Shelley Lake is a flood control lake and part of its function is to retain silt. The City is only responsible for the trail. The lake and dam belongs to Wake County. Wake County has recently conferred with NRCS regarding required dredging for recreational or aesthetic purposes, and there are no requirements to dredge for these purposes.

Just because there are not requirements for dredging, that doesn't mean it should not be done. Is the City of Raleigh really going to let a city park continue to deteriorate? If so, maybe it's time for a new mayor and city council.