Join us on Thursday August 6 for an evening pontoon cruise on Lake Monroe. We will depart from Two Herons Marina at Cutright State Recreation Area for a 75-minute cruise focused on volunteer water quality monitoring. Learn how to use a secchi disk, explore how water temperature changes with depth, and examine aquatic microorganisms under a microscope.
Believe it our not, 2026 marks the 10-year anniversary of Friends of Lake Monroe! What started as a small Facebook group has grown into an accomplished organization that has made great strides in protecting Lake Monroe. We hope you will join us for our 5th annual Lake Monroe Day Celebration on Sunday, September 13. More details and ticket sales coming soon!
Did you know that Lake Monroe was constructed primarily for flood control? The reservoir is designed to hold water after large storm events to prevent flooding downstream on Lower Salt Creek and East Fork White River. This protects towns like Bedford, Shoals, and Petersburg. They may feel far away but they are directly downstream.
Of course, holding water in the lake means high water levels that can lead to closed beaches, inaccessible boat ramps, and even flooded roads. It is not uncommon for beaches to remain closed on Memorial Day and into June, especially in recent years. B-Square Beacon recently published an article looking at historic water levels in the lake and concluded that water levels at the end of May this year were the fourth highest historically. Water levels are currently around 549 feet, 11 feet above normal pool. The beaches at Fairfax and Paynetown will likely remain closed well into July.
Wondering where to get water level updates? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently updated their water level page to show both the water level and how much water is currently being released. Another useful site is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It shows what infrastructure is impacted at various water levels and also forecasts how water levels are likely to change over the next few days. You can also follow the DNR Monroe Lake Facebook page for regular updates on water levels as well as information about their events around the lake.
Cost-Share Project Update
Work continues through the Lake Monroe Watershed Conservation Cost-Share Program. It has been a pleasure talking with farmers and homesteaders across the watershed. One recent site visit was to The Goat Conspiracy Sanctuary & Retirement Home.
The farm began with a vision of providing local, sustainable goat cheese and other products. A few years ago, they transitioned to become a retirement home for goats and chickens. (They do still offer goat yoga and other events for those who need a little farm time.)
Even without the production aspect, they still have all the challenges associated with raising animals - providing clean drinking water, raising healthy forage for the goats to eat, minimizing soil erosion from animal activity, and managing the manure the animals produce. We are currently working with them on designs for a watering system that will make it easier to rotate animals around their pastures. Animal rotation helps pasture recover faster and it encourages the animals to graze more evenly (instead of just chowing down on their favorite plants.)
If you know a farmer or landowner who might be interested in improving soil and water management on their property with a pasture rotation plan or another type of project, please direct them to watershed coordinator Maggie Sullivan at watershed@friendsoflakemonroe.org or 812-558-0217 for more information.
Get Involved with Lake Monroe Day!
Want to help us plan our Lake Monroe Day Annual Celebration? Contact committee chair Lisa Townsend at lisat@friendsoflakemonroe.org to get involved! The event is scheduled for Sunday September 13.
Want to volunteer in a different way? Contact our volunteer coordinator, Keith Bobay, at volunteer@friendsoflakemonroe.
Become a Member!
Friends of Lake Monroe depends on members like you to keep our organization strong. Join today to help us keep the lake drinkable, swimmable, and fishable. Individual membership is only $25 annually.
