Hamilton County Superior Court 5 grants motion to form Geist Reservoir Conservancy District

On May 13, Hamilton County Superior Court No. 5 Judge David K. Najjar granted the creation of the Geist Reservoir Conservancy District (GRCD) after years of volunteer advocacy to preserve the lake community for current and future generations.

The GRCD, sponsored by the Geist Lake Coalition, will provide dedicated, sustainable funding for the long-term management, restoration, and protection of Geist Reservoir. The reservoir, spanning Hamilton, Hancock, and Marion counties, faces ongoing challenges, including invasive aquatic plants, algal blooms, erosion, and sedimentation, that affect water quality, ecosystems, property values, and recreational use. The continued deterioration of the reservoir creates safety concerns and decreases property values both on and off the water.

The Geist Lake Coalition has organized voluntary algae treatments and cleanup efforts since 2017, funded by donations. However, the need for the GRCD has been emphasized to ensure consistent, equitable funding shared among beneficiaries.

The GRCD will enable a board of directors composed of local property owners to fund initiatives such as catch basin improvements, stream bank remediation, maintenance dredging, invasive species control, and habitat preservation while preserving recreational opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and community enjoyment.

“It has been a long road to get to this point, but we are thrilled that the GRCD has finally come to fruition,” said Cory Peter, founding member of the steering committee and local business owner. “Our mission has always been to address and uphold the longevity of Geist Reservoir. We want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who talked to neighbors, collected signatures, and advocated so that we can keep the water safe for everyone.”

Throughout the final petition process, not a single individual homeowner within the GRCD showed up in opposition to this effort over almost 18 months of court proceedings and discovery hearings. By establishing the Reservoir Conservancy District, the organization can move beyond voluntary donations to reliable funding that restores ecological balance, protects property values, and ensures safe recreational use.

To learn more, visit GeistConservancy.com.