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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Fish and wildlife and Recreation Lake Andes is a shallow, natural lake located 1n the northwest portion of the project area. It is divided by two dikes into north, middle, and south sections. In the past, the lake was widely known as an excellent bass fishery. Later, the Works Progress Administration installed a control structure and drainage outlet pipe. This was done primarily to keep the railroad grade from eroding during high water conditions. Subsequent siltation and dry years have rendered the lake marginal as a fishery and for water recreation. The lake is now excellent habitat as a waterfowl production area during normal-to-wet years. Local residents have formed the Restore Lake Andes Association, (a local action group) to promote the restoration of Lake Andes for water-based recreation. One proposal is to restore the south section of the lake for recreation by adding water, and use the middle and north sections as water- fowl production areas. Ownership of the meandered lakebed is currently in litigation between the State of South Dakota and the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Until the litigation is resolved, it was decided that recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement in Lake Andes will not be investigated. The Owens Bay Unit is part of the Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge on the east side of Lake Andes. This refuge would benefit from an additional water supply which would offset some wetland losses from project develop- ment. The State-owned Red Lake Game Production Area (GPA) encompasses 750 acres of upland and wetland type habitat. Past drought conditions have signifi- cantly reduced the wetlands habitat. An additional water supply for this area would improve and probably increase the wetlands community, con- sequently benefitting waterfowl and upland game bird production. Lake Francis Case (formed by Fort Randall Dam on the mainstem of the Missouri River) is within 6 miles of the town of Lake Andes. The various 5