High Lake Channel Dredging Project Update

Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College is underway with the High Lake Channel Dredging Project, an effort to improve water flow and increase boating access through the channel to High Lake.

Contractors arrived on site on September 23, 2026, and began preparations. Dredging began on September 27, following authorization under the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Water permit.

As of the end of last week October 16, approximately 1,200 feet of the channel had been dredged, with about 2,000 feet remaining. Contractors are taking this week off (October 19-23)  and plan to resume work next week, with the goal of completing the project by the end of October.

Weather, staffing, and site conditions may affect the project schedule.

Update 10/23/2026: Our permit has been extended, allowing dredging work on the High Lake Channel to continue through November 15, 2026.

Contractors may remain in the channel and continue working on the project through that date.

How the Project Works

McCullough Excavating and Silt Removal is conducting the dredging operation using a barge and excavator. The barge was launched near the South Gate of the Luckey’s Landing portion of Merry Lea’s property.

Sediment is being removed from the channel by excavator and transported by barge to the launch site. It is then unloaded into trucks and hauled to a designated disposal area on Merry Lea property.

The disposal site is located across the lane, accessed through Mark East’s property, on the west side of the Shew Track of Merry Lea’s property. This is the same area used for sediment disposal when the channel was last dredged approximately 30 years ago. The disposal area will remain closed to the public while the project is underway.

Residents and visitors may notice increased equipment and vehicle activity in and around these areas during the project.

Project Funding and Community Support

In 2025, Merry Lea received estimates for deepening and widening the High Lake outlet channel [Site 1, above] and began the process of securing a contractor for the work.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources awarded Merry Lea an $80,000 Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) grant toward the sediment removal project. The remaining project cost is being shared by Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College and the High Lake community.

Merry Lea has pledged $24,000 toward the project and is seeking an additional $24,000 in community contributions to fulfill the community’s share of the cost. Donations are tax-deductible.

Community Fundraising Progress

Community match goal: $24,000
Total received: $18,035
Number of donors: 27
Remaining to reach the goal: $5,965

We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to this long-awaited improvement. Community donations are still welcome, and every contribution helps meet the community’s commitment and improve boating access to High Lake.

To donate online, click the link below and select the designation as “Merry Lea – High Lake Channel Dredging Community Match.”

Donate Now!

For any questions, please reach out to Mark East at High Lake or Freya Berntson at Merry Lea.

If paying by check, please write “Merry Lea – High Lake Channel Dredging Community Match” in the memo line and mail it to:
Advancement Office
Goshen College
1700 S Main St.
Goshen, IN 46526