1242-019 Lake Meyer Watershed Final Report

(2017) 1242-019 Lake Meyer Watershed Final Report. Agriculture and Land Stewardship

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Abstract

Lake Meyer is located in southwest Winneshiek County. The 33-acre lake has a 1,590 acre drainage area. Primary land use is agriculture; however 150 acres of the watershed are located within the city limits of Calmar. The lake is primarily used for fishing and is considered a regional recreation destination. The Winneshiek County Conservation Board manages the area, including a nature center which provides environmental education programs to a variety of groups. Lake Meyer was added to Iowa's 303(d) List of Impaired Waters in 1998 for excessive sediment and nutrients. The declining water quality threatened to move the lake towards hypertrophic conditions, adversely affecting aquatic populations. A Watershed Improvement Plan (aka TMDL) was developed for the lake in 2005. The Winneshiek SWCD has partnered with landowners within this lakes watershed since its construction in 1968 to install a variety of BMP's such as grade stabilization structures, water sediment structures, wetland (control urban runoff) and terraces. The vast majority of the critical areas within this watershed have been successfully addressed, with one significant exception. A rock chute wetland and grade stabilization structure on county property near the lake is considered the highest priority in the progression of the watershed project. Unfortunately, the funding sources used to install the bulk of our practices can't be used for cost share on county-owned property.