[5] Water leaves the reservoir through a morning-glory-type spillway, at a height of 378 ft (115 m), with a 6-foot (1.8 m) fish screen, which is required by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

[6] An emergency spillway exists at the north end of the dam to assist during major floods.

[10] The original basin of the lake consisted almost entirely of covered vegetation along the Big Cypress Creek.

In 2014, construction finished on Phase 3a of the Keystone Pipeline which passes within 3,000 ft (910 m) of the west end of the lake.

On 27 December 2015, torrential rains caused the lake to rise to all-time highs.

During the first addition of grass carp, the lake experienced an increase in Lyngbia wollei algae, which can only be controlled with a decrease in nutrients.

[15] The lake is primarily surrounded by a cover of loblolly pines, which grow well in East Texas.

Starting in 2003, a management project is currently underway to revitalize the natural vegetation of the lake, which includes the protection of cypress trees.

During the winter, much of the bird activity dies down, however American white pelicans and Bald eagles can be seen throughout the season.