Friends of Lake Monroe recently announced the second Lake Monroe Day will be celebrated Sept. 17.

County commissioners from Monroe, Brown and Jackson counties have issued proclamations declaring Sept. 17 to be Lake Monroe Day.

These proclamations acknowledge the importance of Lake Monroe to the community, the steps the community has taken to protect Lake Monroe and the work of Friends of Lake Monroe, according to a news release from Friends of Lake Monroe.

Lake Monroe has been used as a drinking water source since 1967 and currently provides drinking water to more than 130,000 people. It also generates more than $40 million in economic impact annually in the region from recreational tourism. Lake Monroe and its adjacent wetlands also provide habitat for wildlife, including the bald eagle.

Friends of Lake Monroe is organizing several events in celebration of Lake Monroe Day and invites the public to join the nonprofit organization in celebrating Lake Monroe on Sept. 17 and surrounding dates.

Friends of Lake Monroe formed to protect and enhance Lake Monroe and its watershed through science, advocacy and public involvement, working collaboratively with citizens, government and business to improve and support lake water quality.

For information, contact Iris O’Donnell Bellisario at 812-508-6811 or [email protected].