Biological and Recreational Aspects of Water Level Management for Clear Lake Iowa, Technical Completion Report, 1983

(1983) Biological and Recreational Aspects of Water Level Management for Clear Lake Iowa, Technical Completion Report, 1983. Iowa State University

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Abstract

A literature review and field study were conducted to determine the influence of water level stabilization on biological and recreational aspects of a shallow lake. The aquatic plant community was dominated by emergent species that would be adversely influenced by water level stabilization. The fish community has been influenced by introduction of exotic species and by winterkill. Several species found in Clear Lake have strong habitat associations with aquatic plants. While there is evidence that the elimination of aquatic plants would effect the fish community, it is not possible to predict the manner in which the fish community might change as a result of water level stabilization or reduction in abundance of littoral plants. Recreationists preferred water level stabilization, but it was unlikely that their current perceptions included an understanding of potential impacts on the plant community.