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LATEST ISSUE
With the potential to adversely affect the Iowa Great Lake's tourism industry & economic livelihood, Eurasian Watermilfoil is another invasive species that required swift action. Lake protective associations, cities and civic groups worked in concert to address this threat in a timely & thoughtful manner. IGLA has sponsored this Public Service Announcement to make residents aware that this threat is being taken seriously and addressed by a diverse group of community leaders.
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
City of Milford Contributes to Eurasian Watermilfoil Fight
(Milford)– Another governmental entity has voted to set aside funds in the battle against eurasian watermilfoil on the Iowa Great Lakes. The Milford City Council Monday evening voted unanimously in favor of a motion by councilman Andy Yungbluth… “I’ll make a motion that we take $6,000 from the Water Quality Commission remaining money this year, … Read more
County Supervisors Unanimously Approve Emergency Allocation to Battle Eurasian Watermilfoil
9/6/2022 KUOO Radio (Spirit Lake)– We told you several weeks ago about eurasian watermilfoil being found in several of the Iowa Great Lakes. The invasive plant was discovered nearly a month ago in Upper and Lower Gar, East Lake Okoboji and Lake Minnewashta. Terry Wilts of the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation told the Dickinson County … Read more
DNR Discourages Swimming at Emerson Bay Due To Bacteria Levels
Spirit Lake, IA (KICD 107.7 Radio)– A public beach in the Iowa Great Lakes has a swimming advisory headed into the last weekend before labor Day. The Iowa DNR does periodic tests at public beaches, and the last test on Wednesday indicates a higher than normal level of E Coli bacteria at Emerson Bay on … Read more
E. Coli Levels Alarming on Big Spirit Lake Beach
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the water concentration of E. Coli on Crandall’s Beach on Big Spirit Lake has surpassed the capabilities of DNR test kits. The beach registered more than 24,000 viable bacteria. This is 10 times what is considered unhealthy. Rapid bacteria growth may be due to recent summer temps or … Read more
Okoboji Blue Water Festival
The Okoboji Blue Water Festival has fast become an Okoboji summer tradition. Join fellow lake lovers this Saturday, August 13 for a full day of fun along the shores of our majestic lakes. Schedule of 2022 Festival Events • 8 AM-Chalkstock • 8:30 AM-James L. Pease presentation “Connecting Wildlife and Water Quality” • 9:30 AM-Kid’s … Read more
RV Parks & Campgrounds in the News
IGLA has been monitoring the number of proposed campgrounds at both the county & city level in our area. Here are headlines from the past 6-months. People are paying attention.
Iowa DNR Treating Eurasian Watermilfoil in Iowa Great Lakes
SPIRIT LAKE – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil is growing at multiple locations in East Okoboji Lake, Upper Gar Lake, Lake Minnewashta, and Lower Gar Lake in Dickinson County The Iowa DNR Aquatic Plant Management team monitors 153 sites at the Iowa Great Lakes each year. Each site is visited … Read more
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
Photos from Dickinson County Sheriff's Office - Iowa's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Hope that whomever did it is found and harshly punished!
Maybe they stop charging for tire disposal this wouldn't happen
Disgusting…
Check out this magnjficent new sign at the Dickinson County Nature Center!🍂🍁 ... See MoreSee Less
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I saw it when driving by. It is beautiful!!
Very pretty..noticed it right away and love it!
I Love it!!! Definitely catches your eye.
I saw it on the highway....sure draws your attention. Beautiful!
Beautiful. Thank you Nowaybe near future a light on it for night.
Lovely!
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Swift action has been taken to address yet another invasive species wreaking havoc on the Iowa Great Lakes- Eurasian Watermilfoil. Thanks to the Dickinson County Supervisors, various lake protective associations. civic groups, local municipalities and the Iowa DNR this aquatic invasive species is being addressed in a timely manner before it adversely affects tourism & life/business along our chain of lakes.
Working together to protect & preserve our natural resources for generations to come.
IAGreatLakes.com
#eurasianwatermilfoil #iowagreatlakes #iglaprotects #iglapromotes #invasivespecies ... See MoreSee Less
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This time the park REALLY means it when they say on the sign "Point of No Return"!
www.visionAIRydrone.com ... See MoreSee Less
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That is an understatement! Great photo!
