Let's hope lake problem can be fixed, and soon

Some things we take for granted until they're taken away.

In this case, it's the water in Hugh Butler Lake, backed up by the Red Willow Dam, which is being inspected after tension cracks were discovered in the dam's earthen embankment last fall.

To find out what's going on, plan to attend a public meeting with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation next, week, Feb. 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Community Building on the Red Willow County fairgrounds.

A number of reclamation officials will be on hand to provide information and address questions about the dam that the public may have.

Water is already lost for this year's irrigation season and probably for next year as well. To avoid possible further damage, officials have drawn the water down to about 2,550 feet in elevation, the lowest it's been since 2002, the depths of the most recent drought.

The irrigation water is a serious loss, of course, but the lost recreational opportunities are important as well.

The Red Willow State Recreation Area has been on the upswing, with improved facilities and added activities, such as sandcastle contests and a new archery range as well as the traditional fishing and casting contests.

Coupled with the other "Prairie Lakes" of Enders, Cambridge and Swanson reservoirs, Hugh Butler Lake is an important attraction for those enjoying water sports and camping.

Let's hope the problem can be fixed, and the lake filled again as quickly as possible.

Can that happen? The best way to find out is to attend Reclamation's meeting a week from Thursday.