By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Department of Agriculture has awarded more than $450,000 in cost-share funding to nine conservation districts for projects aimed at improving water quality in eight publicly owned lakes.
The funding, announced August 5, will help private landowners implement conservation practices such as planting cover crops, installing sediment control basins, and creating grassed waterways.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said these projects will help ensure the lakes remain vibrant, healthy, and accessible. “They significantly enhance the quality of life for many Iowans and provide valuable recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat,” he said.
The funding is part of the Publicly Owned Lakes program, administered jointly by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This year’s allocation is more than double the amount awarded in 2024.
The largest share — over $133,000 — was directed to Three Mile Lake, managed by conservation districts in Union and Adair counties, which has seen ongoing restoration efforts in recent years.
Other lakes benefiting from the funding include Hawthorn, Pleasant, and 12 Mile lakes, as well as Lakes Miami, Icaria, and Geode. DNR Director Kayla Lyon called the investment “a sound decision,” highlighting the recreational, economic, and community benefits of healthy public lakes.
“These efforts, strengthened by the crucial cooperation of landowners within the watershed, are fundamental to ensuring these important resources remain healthy and accessible,” Lyon said.
Funding for the program comes from the agriculture department’s soil conservation cost-share budget, while the DNR selects watersheds based on priority. Landowners in chosen districts can access additional cost-share funding for qualifying projects.
Participation in these conservation efforts remains voluntary, with success depending on strong collaboration between agencies and private landowners to protect Iowa’s water resources for the future.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy