Blue Lake Restoration, Iowa DNR

Blue Lake, located in Lewis and Clark State Park, is a natural oxbow lake that was formed by the meanderings of the Missouri River over time. The lake and surrounding park are a popular recreation destination in the State of Iowa, boasting one of the busiest campgrounds in the state, a nature center, and a historic replica keel boat, like the boat Lewis and Clark used to sail up the Missouri River.
Water quality challenges, including low water clarity due to algae blooms and re-suspended sediment have limited use of this popular lake. Thus, the lake has been a priority for restoration for the DNR. Over the past decade, the DNR has worked with the community to improve water quality by addressing sources of pollution to the lake and implementing a variety of restoration practices.
This video provides a brief overview of the restoration project at Blue, both in what has been completed to date and the restoration activities DNR is proposing for 2022 and 2023, including a major dredging project.