(Spirit Lake)– The Iowa Great Lakes watersheds will be the focus of a detailed study being made possible by a number of local, state and federal agencies.
Jim Frederick of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is heading up the study. He says it will serve as a living document incorporating things that have already been done to protect and improve the watershed and lakes. He says it will provide a baseline as to where we’re at and incorporate new ideas on what can be done to enhance the lakes.
Frederick says input from the various lakes area protective associations will also play an important role in the study.
Frederck says the assessment will take about a year and-a-half to complete. He says the goal is to be able to use the assessment to apply for section 319 EPA funds in April, 2007. Frederick says that could lead to another full-time person coming to the lakes area to help coordinate efforts to better protect the lakes.
Funding for the watershed assessment is being made possible by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Dickinson County Water Quality Commission.
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