(Okoboji)—A water quality enhancement project the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is proposing for Jemmerson Slough will be the topic of an informational meeting Monday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.
DNR officials say the 190 wetland acres comprising Jemmerson Slough has become degraded due to excessive numbers of rough fish, static water levels, excessive nutrient and sediment loading, and other factors.
Officials say the project is intended to return ecological health to Jemmerson Slough so the system once again releases clean water to West Lake Okoboji and other downstream basins.
They say it will also improve habitat for many species of resident and migrant wildlife.
The project is being done in phases. The first was completed in 2006 and involved installing water control structures and drawing down water levels on two basins in the complex.
Phase two, scheduled for completion this fall, will consist of de-watering the basin, removing rough fish, replacing an outlet culvert with one that will allow adjustments to water levels; and installation of a pump system that will allow for the removal of water that won’t gravity-flow through the culvert.
Officials say all necessary precautions will be taken during the project to prevent turbid water from reaching West Lake Okoboji and other downstream waters.
