The construction of the dam filled up several small lakes and highly productive river transition and wetland areas, and due to its fluctuating water levels, the surrounding area supports little vegetation.

However, trumpeter swans are often observed along the lake in the spring and fall.

The reservoir is the principal water storage component of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Milk River Project, which provides irrigation water to north central Montana farms.

During this time he had a cabin for summer use by his family on the shore of what became known as Sherburne Lakes (plural).

Fishing along the lake is less than spectacular, but brook trout and northern pike can be caught there.