IDALS Announces Cost-Share Funds for Water Quality Improvements Near Iowa Lakes

By Cami Koons

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) announced Tuesday more than $450,000 in cost-share funding awarded to several conservation districts for water quality improvement projects. 

The Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Districts intend to use the funding to help private landowners implement practices such as cover crops, sediment control basins, grassed waterways, and other proven practices aimed at improving water quality in eight publicly owned lakes. 

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the water quality improvement efforts go toward “ensuring these lakes remain vibrant and healthy destinations.”

“We are fortunate to have some beautiful public lakes in our state that significantly enhance the quality of life for many Iowans and provide valuable recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat,” Naig said in a release. 

The announcement is part of the Publicly Owned Lakes program administered by IDALS and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This round of funding more than doubles what was allocated through the program in 2024. 

Installing these practices up a watershed can help keep sediment and nutrients from trickling down into Iowa lakes. That keeps the lakes cleaner and better protected for recreation. 

Three Mile Lake had the highest allocation, more than $133,000, to be managed by conservation districts in both Union and Adair counties. Three Mile Lake has undergone restoration projects for the past several years, though the DNR said the restorations are considered near completion. Restoration projects at Casey Lake, which was also awarded funding, are also considered nearly completed.

The rest of the funding went to conservation districts monitoring the watersheds of Hawthorn Lake, Pleasant Lake, Lake Miami, 12 Mile Lake, Lake Icaria, and Lake Geode. 

DNR Director Kayla Lyon said investing in public lakes is “always a sound decision.” 

“These invaluable assets offer numerous recreational opportunities, improving the well-being of countless Iowans,” Lyon said in a statement. “They also are vital economic drivers and strengthen community ties. These efforts, strengthened by the crucial cooperation of landowners within the watershed, are fundamental to ensuring these important resources remain healthy and accessible.”

Funding for the program comes from IDALS’ soil conservation cost-share budget. DNR chooses the watersheds based on priority. Landowners in the selected districts are then eligible for additional cost-share funding for water improvement projects. 

Many of the water quality improvement strategies surrounding Iowa lakes depend on voluntary participation by private landowners in the watersheds.

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