Educational signs created by IGS staff dedicated at Weber Lake

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Earth Day was celebrated at Lincoln State Park in Spencer County on April 23, 2005 with the dedication of a new trail and educational signs. The signs tell the story of past coal mining activities and the subsequent restoration process that took place around Weber Lake inside the park. IGS staff members Licia Weber, Barbara Hill, John Day, and Kim Sowder were recognized as the design and photography team who created the nine signs that now introduce park visitors to the story and the efforts undertaken by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Divisions of Reclamation and State Parks to revive the "dead" lake and restore a fish- and wildlife-friendly environment.

Weber Lake was the remnant pit from a strip coal mine that ceased operations in 1958. Since the end of mining, the pit filled with water from rain and runoff. The water that flowed across and through the tailings and debris left over from the mining operation became acidic—so much that the pH level of the lake was nearly the same as the pH of vinegar. Nothing could live in the lake. Wildlife could not use it as a source of drinking water.

In 2001, the Division of Reclamation began the reclamation process. The lake water was treated to raise the pH, the land around the lake was graded, and a seasonal wetland was created to naturally filter water entering the lake. Today, Weber Lake is alive with fish, water fowl, and other wildlife.

The IGS began working with the Divisions of Reclamation and State Parks on the creation of the sign panels in 2003, after completing a smaller, but similar, project for Turkey Run State Park. The nature trail around Weber Lake hosts the educational signs that explain each part of the reclamation process. Visitors can hike the trail and learn the story behind the scenery.

More images of the signs and ceremony...

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