WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Your generosity will contribute to the cost of the flood study, whose recommendation will provide lake level management, help prevent flooding, protect high water damage to shorelines, docks, lifts and hoists.
Who We Are
The Iowa Great Lakes Association, or IGLA, was found in 2008 as a nonprofit 501(c)4 environmental organization existing to protect, preserve and enhance the Iowa Great Lakes.
IGLA is a multi-issue organization that strives to be an active influence in promotion for environmental health and quality of life in the Iowa Great Lakes region. We support organizations whose environmental missions include protection of the Iowa Great Lakes watershed area.
What We Do
The Iowa Great Lakes Association supports clean water efforts as well as other environmental and social initiatives to protect the quality of life for those in the Iowa Great Lakes area. Click on a topic below to view our video updates and learn more about our work.
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Featured News
Proposed Campground Draws Protest
It was standing room only in the April Dickinson County Board of Adjustment meeting as a 174-site campground was proposed at the Woodlyn Hills Golf Course. One of the developers of the proposed campground, Brian Schmidt said this would fill a void in our community. Neighbors voiced concern over public safety, noise, aesthetics, traffic and … Read more
Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been detected in almost all of Iowa’s 99 counties, including Dickinson County. The emerald ash borer’s larval stage is responsible for the damage that leads to the death of its host. The larvae’s feeding under the tree bark, eventually damaging the tree’s ability to transport moisture and nutrients from the soil … Read more
Gillnetting Season
Gillnetting has started on the Iowa Great Lakes. Mike Hawkins, Fisheries Biologist with the Iowa DNR, stated that the process for Northern Pike is already underway. Netting Walleye & Muskies are slated to begin in a week or so. Gillnetting allows for the harvest of eggs to be hatched and delivered throughout the state to … Read more
SF2312 Threatens Environmental Groups & Landowners
Many must have been wondering whether there was something in Iowa’s water on March 4, 2019. That morning, thousands of Iowans from all corners of the state and with little notice, moved and spoke as one. In the weeks prior, email accounts, text messages, and social media were buzzing with rumors of a concerning proposal … Read more
Bur Oak Blight Continues to Plague the Lakes
(Des Moines)– The only oak species that is native in all of Iowa’s 99 counties is facing some disease issues. The D-N-R’s Tivon Feeley says they are seeing a lot of Bur Oak Blight, which is a fungus that appears on the leaf. He says Burr Oak Blight numbers have been “kind of fluctuating,” and … Read more
DNR Updates Impaired Waterways List
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources seeks public comment on its updated lists of Iowa’s impaired waterways, including several bodies of water within Dickinson County. Emerson Bay, West Lake Okoboji Lower Gar Center Lake Diamond Lake Little Spirit Lake Pleasant Lake Little Swan Lake Silver Lake Little Sioux River Prairie Lake Both Marble Lake … Read more
Melissa Etheridge Headlines Blue Water Festival
The Okoboji Protective Association announces Melissa Etheridge to headline Blue Water Fest. One of rock’s most enduring and favorite female singer-songwriters will headline the evening concert at this summer’s Okoboji Blue Water Festival on Saturday, August 13. Melissa Etheridge – the artist with the raspy, smoky voice who has remained one of America’s favorite performers … Read more
Proposed Silver Lake Development Stirs Controvery
A public hearing regarding a developer’s request to rezone land from Highway Commercial to Resort Commercial was held on Monday, Feb. 14th’s Lake Park City Council meeting. Seth Hellinga is proposing to build 63 cabins on the south side of Silver Lake. Water quality, safety, boat volume, noise and aesthetics were concerns posed by the … Read more
Lower Gar – City of Milford & County Continue to Work on Agreement
The Milford City Council met Monday, February 14th and reviewed a proposed agreement with Dickinson County pertaining to the Lower Gar Outlet, saying they want changes made to it. Supervisor Tim Fairchild informed fellow supervisors of the matter at the Tuesday, February 15th supervisor’s meeting. “They want to go to a 25-year maintenance agreement. They … Read more
IGLA Donates to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
IGLA started 2022 with a $30,000 contribution to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation [INHF] helping to purchase the 50-acre Bedell property and its 2000 feet of pristine East Lake Okoboji shoreline. Adjacent to Elinor Bedell State Park, the 50-acre tract will never be threatened by development, thus preventing the installation of potentially 200 boat slips … Read more
Photos from Drone Photographs by Tom Gustafson's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Kristina Brockhoff
Cody Heath
Wow
Wow
Kayla Jacobs
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URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
250 PM CDT Sun Jun 12 2022
HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 9 PM CDT MONDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 104 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central and southeast South Dakota, northeast Nebraska and northwest and west central Iowa. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Yankton Sioux Tribal Nation.
