The oldest man-made structure on Mississippi State University campus and former irrigation reservoir, Eckie’s Pond, was recently dained by five feet. The pond has been a quiet, peaceful place for students to relax or study.

Director of Facilities Management at MSU Dan Whatley, said that the University was advised to drop the surface level of Eckie’s Pond by five feet to evaluate the levee.

“We have reason to believe that there are some potential structural issues that need to be corrected with the levee due to tree root erosion,” Whatley said, “As well as beaver and muskrat families burrowing into the levee.”

Sarah Shank, senior journalism major, said the pond is used mostly when groups of alumni come to visit and it is also a popular place for families to take their children. She said Eckie’s pond has been special to her for a long time.

“When I was younger, around 6 years old, my aunt and uncle would take me there to play,” Shank said. “I spent a lot of time at the pond, it’s actually where my Uncle proposed to my Aunt.”

She said she and her roommates were very curious about why the university was draining the pond and they guessed that it might be due to a beaver problem. 

The pond level has been lowered as a safety precaution, to protect  surrounding areas. The university has no intentions of draining it for good.