A Prairie Gem  
 

We can make Storm Lake clear again -- and keep it that way -- with a concerted effort.

More than 30% of the lakeshore is in public land. None of Iowa's natural lakes have more public access. More than 170,000 people use the lake every year from across the region. To keep them coming, we need to save the lake.

  
     
   
   
The Urgent Concern  
 

is Storm Lake's depth and water quality have been deteriorating since the last dredging in the early 1960's. In the summer of 2000, the lake was only two feet deep in many places, and only six feet deep in areas previously dredged. Boats could not sail. Lake-based trade dried up with it.

Storm Lake is among 156 water bodies in Iowa to make the US Environmental Protection Agencies list of "imperiled" streams and lakes because of siltation.

  
   
We Can Choose to Do Nothing.  
  The result would be muddy waters and massive fish kills. We will continue to see years like 2000 in increasing frequency.  
     
   
     
The Solution - Phase 1  
  A feasibility study commissioned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources suggested dredging the lake to an average depth of 13 feet would dramatically improve water quality, open plugged springs used to feed the lake, and protect against winter fish kills.

The state is dredging 180 acres around the west inlet, where most of the siltation occurs. That is Phase 1.		  
   

Phase 2

  
 

This is where you come in.

Dredging just half of the lake to 13 feet deep will protect it for up to 300 years! It can be done over a five to ten year period.

Storm Lake, Lakeside, Buena Vista County, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the federal government have teamed up to continue lake restoration and watershed protection. Each has made a significant financial contribution. You can fill in the holes with private contributions. Storm Lake has become a statewide model for local involvement in resource protection, according to DNR Director, Jeff Vonk.

Dredging Report:
2003
  Dredging Costs
$1,511,198
  Funds Received
$1,538,000
2004
  Dredging Costs
$1,653,854
  Committed Funds
$1,679,000
2005-2008
 

Annual Operating Costs
$500,000
  Committed Funds
$109,000
  Needed Annually
$391,000

We can keep our lake
clean and beautiful!