In 1934, the state of Ohio, working with the Civilian Conservation Corps, a federal Depression-Era jobs program, built what has become known as Churn Creek Lake. This small reservoir was built to provide a continuous supply of water for CCC Camp Adams, which was located nearby. The reservoir, however, was also meant to help bring about a return of the forest's wildlife, offering a watering hole for white-tail deer and other animals who might find it difficult to survive during periods of draught. This reservoir along with the others built throughout the forest were also part of the state's plans for forest fire control, again providing a reliable source of water for firefighters.

This CCC small lake was built in what was once known as Nellie Sutton Hollow, whose waters flow into Churn Creek, a tributary of Blue Creek. Thanks to photographs taken during its construction, we know the lake was built by Co. 584, one of the forests four, all African-American companies of CCC enrollees.