I have gone to this area my entire life and seen many changes. However, the canal connecting Lake Goodwin and Lake Shoecraft is still there.
Maybe it's to allow fish migration between the lakes or maybe a way to regulate the water levels, I don't know..
I do remember, WAY BACK IN THE DAY, an average ski boat could navigate through it. (Motor up and paddled or poled on through) Back in my teenage years it started to become a struggle to get a canoe from one lake to the other. Looking at it now maybe an inflatable, paddle board, or kayak might still might make it.
Regardless, no water craft is required to locate this cache, nor is it necessary to venture into the canal.. It is located on the canal bridge at West Lake Goodwin Road.