Author: Winneshiek County Conservation Board

Lake Meyer has a bright future thanks to local watershed improvement efforts

MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Kurth, DNR, at 515-639-8464 or Jennifer.Kurth@dnr.iowa.gov

CALMAR – Lake Meyer, a popular area for boating and fishing in Winneshiek  County, has a cleaner and clearer future thanks to a community-led effort.

The northeast Iowa lake had been placed on Iowa’s impaired waters list in 1998 due to declines in water quality from sediment runoff and increased phosphorus levels. These were affecting both the aesthetic conditions in the lake as well as impacting fish and other aquatic life through decreased visibility due to algae blooms and cloudy water.

“Sometimes the water would be really green and murky, it looked kind of like pea soup,” says Barb Schroeder, executive director of the Winneshiek County Conservation Board.

In 2013, farmers, landowners and government agencies joined together to launch the Lake Meyer Watershed Project, aiming to reduce sediment and nutrients reaching the lake by strategically placing conservation practices on the land and increasing the culture of conservation in the community.

A rock chute wetland added at the inlet of Lake Meyer helps filter runoff, and an additional grade stabilization structure upslope of the wetland area works to reduce sediment runoff from adjacent cropland areas. In addition, partners removed more than 700 dump truck loads of sediment from the lake bottom during wetland construction.

Landowners around the area installed 66 acres of filter strips, 5 manure storage systems, over 35,000 feet of terraces, 8 grade stabilization structures, 5 sediment and water control structures, over 4,000 feet of grassed waterways, 3 bio-swales, and 4 wetlands. These combined efforts prevented more than 3,300 tons of sediment and more than 2.15 tons of phosphorous from reaching the lake every year.

“The credit for the success really needs to go to the farmers who implemented conservation practices in the Lake Meyer watershed,” says Schroeder. “Thanks to them and the cooperative efforts of local and state agencies, we have clear water with great fishing. With those improvements, lake use has increased, adding to the local economy.”

DNR Fisheries staff also installed fish habitat structures, such as gravel spawning beds, fish cribs, and tree/brush piles, at various depths and locations in the lake. These structures can offer fish critical shelter during hot summer months, and structures placed in the deepest areas can provide excellent cover for winter panfish.

The watershed project has led to improved biological monitoring scores in the lake, showing increased water clarity and better habitat conditions for the lake’s fish and other aquatic species. The lake was removed from the impaired waters list in 2020.

“This really is a success story about how it takes an entire community to make things happen,” says Jennifer Kurth, DNR aquatic biologist.

The Lake Meyer Watershed Project was funded and supported by the Iowa DNR, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and local landowners and farmers. Other partners include the Winneshiek County Conservation Board, the Winneshiek Soil and Water Conservation District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

To learn more about the Lake Meyer success story, go to:

https://www.epa.gov/nps/success-stories-addressing-sediment-and-nutrient-sources-restores-Lake-Meyer

You can also find more Iowa success stories on the EPA’s website at:

https://www.epa.gov/nps/success-stories-about-restoring-water-bodies-impaired-nonpoint-source-pollution#ia and clicking on the Iowa map.

A Thriving Bird Friendly Community

Thanks to the work of Winneshiek County Conservation staff and supporters, Winneshiek County was designated a Bird Friendly Community by Bird Friendly Iowa in 2020 through a competitive application process. Communities that have earned this designation demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving and expanding bird habitat and to encouraging citizens to engage in birding, bird conservation, and related outdoor recreation activities.

Winneshiek County Conservation recently applied to recertify our community for Bird Friendly Iowa and received extraordinarily positive feedback from the Bird Friendly Iowa steering committee. To qualify for designation as a Bird Friendly Community, applicants have to meet a minimum number of criteria in several categories. Winneshiek County has exceeded these requirements in several categories! Most notably, Winneshiek County meets more than double the number of criteria needed to attain the High Flyer Status, which is the highest honor a Bird Friendly Community can earn.

