LINCOLN (NE) August 26, 2015 - The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD) has begun drawing-down the level of Cottontail Lake, one mile north of Martell. A contractor will begin making improvements to the lake's boat ramp when the draw-down is completed.

Cottontail will remain open to fishermen, campers and hikers during the project, however the boat ramp, according to NRD Resources Coordinator Dan Schulz, "will not be usable once the draw-down is completed." Schulz said, "We plan to lower the lake by about four feet, so the contractor can install improvements to make the boat ramp more usable during times when the water level at Cottontail is low." A $40,000 game funds grant to the NRD from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is helping to pay for the work. The grant will also help fund planned improvements at the NRD's Red Cedar, Merganser and Wild Plum lakes.

Cottontail is a popular spot for campers, fishermen and anyone wanting an outdoor experience close to Lincoln. It is one of the NRD's eight flood-control lakes that are also managed for recreation. More information about the NRD lakes is available at lpsnrd.org, then click on Recreation.