In 1933, F.W. McCauley donated 60 acres to Kansas Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, and another 780 acres was donated to the state by F.W. Kinney in 1934. The State then purchased an additional 14 acres in 1935 for a total of 854 acres. The dam was built between November 17, 1933 and April 1, 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. A monument and plaque commemorate the Corps and four individuals who died during construction. Finney State Lake and Wildlife Area is located in Northeast Finney County approximately 8 miles north and 2 miles west of Kalvesta, Kansas. The property is managed as a combination wildlife and fishing area. Fishing opportunities only exist during high rain fall years. Located in the mixed grass prairie of west-central Kansas, the area sits along a tributary of the Pawnee River. Approximately 660 acres are in native grasses and, when there is adequate rain fall, approximately 120 acres of surface water. The remainder is cropland or food plots and riparian vegetation. Starting in 2012 the lake bottom was planted to wheat and will eventually be planted to alfalfa. Currently there is water in the lake. Crops will be planted in the lake bottom that is not flooded. Hunting: The entire property is open to public hunting. Finney Wildlife Area offers excellent populations of mule deer, white-tailed deer, pheasant, doves, cottontail rabbit, coyotes, raccoon, and, when water is present, ducks and geese. There is a small water hole located in the northern part of the property on the west side of the creek and trees.