From watching the Decorah Eagles livestream to building birdhouses for eastern bluebirds, Winneshiek County residents have proven their dedication to conserving and learning about bird habitat in northeast Iowa. Winneshiek County Conservation manages over 20 county natural areas, including many areas that are fantastic bird habitat from woodlands to marshes to prairies. Over 295 species of birds live in Winneshiek County, so this diversity of wildlife areas is essential to healthy ecosystems. As a community, we will continue to lead the flock in caring for our avian neighbors. You can learn more about Bird Friendly Iowa at https://www.birdcity.org/iowa.

We are proud of the hard work our staff and all Winneshiek County residents have put in to make our county an outstanding place for bird habitat and conservation. If you’d like to learn more about birding in Winneshiek County, check out https://www.winneshiekwild.com/thing-to-do/birding. Winneshiek County Conservation also has several birding hikes coming up at https://www.winneshiekwild.com/upcoming-events.

Free Home Composters for Winneshiek County Residents

Thanks to grant funds, Winneshiek County residents now have the opportunity to bring home a free home composter (pictured above) after attending a compost training put on by Winneshiek County Conservation’s Recycling & Waste Reduction Educator, Evan Neubauer. While home composters are only available for free to Winneshiek County residents while supplies last, non-residents are also welcome to order a composter for $55. The order form and more information about compost trainings can be found at https://www.winneshiekwaste.com/compost.

The goal of the Winneshiek County Composting Program is to promote backyard composting and to help our community reduce pressure on our landfill to extend its usage for as long as possible. The Winneshiek County Sanitary Landfill serves Winneshiek, Howard, and Clayton counties and the municipality of Postville. Organic matter in the landfill, such as food waste and yard clippings, breaks down, creating methane gas that can pose a hazard unless vented properly. With collaborative efforts of all households in our communities, we can minimize the amount of food waste, yard clippings, and other organic matter that enter the landfill. Instead, this organic matter can be converted to compost and added to gardens and lawns to create rich, healthy soil.

Winneshiek County Conservation offers educational programs on composting, recycling, waste reduction, and more to local schools, community groups, and civic organizations. If you are interested in scheduling a program to learn more, visit https://www.winneshiekwaste.com/programs-and-tours#.

Want to see a home composter for yourself? Currently, there is one on display at the Decorah Public Library and at Decorah City Hall. There will also be a home composter available for viewing at the Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20th at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds.

 

Ash Tree Removal

If you have visited Lake Meyer lately, you may have noticed the work we’ve been doing to remove hazardous dead ash trees from recreational areas.

These ash trees died due to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive wood-boring beetle. EAB was first discovered in Iowa in 2010 and has since been spread to nearly every county due to people transporting firewood. EAB has attacked and killed ash trees all around Iowa in neighborhoods, parks, and forests. Hundreds of trees in Winneshiek County have been affected by EAB since it was first identified here in 2012. If you have an ash tree at home, it has likely been affected by this wood-boring invasive species.

One of the first signs of distress in ash trees are the sprouts of young branches that grow out of the tree trunk as the canopy branches die, often called “watersprouts.” The tree will continue to die and its bark will flake away to a light tan color as it begins deteriorating (see picture below). Inside the tree, EAB larvae are boring out s-shaped galleries (tunnels) and cutting off the flow of nutrients from the tree’s roots to the canopy. Adult EAB leave the tree through small “D”-shaped exit holes in the bark. EAB can affect ash trees of all sizes and in all areas.

It can be a disappointment when a beloved shade-providing ash tree dies in your yard, but once the tree is dead the best thing you can do is have it professionally removed to prevent further damage. Ash trees attacked by EAB will decline and die within a few years and can become hazards in populated areas as the tree structure is weak and brittle. Dead ash trees should be removed as soon as possible where there is risk of damage to surrounding structures. Standing dead trees is forests or areas where human traffic is minimal are less of a concern and can even provide habitat for woodland animals like woodpeckers and owls. Now is a great time to look around your property and make plans to remove any hazardous dead ash trees near buildings before they cause bigger problems.

