If energy and determination are criteria for getting the state to help to restore Glade Run Lake, the Glade Run Lake Conservancy is providing plenty of examples why the commonwealth should agree to financial support for the restoration effort.

With an uncertain economy and odds stacked against the conservancy’s ability to raise the estimated $4 million needed to resolve safety issues at the popular southern Butler County recreational venue, the conservancy nevertheless has pushed forward to try to raise as much money as possible.

Fundraising has collected approximately $100,000 so far — admittedly, far short of what’s needed — but the group has not become discouraged. Additional fundraising and a public meeting set for 7 p.m. April 25 in the Mars High School auditorium are on the conservancy’s schedule.

If Glade Run’s safety issues are ever to be resolved and the lake refilled, a strong public showing for the April 25 session will be necessary — to send the message to Harrisburg that there is broad public support for restoring the lake. Under the 2012-13 state budget, funds were made available for repairing another lake in the commonwealth. With a strong, concerted push by state lawmakers who represent this county, a case could be made on Glade Run’s behalf.

One lawmaker has agreed to speak at the public meeting, state Sen. Randy Vulakovich, R-40th. But more lawmakers should show up, whether they represent the Glade Run area or not.

The conservancy’s dedication to this worthy cause must not go unnoticed by anyone who values this county’s recreational resources. But the conservancy still has a big job ahead of it — and a goal that, in the minds of many people, might be beyond the conservancy’s reach.

But if the group had any temptation to admit defeat, it would not have scheduled additional meetings and events such as the Save the Lake Benefit held March 30 at the Middlesex Township fire hall. That fundraiser brought in more than $10,000.

Meanwhile, the conservancy is partnering with teachers at Mars Centennial School to raise students’ awareness about the lake. That awareness hopefully will spill over to students’ families and the broader community.

The key is to get the notice of Gov. Tom Corbett and legislative leaders that such a resource should not go to waste.

Adding to the need for a strong showing on April 25 is the fact that a representative of the state Fish and Boat Commission plans to attend. That representative presumably could go to bat on behalf of the lake.

The lake needs all of the allies that it can muster.

Glade Run Lake Conservancy has committed itself to action. The additional $3.9 million needed represents a potentially insurmountable challenge, but with a financial commitment from the state — and possibly one from Washington, D.C. — the project could be within reach.

Conservancy leaders need to consider visits to Harrisburg and Washington to make the case on behalf of the lake. Those leaders already have proven that they have what it takes to keep the lake effort in high gear.