Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference 2017

AUTHORS: Rebecca M. Krogman, Iowa Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Almost $10 million is spent annually in Iowa on lake and reservoir restoration by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, an investment matched by local funds and personnel in communities across the state. Restoration locations are not simply publicly-owned waterbodies, but the communities around them; success and failure depend upon a combination of social, physical, and biological factors that can make a community a viable choice for investment. In addition to community engagement, social factors include the current value of the waterbody and the potential for growth in recreational and commercial draw. Physical and biological characteristics affect project feasibility and shelf life, as well as project priority. Early in the lake restoration program's history, many of these factors aligned for select lakes, which were identified as "low-hanging fruit" and targeted for restoration. More recently, optimal project selection is less obvious and is guided by an evolving prioritization process. Some lake and reservoir restoration projects, whether completed or in progress, have revealed important lessons to guide future decision-making. Case studies of these projects will be presented and discussed, along with recommendations for improved decision-making.