LAK

Thanks to joint efforts by True Ranches LLC, the Cambria Lions Club in Newcastle, and the Wyoming Game and Fish, the LAK Lake (a private reservoir east of Newcastle owned by the True Ranches LLC) has undergone an impressive transformation. The True Family has allowed access for recreation to their lake on the LAK Ranch for many years. However, over the years vandals had taken their toll. Garbage had been strewn over the area, the boat ramp and dock were destroyed, and many small roads had been cut into the landscape. Even boards had been taken out of the spillway causing loss of valuable irrigation water for the ranch. Tom Crum with the Cambria Lions Club contacted David L. True in the fall of 1993 to see if his club could begin efforts to not only try to reverse this trend but also help improve this facility. They raised approximately $13,000 in donations of money, materials and labor from businesses in the Newcastle area which have been used to grade roads and parking areas and rebuild picnic areas. Old rutted roads carved out by the public have been closed off and may no longer be used. Another $13,000 in the form of a matching grant from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department was recently used for constructing a new boat dock and ramps. This project has been a model of community effort and cooperation. Much of the work has been done by volunteers who have coordinated their plans and activities with Randy Farella, Tony Farella, Dean Johnson, and Jenny Egge.		The Cambria Lions Club has also agreed to undertake the job of keeping the lake area maintained -- a job which also calls for volunteers and additional donations. This effort is greatly appreciated by everyone with the True Ranches LLC. During the spring and summer of this year, the Wyoming Game and Fish has initiated planning for improving the fishery. Although Brown trout have existed in the lake for many decades, their population has been held very low due to crowding by non-game, rough fish. The Wyoming Game and Fish's plans call for the probable introduction of Tiger Musky (sterile) and Walleye which are very predatory. Over the next several years, these introduced fish should retard the population of rough fish and provide greatly improved fishing. Although it may be very difficult to accomplish., the long-term goal is to reach an ongoing balance between the Walleye and Browns. The LAK lake remains open to the public thanks to the True Family and the efforts of the Newcastle community. Since May of 1994, however, prior to using the lake one must obtain a no-cost access permit from either the LAK Ranch office (see below) or Hank's Hardware (see below). The Weston County Sheriff's office patrols the area citing people for not following the conditions of the access permit (i.e. littering, vandalism, or driving vehicles in unauthorized areas). Mary Campbell from the 9/30/95 True Diamond Digest
Hank's Hardware Store Not open on Sundays or certain holidays.		LAK Ranch Office Open during regular business hours during the week.