* WHEN...From 1 PM to 9 PM CDT Monday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. ... See MoreSee Less
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This is both disturbing & disheartening! ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Comment on Facebook
We might need to better understand what is expected from the DNR. I don’t fish for carp, but have been told never to put them back into the lake. Leave them on land to die, because they are a nuisance. Chances are, these were left behind by a well intended person. And, they’ll likely be consumed by other wildlife. I’m not a fan of this, it’s just what I’ve been told.
Buffalo run is worse. The stink and flies rancid
Not all Dickinson County residents have a voice. IGLA is that voice.
Join our mission of PRESERVING & PROTECTING the Iowa Great Lakes at www.IAGreatLakes.com.
#iglaprotects #iowagreatlakes #iglapromotes #cleanwateriowa #cleanwater #environmentalism #protectingourlakes ... See MoreSee Less
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Sand Hill Cranes in a pasture on the Emmet/Dickinson County line. This marsh is generally home to Canadian Geese and the occasional pair of Trumpeter Swans passing through. What a sight!
#CleanWaterIowa #iowagreatlakes #protectokoboji #keepokobojiblue #iglapromotes #iglaprotects ... See MoreSee Less
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Is this the same pair that had two volts last week.?
Colts not volts
Kim Schnepf-Watts
Amazing!
Turtles are on the move right now, and they're STUBBORN. That's because they're looking for gravel to lay eggs, sometimes near the road, unfortunately. 🐢 Here's how to help and how to *not* anger a snapper:
If you see a turtle trying to cross the road and it's safe for you to do so:
🐢 pick up the turtle with both hands (with gloves if you have them) by the shell, and from behind. Do NOT pick up a turtle by its tail - it can cause spinal damage.
🐢 for snapping turtles, you may want to just encourage it across the road rather than picking it up. If you do pick it up, grab the snapper by its back legs with its head facing AWAY from your body. Trust us on the "away from your body" part.
🐢 always move the turtle in the direction it was already moving. Otherwise, it will just try to cross again after you leave. We said they're stubborn, remember? Do not take the turtle to a different location, and especially not home with you.
🐢 if the turtle is sitting in gravel, leave it be, as it's likely nesting.
🐢 wash your hands thoroughly after handling a turtle. ... See MoreSee Less
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Free fishing days this weekend!Tell your friends you're taking them fishing this weekend - Iowa's free fishing days! 🎣
Iowa residents can try fishing without buying a license on June 3, 4 and 5 (all other regulations remain in place). It's the perfect time to introduce friends and family to Iowa fishing!
Find a place to fish: iowadnr.gov/FishLocal
Regulations & more info: iowadnr.gov/Fishing ... See MoreSee Less
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Dakota Prohaska Dylan Prohaska
Dickinson County Courthouse 2022. Honoring those who gave their all for the freedoms we enjoy.🇺🇸
#iglaprotects #iglapromotes #iowagreatlakes #CleanWaterIowa #protectokoboji #keepokobojiblue #memorialday2022 ... See MoreSee Less
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Always looks beautiful...👌
Check out this progress! Arnolds Park Amusement Park is ready for Memorial Weekend! ... See MoreSee Less
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The look and overall ambience of the Park is wondrous. Thank you for the design and construction of this step back in time and lovely invitation to laugh.
Great job ❤️❤️
Deb Hoogendoorn
Here’s a “snap” of a whopper of a snapping turtle!You smile for the camera when it's #WorldTurtleDay!
You wouldn't know by looking at this one, but newly hatched snapping turtles are about the size of a quarter! As adults, they can weigh up to 40 pounds, with a shell of eight to 15 inches long. (The one in the photo was 33 pounds, if you're wondering.)
More cool things about Iowa's snapping turtles: bit.ly/2YRUwOn ... See MoreSee Less
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Where was this lovely discovered
How old do you estimate this one to be?
Ribbon cutting & bike ride to celebrate the Tatanka Ska Trailhead!🚴
#dickinsoncountytrails #iglapromotes #iglaprotects ... See MoreSee Less
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Help the Keep Okoboji Blue endowment with your purchase of this NEW West O Beer!💦🍺Come to West O Beer Saturday, May 21st from 2-4pm to celebrate and taste the new beer for Keep Okoboji Blue. Beer sales will help raise funds for the endowment! Cheers! ... See MoreSee Less
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