30 Nebraskaland • April 2022
ocated south of Emerald, Conestoga State Recreation
Area is one of 11 Salt Valley Lakes built around Lincoln
in the 1960s and 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. The dam on Holmes Creek that created the
reservoir was completed in 1963. The 230-acres lake and 486
acres of land around it were leased to the Nebraska Game
and Parks Commission in 1965.
Like the rest of the lakes in the area, it was an excellent
fishery when it was new, and a popular camping spot. But
time took its toll on the lake and sediment inflows from the
watershed and shoreline erosion, caused by wind-driven
waves, powerboating and ice, had consumed one-third of its
original volume. Water quality declined, algae blooms were
common, and the amount of lake capable of supporting fish
had declined. Considering carp and gizzard shad made up
most of the fish population in the lake, anglers had little
reason to visit. Some campers still did, enjoying a new RV
campground built in 1999. And speed boats and jet skis still
zoomed around the surface. But many found other places to
go.
Enter the Commission's Aquatic Habitat Program. The
lake was lowered in 2014 and work on the $8.6 million
project, the biggest in the program's 25-year history, began
in 2016 and was completed in 2018. The lake was deepened,
and structure was added to attract and support fish. What
anglers and campers see, however, are the numerous features
built to improve fishing access and protect the shoreline.
A new kayak launch includes a wheelchair accessible
dock equipped with a transfer system that allows
people to easily get in and out of their crafts. They
can then slide down ramps into the water and, after
a paddle, pull themselves back onto the dock with
handrails. The launch is equally popular with children,
seniors, and anyone else who wants to hit the water
without ever getting their feet wet.
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