ELIZABETH LAKE, Calif. -- No water remains in Elizabeth Lake.
The once recreational hot spot is no longer drawing visitors to the Lakes Community.
David Hall, president of the Lakes Community Center, said he sees the negative impact the drought is having on the region.
"People don't come out to spend the afternoon at local shops and things because it looks like a war zone," said Hall.
For those living in the Elizabeth Lake community, the lake is more problematic than just being an eye sore.
"We have no lake. It's terrible. Sometimes you drive by the lake and it really smells," says resident Donna Marie Siano.
Elizabeth Lake is a "Sag Pond," which is a body of water that collects in a depression resulting from two tectonic plates rubbing together.
The U.S. Forest Service oversees a large portion of Elizabeth Lake.
Rangers say the impact of the drought on the region has not been surprising.
"The water level in the lake is very much influenced by the ground water table, so when we are in a period of drought, it's not uncommon for these lakes to dry up," said Ranger Bob Blount.
There is hope change could happen in the coming years.
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board is currently developing a plan to restore the lake.
More information about that process will be available at the Lakes Town Council Meeting on June 4.
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