When ash trees are removed, they leave quite an empty space to fill. Replace downed trees with a diversity of native alternatives. Try to identify the tree species that grow in your area and pick replacement species that are underrepresented, or opt for planting native prairie instead. Each area poses a unique opportunity to add new life to a changing habitat.

With the help of several grants, Winneshiek County Conservation has added a diverse offering of trees to Lake Meyer Park & Campground and other county parks. Biodiversity helps to strengthen our ecosystems and adds richness to the experience of being out in nature. Next time you stop by a county park, keep an eye out for the positive changes we are making to diversify plant populations and improve the ecosystems within our county.

You can help to spread awareness of EAB and the dangers that dead ash trees can pose by sharing this information with others!

Successful Public Events at Lake Meyer Park

Winneshiek County Conservation celebrated a successful event as over 600 people turned out for the Campground Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 14th, 2023, at Lake Meyer Park & Campground!

We would like to especially thank the volunteers who made this event possible! In addition to our amazing volunteers, the Calmar, Spillville, and Fort Atkinson librarians handed out free books. Participants also received free goodies from the Winneshiek County Sheriff K9 units, Calmar Fire Department, Calmar Gundersen Lutheran Clinic, Winneshiek County ISU Extension Office, Winneshiek County Recycling, Winneshiek County Farm Bureau, and local agriculture royalty.

The next large public event for Lake Meyer is the annual Ice Fishing Derby on Sunday, February 4th, 2024. Anglers of any skill level are welcome to attend. The event will be a great opportunity to learn more about ice fishing. Learn more at the event page, Lake Meyer Ice Fishing Derby.

All are welcome to join our email list to receive updates on upcoming public events. Sign up here: Events

Data Bike to Provide Valuable Bike Trail Information

This week, Winneshiek County Conservation will be using the Iowa Data Bike to collect and record trail conditions on the county’s bike trails.  The Data Bike is an electric bike equipped with sensors to read and record pavement roughness, cracks, bumps, and much more.  In addition, the project will record trail conditions with photos using a GoPro Hero5 camera and capture Google Street View images using a GoPro Max 360 camera. This information will be used to create targeted maintenance strategies and to secure grant funding for trail maintenance and repairs.

 

Local resident, Ray Torresdal, has volunteered to operate the Data Bike, riding more than 30 miles of the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail, Trout Run Trail, and Freeport Trail in both directions.  Ray is an avid cyclist who volunteers on the Trails of Winneshiek 28E Committee and served ten years as the Winneshiek County Conservation Board Chair during the construction and paving of these trails. Ray reminds all of us of the importance of the trails, saying “One of the less recognized benefits of our trail system is the improved quality of life it affords our community as people utilize the trails, parks, and recreation areas for both their physical and mental health and well-being.”

 

Give Ray a wave if you see him on the trails and then allow him some space to ensure he can collect accurate data!

 

If you would like to learn more about the Iowa Data Bike, visit https://dmampo.org/data-bike/. To learn more about our county trail system and to find trail maps, visit https://www.winneshiekwild.com/park-trail

 

For more information, visit www.winneshiekwild.com or call (563) 534-7145.

Celebrating Generations of Quality Conservation in Winneshiek County

This year the Winneshiek County Conservation Board is excited to celebrate its 65th anniversary! The mission of the Winneshiek County Conservation Board (WCCB) is to provide the public with wide-ranging opportunities for quality outdoor recreation while wisely managing our natural resources and encouraging land stewardship through natural history and environmental education programming. WCCB has met Winneshiek County residents’ significant desire and support for access to greenspace and outdoor recreation by connecting people to the outdoors and keeping the outdoors worth connecting to over the past 65 years. WCCB is an effective organization that will continue its legacy of support for natural resources, recreation, tourism, and education in the county for future generations.