More so now than ever!!!
Did you get a board?
Kathy Spengler
Love
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Inspiring young minds! ... See MoreSee Less
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MILFORD CONTRIBUTES TO FIGHT AGAINST EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL
Another governmental entity has voted to set aside funds in the battle against eurasian watermilfoil on the Iowa Great Lakes. The Milford City Council Monday evening voted unanimously in favor of a motion by councilman Andy Yungbluth…
“I’ll make a motion that we take $6,000 from the Water Quality Commission remaining money this year, $6,000 from Hotel/Motel Tax, and $6,000 from our Lost Tax, create a new item for our budget for eurasian milfoil treatment.”
Bill Van Orsdel of the Iowa Great Lakes Association complimented the council on taking the action…
“The other thing that no one has talked about is that it’s just in East Lake. I mean we want to erradicate it in East; it’s not in West or Spirit. If it gets into West and Spirit, you’re not talking $150,000, you’re talking maybe up to a million dollars to treat it. So that’s how important and urgent it is to erradicate it today. And so that’s what this money is for. I want to compliment you on setting an example for the rest of the cities. The Board of Supervisors surprised me by putting forward $85,000 toward this expense and I think it’s wonderful. The fact that what you’re doing tonight is wonderful because it sets an example for the rest of the cities and Dickinson county because everybody needs to participate. And so I want to thank you for what you did tonight and I think if we’re lucky we’ll get out of this for only $350,000 or something close to it.”
There are known infestations of eurasian watermilfoil on Upper and Lower Gar, East Lake Okoboji and Minnewashta Lake.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is in the process of procuring a special herbicide to treat the infestations. The treatment process is expected to get underway very soon and will continue through the upcoming winter with the herbicide being applied by drilling holes through the ice. An emergency treatment was made to an area near a boat ramp on Upper Gar prior to Labor Day Weekend.
- ExploreOkoboji.com 103.9 KUOO Radio
IAGreatLakes.org
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Going to be some really cheap property for sale up there on east and west if they don't get this under control.
The Iowa Great Lakes Association is very pleased to see entities from throughout Dickinson County work in concert in a rapid response to assist Mike Hawkins and the Iowa DNR in raising $350,000 to treat and eradicate the Eurasian Milfoil that has been found in The Iowa Great lakes….see the KUOO Campus Radio article below:
Dickinson Co. Supervisors Approve Emergency Allocation To Battle Eurasian Watermilfoil Infestations On Several Of The Iowa Great Lakes
9/6/2022
(KUOO Radio 103.9 FM Spirit Lake)– We told you several weeks ago about eurasian watermilfoil being found in several of the Iowa Great Lakes. The invasive plant was discovered nearly a month ago in Upper and Lower Gar, East Lake Okoboji and Lake Minnewashta. Terry Wilts of the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation told the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors today (Tues.) some emergency chemical treatments were done just days ago on a little more than two acres near a boat ramp on Upper Gar, where the weed has become prolific…
“The optics of the Okoboji lake system having a boat ramp closed over Labor Day didn’t look great, and so an emergency treatment was performed there.”
Now, Wilts says they’re looking to expand the treatment to other areas already being heavily impacted by eurasion watermilfoil, at an estimated cost of $335,000. $75,000 of that will come from lake restoration funds from the state, with another $75,000 from marine fuel tax revenue; and $50,000 each from the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation and the Okoboji Protective Association. The group today (Tues.) requested the county kick in the remaining $85,000 that’s needed. Bill Van Orsdel of the Iowa Great Lakes Association expressed the urgency and magnitude of the situation referring to an infestation on Lake Minnetonka which has shut down a major part of that lake in the twin cities area…
“I want to say how serious this is. This will shut the lake down. Minnetonka was not able to move as quickly as we are able to move and there are parts of Minnetonka you cannot get a boat through. This is equivalent to a high water disaster, and if we don’t nip it in the bud right now, we’re going to have the same problem right here. It’s going to take money. We’ve got the solution, we need more money.”
