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Last updated on Wednesday, May 24, 2017
(MONROE CO.) - Beaches are submerged at Lake Monroe at both Fairfax and Paynetown putting a damper on the upcoming holiday festivities.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says recent rains and river levels downstream has resulted in high water at the reservoir.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun releasing water from the dam, but it will take some time for the water level to decrease.
Because those conditions won't change anytime soon, the DNR says Lake Monroe's beaches at the Fairfax and Paynetown state recreation areas will remain closed during the holiday weekend. All boat ramps remain open at the 11,000-acre lake (although some ramps may have reduced access to courtesy docks due to high water). All other facilities are open.
Follow their Facebook page for updates on when the beaches will open for the season.
The primary role of Monroe Lake is to provide flood control to downstream areas. Recreation is secondary. Officials understand that closed beaches are an inconvenience, but please remember that flooding our downstream areas creates much more than just an "inconvenience" to the people who live, farm, and work along lower Salt Creek. Protecting those people and properties comes first.
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