Lake Harper during its highstand reached an elevation of 658 metres (2,159 ft) above sea level,[1] had a surface area of 255 square kilometres (98 sq mi)[2] and was inhabited by cyprinid minnow,[1] molluscs and ostracods.

[4] Harper Lake contained water and a natural marsh into the early 20th century when agricultural development began to deplete the groundwater that sustained its level.

The lake and marsh wetlands attracted large numbers of migrating birds and supported a variety of resident desert wildlife in the oasis habitat.

After the bankruptcy was resolved, the concerns of Edwards Air Force Base regarding bird strikes and other bureaucratic issues halted restoration progress.

Up to 75 acre-feet (93,000 m3) of water per year will be managed by the BLM and transferred to the lake as part of the mitigation agreement for solar field expansion.