In 1994, the lake was treated to kill the rough fish. It was restocked and two aeration systems were installed to prevent winter fish kills.

Today, Valient said, the lake has a healthy fish population of walleye, northern, crappies, sunfish and bullheads.

“It’s a real success story,” Valient said. “It’s amazing how much conservation work can be done by a rural community when they put their mind to it.”

The annual Lura Lake Fair is a chance for parents to bring their kids fishing, take free pontoon rides and participate in other activities. It’s also a major fundraiser for the association, which holds raffles and gets donations from businesses.

The group has purchased 293 acres of farmland along the Blue Earth River near Winnebago and is purchasing an adjacent 72 acres of virgin ground that has never been plowed.

The land is loaded with wildlife and native vegetation, Brush said. Plans are to create a canoe launch and trail through the area.

Looking out over the full campground and kids and adults fishing from the shoreline, Putnam admits the success has been more than any of them expected.

“To be honest, I never thought it’d get this big. But it gets bigger and bigger each year.”