1016-010 Iowa Great Lakes Watershed Final Report

Part of a phased approach, an intensive information and education program, construction of erosion control practices, and sediment control on construction sites is proposed. These proposed practices will manage sediment runoff and nutrient runoff on agricultural and urban areas. Sediment control “structures” such as waterways, wetlands, modified terraces, grade stabilization structures, sediment basins, and rain gardens is proposed and will be combined with nutrient and pesticide management and reduced tillage to reduce non-point source pollution. A reduction of 15% of the sediment and phosphorus delivered to a water body from priority areas will be looked at as a success in this short-term project focused primarily at education within the project area which is also, for the most part, the top 25% sediment load producing sub-watersheds. In addition, four urban areas have been identified as part of this project as needing immediate assistance. A combination of urban and agricultural conservation practices, shoreline revegetation, and education of landowners will be used to achieve these results on both the urban and the agricultural arena.

05028-010 Urban Watershed of Dickinson Cty Lakes Final Report

The Dickinson SWCD is applying for $486,800 over three years from the Watershed Improvement Fund to enhance water quality in Dickinson County through an impairment-based, locally directed watershed improvement project dealing specifically with storm water runoff. The LID Project will provide a cost share incentive and technical expertise to individual and business owners in specially targeted districts who are willing to implement low impact development techniques such as rain gardens, bioswales, pervious paving to reduce storm water runoff from their properties. Goals for the project include: 1) Defining and prioritizing urban watersheds in the Iowa Great Lakes region for implementation of Low Impact Development Practices; 2) Providing technical expertise in the form of a graduate assistant/project manager to design and oversee construction; 3) Continuing public education of such practices and their local existence through project kiosk, brochures, County Naturalist programs, local cable television shows, tours and other interactions of the Clean Water Alliance with its 50 partners in the area concerned about water quality; and 4) Completing 125 separate projects over a three year period.

A preliminary study of dredging programs, benefits, costs, and effects for eight Iowa lakes, 1974

This report is a study of the costs, benefits and impacts of dredging programs for eight Iowa Lakes: Backbone Lake, Black Hawk Lake, Blue Lake, Five Island Lake, Lake Manawa, Mill Creek Lake, Rock Lake and Silver Lake. The studies were done by Economics Research Associates (ERA) and Engineering Consultants, Inc. (ECI) and was commissioned by the Iowa General Assembly to assist in determining public policy with respect to the dredging of the subject lakes.

Descriptions of Water Quality Parameters for Lakes in the Ambient Lake Monitoring Program

This fact sheet summarizes the water quality data collected as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources ambient lake monitoring program.

Lake Darling: A Snapshot of Success, 2006

Before improvements were made, a number of factors were hurting the water quality in Lake Darling and driving people toward other lakes.

GIS Mapping: Creating Solutions for Rock Creek Lake, 2004

Rock Creek Lake is at risk. The centerpiece of Rock Creek State Park in Jasper County, Rock Creek Lake offers visitors a range of recreational opportunities, including the second busiest campground in Iowa and great fishing. However, many different factors are threatening the lake. Action is being taken to improve the lake for today’s visitors and to preserve the lake for future generations. GIS mapping is helping to make those improvements possible.

DNR Interactive Mapping: A tool for Iowa Agriculture, 2006

The planning tools you need to improve both your farming operation and Iowa’s streams and lakes are right at your fingertips. With DNR interactive mapping online, you can access a large amount of information for free and without special software.

Repairing the Impaired: Two Iowa Success Stories, 2005

More than 200 lakes, streams and rivers are on Iowa’s impaired waters list. Pollutants prevent these waters from supporting aquatic life, or from being used for drinking water or for full body recreational contact, like swimming. While improving Iowa’s water quality may seem a daunting task, two southern Iowa lakes show that it can be done.

Brushy Creek Lake: Improving Our Lake for the Future, 2006

While the quality of water in Brushy Creek Lake is currently adequate, a number of factors in the watershed (the surrounding area that drains into the lake) could put that water quality at risk. Sediment from the large watershed could fill in the lake and affect water clarity. Nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, could cause algae blooms and other problems. Without preventative measures, potential manure and chemical spills could harm aquatic life in the lake. Using conservation farming practices and building structures like wetlands will work to maintain and even improve the lake’s water quality. Taking steps now to implement these critical practices will help prevent water quality problems, preserving water quality for future generations.

Restoring Our Pride in Badger Creek Lake, 2006

For years, Badger Creek Lake has been a source of pride for people living and farming nearby. Today, as the quality of water in the lake declines and new residents move to the area, the people of Badger Creek Lake need to maintain and renew that pride by improving their lake.

Cedar Lake Watershed Project, 2004

For years, Cedar Lake has been there for the Winterset community, providing drinking water, offering recreational opportunities, teaching students outdoors lessons and giving wildlife a home. With water quality a serious concern, it is now our turn to be there for the lake.

A Return to Clear Creek, 2006

At one time, Clear Creek lived up to its name. Originally set among the prairie and oak savannah of the Iowa River valley, legend has it that early settler and Johnson County sheriff Samuel Trowbridge gave the creek its name because of its pristine waters. However, the stream’s natural protections began to weaken as more settlers moved into Iowa. Over time, the prairie disappeared, livestock trampled streambanks, the creek was dredged and straightened, wetlands were drained and urban areas began to take their toll.

Project AWARE 2006 Iowa River, 2007

This monthly report from the Iowa Department of Transportation is about the water quality management of Iowa's rivers, streams and lakes.

Intensive Watershed Investigations at Iowa Beaches, 2005

This monthly report from the Iowa Department of Transportation is about the water quality management of Iowa's rivers, streams and lakes.

Year 5 Accomplishments, 2005

This monthly report from the Iowa Department of Transportation is about the water quality management of Iowa's rivers, streams and lakes.