The upper lake in Buhl Farm park is being drained and dredged because of a buildup of silt, said Pat O'Mahony, general manager of Buhl Farm Trust.

Silt is an earthy matter like fine sand that is carried by moving water.

The lake was developed by Frank Buhl around 1915 for the purpose of keeping silt and debris out of Lake Julia, O'Mahony said. The lake has not been cleaned since it was built, he said.

The lake was originally 4 feet deep but over the years the silt has built up to the shore line of the lake, O'Mahony said. The lake has become very shallow with the continuing buildup of the silt, he said.

The lake has been drained, and O'Mahony said the lake will be dredged after the cost estimates for the work come in. He said the silt also has to dry out before it can be removed.

Park officials are asking the public to stay away from the upper lake area for the duration of the work. The portion of the walking trail near the lake has been temporarily closed, O'Mahony said. He added that the park has obtained all the necessary permits to carry out the work.

O'Mahony said they hope to have the lake dredged and refilled by spring 2002.