The tiny town of Marshall is grappling with the legal implications of a mysterious new lake

New lakefront property has appeared southwest of Spokane. But it’s not necessarily the homes that are new – it’s the lake.

Since 2017, the residents of tiny Marshall have watched as 45 acres of rich wheat land began to transform into a wetland. Today, the locals call the flooded field along Gardner Road, replete with cattails, ducks and algae, Marshall Lake.

Following the idyllic Marshall Creek as it winds along yards, between fields and fences, and along railroad tracks building a long ecosystem, it’s hard to recognize any problems.

During the summer, up to 25% of the creek is used by locals for irrigation, to feed ponds and wells. It is home to abundant wildlife, according to the Spokane Conservation District.

For more information: The tiny town of Marshall is grappling with the legal implications of a mysterious new lake