Toolbox to Address Safety and Operations on School Grounds and Public Streets Adjacent to Elementary and Middle Schools in Iowa, August 2006

This study identified transportation safety issues at existing Iowa school sites through on-site observations, traffic data collection, and through interviews with schools, law enforcement, and traffic engineers. Frequently observed problems, such as crossing at unmarked crosswalks, unloading and loading students on the street side, inattentive student safety patrols, and illegal parking, were documented and solutions were recommended for implementation. The results of the study also conclude that regular communications between school officials, traffic engineers, law enforcement, parents, and school transportation personnel are all critical to promoting safe operations within school zones.

06034-016 Lake Colchester/Middle Creek Watershed Final Report

In-lake management can be a critical need for water quality improvement for impaired recreation lakes. Biomanipulation practices to achieve the proper balance of predatory fish, zooplankton grazing of algae, and native aquatic vegetation can sometimes restore water clarity of turbid, nutrient enriched lakes. Lakewood leaders have a renovation plan for Lake Colchester, involving several common and three innovative practices. Lakewood is prepared to pay for proven practices, but seeks WIRB grant support to test innovations in collaboration with Iowa DNR biologists, and ISU limnologists, serving as advisors and monitors for the entire project.