Cleaner water for The Iowa Great Lakes
This information was posted December 2011.

INHF is seeking private support to help complete several land protection and restoration projects that are expected to significantly improve water quality in West Lake Okoboji.

When fully restored to wetlands and prairie, the new natural areas will filter much of the silt load entering West Lake Okoboji from one of the most damaging subwatersheds. This will reduce nutrient loads of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are blamed for causing blue-green algae in the lake.

Area fisheries and wildlife — from butterflies to migrating waterfowl — will also benefit from improvements to habitat.

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are the lead project partners. The land will be opened for public recreational use when the projects and restoration are complete.

Details about the locations and plans for these projects will be shared with the public soon.


 

 
 

Boats along an Iowa Great Lakes shoreline in Dickinson County. Photo by Mark Ackelson.

You can help 

Private donations are needed to complete these projects and open the land for public use. Gifts or pledges should be made through INHF.

For more details about how to direct support for a specific land protect, contact INHF's Anita O'Gara by e-mail or at 800-475-1846, ext. 18.