Iowa Lake Restoration

Iowa Lake Restoration

Hickory Grove Lake in Story County, IA has experienced numerous of water quality problems. Sedimentation in arms of the lake impacts recreation, while surface run-off has led to gully erosion, debris, and nitrogen spikes in samples collected from the watershed. Additionally, the lake's beach is listed as impaired due to high concentrations of indicator bacteria. While the fishery remains relatively healthy, invasive carp have adversely impacted aquatic vegetation, which in-turn affects water quality. To address these concerns, the County Conservation Board and the Iowa Department Natural Resources initiated a plan to restore the lake through conservation practices placed within the watershed above the lake and within and along the edges of the lake itself. EOR Iowa assisted the County Conservation Board and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on several project components, primarily wetland delineations of the various project components, and protected-species habitat assessments services. Additional services include assisting with the obtaining local approval for the various project components.