Mike Hawkins, a fisheries biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, told the supervisors experts he’s consulted with are confident the treatments will work, but he added there’s no guarantee of re-infestations in the future…
“We have an opportunity for a quick strike to possibly eliminate it. It could be reintroduced, you know, quickly, but we’ve got a good track record at least here of keeping it out. The other possibility is that it’s in other locations that won’t get treated already, but I think the department and all of our partners that have been working on this, are willing to take that chance. That was unanimous with the working group, good representation across the drinking waters, the cities, the Chamber of Commerce, we’ve got a county representative that sits on that as well, a good group of folks. It was unanimous to try and make this attempt.”
Supervisor Tim Fairchild said eurasian watermilfoil and other invasive species are likely going to be an ongoing issue and recommended the county take a longer-term approach…
“I think it would be very foolish of us to fund this one time and think that we’re going to get away with this. I think it’s going to have to become a budgetary item.”
Hawkins added he’s concerned about the weed spreading to other lakes in the area, such as West Lake Okoboji, Big Spirit and Silver Lake near Lake Park, which so far, are not infected. He reminds boaters it is illegal to transport a boat with weeds on it, adding boats must be cleaned, drained and dried.
Pointing out the serious economic ramifications on the lakes area, the supervisors voted 5-0 to approve the emergency $85,000 allocation. Work on the erradication will be getting underway in coming days. Officials say time is of the essence.
Meanwhile officials say the infestation appears to be much worse than first thought in some locations. Hawkins made reference to a boat pulled out of the water over the weekend near Parks Marina that he says had a lot of eurasian watermilfoil on it.
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Excellent efforts by our area leaders! Great to see a collaborate and proactive effort to preserve and protect our beautiful lakes. Thank you!
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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
I love these birds. Beautiful!
IGLA member Kuhlman Lake Service & Welding, Inc is celebrating their 15th anniversary of being on the lakes this weekend. Stop by today from 10-12 to enjoy grilled hot dogs, chips & blue water margaritas!
#iglapromotes #keepokobojiblue #iglaprotects #iowagreatlakes #cleanwateriowa ... See MoreSee Less
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Dr. Weber conducted a study of our watershed. Truly an extraordinary scientist!We are excited to announce that Larry Weber, the Edwin B. Green Chair in Hydraulics and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, accepted a three-year appointment as Director of IIHR-Hydroscience and Engineering. Welcome back, Larry! University of Iowa College of Engineering Iowa Flood Center Iowa Watershed Approach ... See MoreSee Less
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Spirit Lake, IA (KICD)– A public beach in the Iowa Great Lakes has a swimming advisory headed into the last weekend before labor Day. The Iowa DNR does periodic tests at public beaches, and the last test on Wednesday indicates a higher than normal level of E Coli bacteria at Emerson Bay on the Southwest corner of West Okoboji. The other three beaches on West lake – Gull Point, Pike’s Point, and Triboji – all tested normal.
Earlier this week the Department of Natural Resources had issued a warning to swimmers and their animals at Crandall’s Beach on the Northwest corner of Big Spirit Lake, where state lake and beach monitoring coordinator Daniel Kendall said the E Coli level was – in his words – “Off the Chart.” The test Wednesday indicated those levels came down.
Fisheries Biologist Mike Hawkins says the toxin level on Big Spirit tested high this week as algae is starting to die off at the end of the summer, but the most recent test shows that level is safe again too. Hawkins says algae is present in most Iowa lakes, but is only monitored by the state where there are public beaches.
IaGreatLakes.org
#iowagreatlakes #keepokobojiblue #igla #iglapromotes #iglaprotects #emersonbay #westlakeokoboji ... See MoreSee Less
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So how is this being treated so our lakes are safe to swim in?
It's always something other than Agriculture related!
Or Millers Bay?
Greg Janicek
Nicole Mohning
I read that
go test Miller's Bay . . .
Isn't this where they do that thing where boats tie up together?
What about Terrice Park beach?
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🦨They’re out foraging for food to plump up for winter. Let’s give these little stinkers space & they’ll do their job.
#iglaprotects #iglapreserves #dickinsoncountyiowa #protectokoboji #cleanwateriowa #keepokobojiblue #iowagreatlakes ... See MoreSee Less
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Tami Stemler-Johnson