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
Supervisors Approve Planning & Zoning Recommendations
June 28, 2022 Dickinson County Board of Supervisors approved a recommendation from the county’s Planning & Zoning Commission to move campgrounds in areas zoned R-1 suburban residential & resort enterprise from permitted uses to conditional uses in those areas. Zoning Administrator David Kohlhaase says the move will allow for some “additional checks & balances”. At … Read more
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
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You’re in for some AMAZING artwork today in The Arnolds Park Amusement Park as Pearson Lakes Art Center hosts their annual “Art in the Park”! ... See MoreSee Less
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Eurasian Milfoil has been found in Lost Island Lake- close to home. This is a reminder that we must protect our chain of lakes for generations to come as our actions, or lack thereof, have consequences.
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💦Saturday, August 13th- Melissa Etheridge, vendors, Chalk Stock, speakers and more in celebration &’protection of our blue waters.
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#bluewaterfest #melissaetheridge #okobojiiowaWe look forward to seeing you for a day of fun & education on August 13! ... See MoreSee Less
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Clean water is key to your community. You care about clean lakes, beaches, and streams. With Iowa Water Watch from the Iowa Environmental Council, you will stay updated on important water news, ge...Comment on Facebook
In the event you missed yesterday’s boat show! ... See MoreSee Less
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Proud to assisted with starting the organization.
Annual Antique & Wooden Boat Show Is This Saturday
www.exploreokoboji.com/news/news-stories/annual-antique-wooden-boat-show-is-this-saturday ... See MoreSee Less
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The bigger picture ... See MoreSee Less
The bigger picture
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Photographer Rylan Howe next up in PLAC Speaker Series on July 28Comment on Facebook
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The Dickinson County Fair was this week! So many sights, sounds & fun to be had. Our area 4H & FFA youth & volunteers put a tremendous amount of work into this.
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What fun♥️💙
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Again a thank you to the generous people who are giving sweet memories to Okoboji 🎶
Milford Looking To Tighten Zoning Regs For RV Parks & Campgrounds
www.exploreokoboji.com/news/news-stories/milford-looking-to-tighten-zoning-regs-for-rv-parks-camp... ... See MoreSee Less
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Because, with the Covid- induced craze for camping, they don't want them the size of mini cities. Most in the SW ( and a few close by) have 400+ spaces for campers/ motor homes. What they fail to realize, is how much money 2+ people will spend....fuel, food, groceries, activities, shopping......
I’m wondering what the real motivation is? Less real estate taxes collected for campgrounds & RV Parks over commercial or residential development maybe? I don’t know…