The Little Blue NRD has a new 160-acre state recreation area that features a 75-acre, spring-fed lake east of Ohiowa.

This spring, the Lone Star Recreation Area was formally dedicated and officially opened, with 90 local and state officials and area residents in attendance.

The $1.9 million project features, in addition to the lake, 13 recreational vehicle pads (seven with electricity, six without), boat ramp, beach, floating dock, foot bridges and 11,700 feet of trails.

The following entities combined for $1.45 million in contributions toward Lone Star construction: the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources through its resources development fund, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Little Blue NRD estimates the project will provide $152,958 annually in flood control and recreation benefits.

The recreation area is located four miles east of Ohiowa or six and one-half miles south of Milligan. The drainage area for the reservoir, located on a tributary of the Little Sandy Creek, covers 5,536 miles.

The Lone Star name comes from a one-room country school once located near the site of the lake. Lone Star District 41 opened in 1873 and closed in 1964.