Bardwell Lake still considered ‘mess’ 2 months after flood

Bardwell Lake is back down to its summer conservation pool level of 421 feet, meaning lake officials have now opened two boat ramps for daily use. But that doesn’t mean visitors shouldn’t take precautions still.

Dubbed a “mess” and a “flood of record,” Bardwell Lake was completely closed in June until Aug. 7, because of torrential rainfall between Memorial Day and the week of June 16, said Mike Stegall, the Bardwell Lake manager, in a previous article. The lake is one of 23 out of 25 lakes in the district at flood stage because of more than 10 inches of rain in the past month.

Now Love Park and Little Mustang boat ramps are free and re-opened for the public, Stegall stated in an email.

“We are still urging visitors wear their life jackets and be safe and observant when operating on the lake since submerged trees and other hazards may be present,” stated Stegall, who is also part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s Fort Worth District.

High View, Mott, and Waxahachie Creek Parks are still closed , but lake officials are are working diligently to try to re-open some campsites in High View for the Labor Day weekend. The High View Marina is hoping to re-open near next Tuesday, he stated., adding the lake’s re-opening is being coordinated with High View Marina concessionaires.

Officials also plan to re-open Mott boat ramp at about the same time as High View Park. However, Waxahachie Creek Park will remained closed because of extensive damage.

“We hope to be able to re-open it for next summer’s recreation season,” he stated.

For more information about the lake or parks that have re-opened, visit http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/bardwell or call 972-875-5711. For further coverage of the lake’s closing, visit www.waxahachietx.com.