(KAIR)--Now that the decision is reached to retain the Atchison County Lake despite recent County Commission consideration of a sale, a committee is formed to oversee the lake property going forward.

That comes following two heavily attended, recent public comment sessions held by the Commission, with input from County residents overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the lake as County-owned property.

3rd District County Commissioner Casey Quinn says appointed Lake Committee Chair Ian Saxton, last week, presented the Commission with an overview of progress being made, including the crafting of a mission statement and the appointment of committee members, a communications director, a wildlife and conservation representative, construction and maintenance representative, and a wildlife and conservation representative. The goal, Quinn says, is to increase public awareness, encouraging community use, securing funding, and leading efforts in repair, maintenance, and enhancement of the lake and it surrounding environment. The committee aims, Quinn adds, “to make the lake a thriving hub for recreation, wildlife, and community pride, now and for generations to come.”

The Commission, following the public hearings and the collection of additional input and information, voted unanimously to retain the property, despite the original goal of seeing it placed back on the tax rolls.