Big Indian NRD Recreation Area

Located 6 miles East of Odell, Nebraska

http://nrdrec.org/area.php?image=big_indian

http://www.lbbnrd.org/Recreation/rec_map.htm

Big Indian Lake Improvement Project Completed

Public Site Showing - June 11, 2011, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Big Indian Archery Range

Big Indian 11A dam, originally constructed in 1972, was complemented with recreation facilities in 1974.  The Big Indian Watershed Community-Based Planning Process and lake renovation project essentially began in 2007 when the Big Indian 11A watershed was listed on the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality’s Section 303(d) list of impaired water bodies for phosphorus loading and sedimentation.  Through the cooperation of landowners, operators and stakeholders within the Big Indian 11A watershed, a Big Indian Watershed Management Plan was created.  The plan established land treatment and water quality goals, and allowed the NRD to secure funding from federal, state and local agencies for both in-lake improvements, and for additional conservation work within the watershed.

Today, as land treatment work continues, the lake renovation project is complete.  An emergency helipad, three sediment dikes, four maintenance breakwaters, nine in-lake breakwaters, and fish shoals and scallops have been constructed.  Among other changes, visitors to Big Indian Recreation Area will notice improved shoreline stabilization, improved access, a new boat ramp, boat dock, handicap-accessible restroom, additional and improved camping areas and a new beach and swimming cove protected by breakwaters.