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
Bur Oak Blight 2020 Update
Bur Oak Blight continues to threaten the majestic oaks surrounding the Iowa Great Lakes. IGLA has kept out finger on the pulse of treatment options to save the trees anchoring shoreline, producing oxygen and providing habitat to wildlife.
2020 Curly Leaf Pondweed Results
The results from the Curly Leaf Pondweed Management Program are starting to be known. Terry Wilts, Secretary of the East Lake Okoboji Improvement Corporation says, the chemical treatment on East Okoboji was effective this spring. “After the treatment, it was more than 90 percent effective when it was applied, and that was by far the … Read more
Art in the Park Cancelled Due to COVid Concerns
The Pearson Lakes Art Center is sad to announce the cancellation of Art in the Park scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2020. This was a very difficult decision for the staff and Board of Directors who organize this very special lakes area event. Art in the Park has historically, to our joy, drawn large numbers … Read more
Clay County Fair Cancelled – Mark Your Calendar for 2021
Spencer, IA Dear Clay County Fair Family: For the past several weeks, we have gathered information, talked with public health authorities, and dialogued with our partners all in an attempt to fulfill the Fair’s mission of providing a “safe family atmosphere” in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. After exploring all options, the answer is … Read more
Okoboji Event Cancelled Due to COVID-19
(Arnolds Park)– The Okoboji Foundation announced today (Tuesday) the cancellation of its “Celebrating our Founders and our Future Event” that was scheduled for this coming June 27th, due to COVID-19. In a statement, the foundation’s board of directors say they feel responsible for the safety of all their guests and wouldn’t want someone to become … Read more
Hayward’s Bay Lift Station & Force Main Project
HAYWARDS BAY LIFT STATION AND FORCE MAIN PROJECT by Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District The Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District has started a project to create more capacity for the center core system of the Sanitary District’s collection system. This project includes a new lift station that will be located north of the intersection of Lakeshore … Read more
University of Iowa Hydrology Report – Flooding in the Iowa Great Lakes
Click here to view the study. High water levels in 2018 promoted the Iowa Great Lakes Association (IGLA) to engage the University of Iowa’s Institute on Hydroscience & Engineering Department’s Dr. Larry Weber to evaluate and present options to prevent further devastation to the environment, personal property and the recreation/tourism industry that drives the economy … Read more
Celebrate Earth Week with Sticks Fundraiser
The Iowa Great Lakes Association is excited to announce a fundraiser with business member Sticks. If you’re not familiar with this Iowa business, here’s their story: Sticks Object Art & Furniture was started by Sarah Grant (Big Spirit Lake resident) in 1992. Since then, Sticks has received national acclaim for their distinctive line of furniture, … Read more
Spring Flooding in Iowa
Frozen soil, melting snowpack, and additional precipitation this spring are the cause for devastating flooding in many communities across the state of Iowa and in neighboring Nebraska. Thousands of Iowans have lost everything as their homes, businesses, and livelihoods have been swept away by floodwaters. As the Missouri and Mississippi rivers continue to experience extreme … Read more
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