historical artifacts is strictly forbidden.
This project marks a new chapter for Lake Conway, promising to enhance both its ecological health and recreational appeal, securing its legacy for future generations.
