1335-016 Hickory Grove Lake Watershed Final Report

(2017) 1335-016 Hickory Grove Lake Watershed Final Report. Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Preview

PDF 1335-016 HickoryGroveLakeWatershed FINAL Report.pdf File Size:1MB

Abstract

Hickory Grove Park, a 400-acre park with a 98-acre lake located in eastern Story County, is a favorite of campers, anglers, and swimmers. According to the Iowa Lakes Valuation Project, the park averaged over 71,000 visitors annually (2002-2005) who spent an average of $6.46 million, supporting 79 jobs and bring in $1.61 million in labor income to the region. The lake has a watershed of 4,035 acres and is on the Iowa 2012 303(d) Impaired Waters List due to bacteria. A Watershed Management Plan (WMP) developed by Iowa State University was approved in March 2013. The Plan identified geese as the primary contributor to the bacteria impairment, and Story County Conservation has begun to address this problem. This grant focuses on projects the plan recommends to reduce bacteria and sediment loading. These are: replacement of nine unpermitted septic systems in the watershed through a cost-share program; exclusion of cattle currently given unlimited access to over 1,600 feet of streambank; stabilization of that streambank through reshaping, re-vegetation, and creation of a grassed buffer; and construction of a pond to reduce erosion from one of the major gullies identified in the WMP. These practices, when combined, will reduce sedimentation into the lake by 285.97 tons per year, reduce phosphorus by 28 lbs. per year, eliminate bacterial loading from septic systems and livestock, and reduce nitrogen into the lake through installation of a bioreactor and riparian buffer.