A Legacy of Conservation Achievement
The projects and community partnerships fostered by Winneshiek County Conservation during the past 65 years had a clear, positive impact on the economy, quality of natural resource management, outdoor recreation, and environmental education in Winneshiek County. The Winneshiek County park system started in 1958 with plans for two undeveloped areas that would later become Kendallville Campground and Lake Meyer Park. The original WCCB members included Paul Henzler, Dan Meyer, Floyd Pearson, Loren Rue, and Walter Witt. These board members accepted the task to expand natural resource management and environmental education in Winneshiek County, spurred on by legislation from the Code of Iowa – Chapter 350 that created conservation boards in every county in Iowa and authorized them to form conservation areas to benefit the public.
Winneshiek County Conservation now manages over 20 parks, trails, and wildlife areas that are available for public use and enjoyment. WCCB is part of Iowa’s county park system, a system that is nationally recognized for its impacts on tourism and outdoor recreation. Board Chair Bill Ohde shared, “County parks offer an important middle-ground between small municipal parks, undeveloped state wildlife areas, and the scattered state park system. In Winneshiek County, the county park system offers one of the few public lakes in the Driftless Area (Lake Meyer), recreational trails connecting small communities (Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail), and opportunities for camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and many other recreational activities for people that don’t have an easy alternative or can’t afford other recreational options.”

A Leader in Environmental Education
The Winneshiek County Conservation Board employs one of the top naturalists in the state, Larry Reis, who has won numerous awards for his work and dedication to conserving natural resources in Iowa throughout his lifetime. Over the course of his 40-year career with WCCB, Larry has given an estimated 8,000 programs reaching over 200,000 people (the entire population of Winneshiek County ten times over), ranging in age from preschoolers through the elderly. An avid outdoorsman, Larry specializes in many outdoor skills from hunting and fishing to birdwatching and wildlife photography. Larry has been instrumental in the development of the environmental education program as well as the restoration of Lake Meyer and other Winneshiek County parks to shining examples of diverse ecosystems. Larry says, “It has been very rewarding to work for the Winneshiek County Conservation Board where we’ve been able to protect some of the county’s most valuable natural resources, including prairies, cold-water trout streams, and pristine woodlands. County residents and visitors can now enjoy these natural treasures for all time. We also have a wonderful environmental education program that gives school children and adults many opportunities to learn about and enjoy nature here in Winneshiek County.”
Winneshiek County Conservation Board’s environmental education program started 50 years ago with the construction of the Lake Meyer Nature Center in 1973. Since then, WCCB staff have developed and implemented innovative programming to help children throughout the county learn about fishing, kayaking, biking, cross-country skiing, archery, natural sciences, and more. The Fit Environment program has been picked up by other educators throughout the state and become a model for how to help kids lead healthy lives by teaching them outdoor recreation skills. In recent years, WCCB has even added programming to promote recycling, composting, and waste reduction in the county in partnership with the county’s recycling center and sanitary landfill. WCCB’s staff provides programming through collaboration with local schools, nursing homes, daycares, libraries, and civic organizations. South Winneshiek Schools Superintendent Kris Einck shares, “Winneshiek CCB provides youth programming that is invaluable to our teachers and rural students and their families. They inspire our kids to enjoy active lifestyles and to want to live in Winneshiek County when they grow up.”

Upcoming Events & Opportunities to Get Involved
Winneshiek County Conservation hosts several public events annually including the Lake Meyer Ice Fishing Derby in February, the Stan Shevik Memorial Family Fishing Clinic in June, activities at the Winneshiek County Fair in July, and the Lake Meyer Campground Trunk or Treat in October. In April, WCCB will also be working with community partners to promote and celebrate Earth Day. All year long, WCCB plans to continue their legacy of bringing people to nature with guided hikes, birdhouse building, kayaking, and more. You can celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Winneshiek County Conservation Board by participating or volunteering at any of these events. Find more information at www.winneshiekwild.com/upcoming-events.

