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February 26, 2025
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host a public information open house Wednesday, March 12, to share a draft plan for decommissioning Hall Lake Dam, which is located in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Barry County.
The meeting will run 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hastings Public Library, 227 E. State St. in Hastings. DNR staff and project team members will be on hand to discuss the draft plan or any environmental concerns related to the lake and surrounding area. People will have opportunity to ask questions and provide comments throughout the two-hour period.
For those who can't attend the open house, a copy of the draft plan and a public feedback form – open through March 19 – are available online. Find links to both at Michigan.gov/YankeeSprings.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's Dam Safety Unit classified the Hall Lake Dam as a significant hazard dam. This means that if the dam fails, loss of human life is unlikely, but economic damage, environmental harm or disruption to essential services downstream are probable. Most funding for this project will come from a recently awarded EGLE Dam Risk Reduction Grant.
"The DNR has listened to the public feedback about maintaining recreation on Hall Lake, and has been working with EGLE and our design consultant on a solution that would address the dam deficiencies while still preserving an outdoor recreation lake experience at a new, lower lake elevation," said Joe Jandernoa, park manager.
Public input is a valuable step in the planning process. Community members, park users, anglers and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend the open house or provide feedback via email.
Before the original earthen dam was installed in 1964, Hall Lake was a natural lake about 8 acres in size with a maximum depth of 6 feet. The development of Gun Lake Road initially raised the water levels of the lake. In an effort to reduce winter fish kills, a water-control structure was added in the mid-1960s that raised the lake’s elevation approximately 6 more feet.
State inspections over the last few years identified the need for further repairs, prompting the DNR to explore options for addressing the dam's condition, while considering potential environmental and recreational impacts.
For more information about Yankee Springs Recreation Area or the March 12 open house, contact Joe Jandernoa at 269-795-9081 or JandernoaJ@Michigan.gov.
An accompanying image is available below for download.
