Restoring experiences, traditions and connections through infrastructure 

For more than four decades, the lake at Camp Carol Joy Holling in Ashland, Nebraska, has served as a gathering place for campers and guests, and provided opportunities to fish, explore, learn, and connect with nature. Since its construction in 1981, it has been an integral part of the camp experience and a backdrop for countless memories. 

Over time, however, the lake faced a challenge common to many aging water resources: sedimentation. Years of accumulated sediment had reduced the lake’s storage capacity by an estimated 61%! Not only had that affected the water quality and aquatic habitat, it also had limited recreational opportunities.

It was time for rehabilitation. “This project has been on our list for 30 years,” shares Jason Gerdes, Executive Director at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, the organization that owns the property and leads camp. “As soon as we put the dam in back in 1981, we knew we’d start collecting silt from our neighbors, and each time that would happen, we would lose a little bit more of the lake.” 

Rehabilitating for today and tomorrow 

Addressing the lake’s issues required more than routine maintenance—it called for a comprehensive vision that balanced environmental stewardship, long-term sustainability, and user experience.  

From the beginning, our team served as a trusted partner for the entire process. We helped Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries secure $300,000 in funding from the Nebraska Environmental Trust to support the project’s implementation—helping the vision move from planning into design and construction. 

Once design began, the effort focused on restoring both the ecological function of the lake and its role as a community asset. “The process presented several challenges,” says Trevin Rezac, Water Resources Engineer. “We evaluated rehabilitation versus replacement of the principal spillway. We also managed lake drawdown while maintaining camp operations and safety. Every decision required careful consideration.” 

Sediment removal, habitat enhancements, and water quality improvements were paired with expanded recreational features, including new walking trails and improved fishing access. The goal was not simply to restore what had been lost, but to create a stronger, more resilient resource for future generations. 

A critical component of the project involved planning for the future. Infrastructure improvements to the principal spillway will extend the life of the existing system, while new sediment management features, including a sediment forebay and upstream control dams, were incorporated to reduce sediment accumulation and simplify long-term maintenance. 

Rezac continues, “By working collaboratively with the owner and project partners, we were able to develop solutions that balanced immediate needs with long-term performance.” 

Projects like this highlight an important principle: successful water resource management is not just about solving today’s problems; it is also about creating systems that continue delivering value for decades to come. By integrating ecological restoration, recreational enhancements, and proactive infrastructure planning, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can maximize both environmental and community benefits—for today and tomorrow. 

A community celebration 

The project’s vision became reality when the restored lake officially reopened with a ribbon-cutting celebration on April 27, 2026. The event marked more than the completion of a construction project; it represented the renewal of a signature location at the camp. 

As Gerdes shared during the celebration, “This reclaimed lake will be a resource for our campers and guests for generations to come. We’ll gather around this beautiful space for recreation, relaxation, and connection with creation.” 

The restored lake stands as a reminder that infrastructure investments can have impacts far beyond their physical footprint. When designed with purpose and stewardship in mind, they strengthen communities, support natural resources, and preserve the experiences that bring people together. 

At Camp Carol Joy Holling, the lake is once again ready to serve as a vibrant centerpiece of camp life. More importantly, it is positioned to continue creating opportunities for generations to come.