Winter Fun a Huge Hit

The 2023 Lake Meyer Ice Fishing Derby was held Sunday, February 5. A record number of anglers, over 80 children and 120 adults, came out to try their hand at catching the biggest fish this year. Participants traveled to Lake Meyer from nine Iowa counties, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Congratulations to:

1st Bluegill: Peyton Gaul of Cresco, 0.650 pounds, 9 7/8 inches

2nd Bluegill: Peyton Gaul of Cresco, 0.550 pounds

1st Crappie: Daryl Lienhard of Cresco,1.270 pounds, 13.5 inches

2nd Crappie: Jim Hageman of Calmar, 0.765 pounds

1st Largemouth Bass: Josh Stello of Decorah, 2.970 pounds, 18 inches

2nd Largemouth Bass: Henry Bruess of Calmar, 1.995 pounds

1st Northern Pike: Josh Stello of Decorah, 16.290 pounds, 40 inches

2nd Northern Pike: Mark Theisman of Decorah, 3.640 pounds

1st Yellow Perch: Trenton Voyna of Cresco, 0.160 pounds

2nd Yellow Perch: Daryl Lienhard of Cresco, 0.120 pounds

All youth and many adult participants went home with door prizes donated by local businesses and organizations. The proceeds from this event are used for improvements to Lake Meyer and equipment for education programs.

“We would like to thank all the participants who came out and the many local businesses and organizations who helped make the day a success. It’s great to see the community come together and share the tradition of ice fishing with younger generations,” said Ryan Wiltgen, derby organizer.

Missed the ice fishing derby? Looking for more fun ways to get outdoors this winter? The staff at Winneshiek County Conservation manage the county parks and trails year-round and wanted to share some tips for finding winter fun in Winneshiek County.

  1. Explore the Winter Wonderland of Lake Meyer Park & Campground

Lake Meyer Park & Campground, located just off Highway 24 between Calmar and Fort Atkinson, truly has it all in the winter! Ice fish on the lake in the mornings or afternoons for the best luck catching bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, and black crappie. Hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski on over three miles of snowy trails around the lake and through the woods. Enjoy a winter campfire at a fire ring in the campground and watch for rare songbirds at the bird feeding station outside the Winneshiek County Conservation office.

  1. Ice Fish at Silver Springs Pond

Looking for a perfect spot to practice your ice fishing skills? Silver Springs Pond, located just outside of Ossian, is the best public park to visit for ice fishing this winter. Fish for bluegill, black crappie, and largemouth bass on this small pond. In fact, Silver Springs is known for quality fishing all year round. It is especially a fun pond for beginning anglers to practice their skills at in any season.

  1. Get Moving in the Snow on your Winneshiek County Trail System

When snow conditions are right, the Trout Run Trail, a scenic 11-mile loop around Decorah, is groomed for cross country skiing. Start at the Decorah Fish Hatchery and travel north for flat, beginner-friendly ski tracks, or head south for hilly terrain better suited to intermediate and advanced skiers. If you would rather snowshoe, the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail, a 21-mile stretch that connects Calmar, Ridgeway, and Cresco, is the perfect place to take a relaxing snowshoe hike through the countryside.

You don’t need equipment to get out on the trails this winter! If you choose to walk the trails at any of the county parks, be sure to bundle up in warm layers of clothing. Please stay on trails established for walkers and snowshoers to be respectful of those who groom the ski trails.

Learn more about winter recreation and programming with Winneshiek County Conservation at our website, www.winneshiekwild.com/, or by calling our office at (563) 534-7145.

Winneshiek County Conservation Board Welcomes New Staff Members

The Winneshiek County Conservation Board is happy to introduce two new full-time employees to the team.

Evan Neubauer joins the team as the new Waste Reduction and Recycling Educator, replacing Birgitta Meade who recently retired. He will be responsible for creating programming and collaborating with schools and other organizations to promote waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable behaviors.  

Neubauer graduated from Decorah High School and Luther College with a B.A. in Environmental Science. His time at Luther sparked his interest in sustainability.

For several years, he worked as an environmental specialist for West Liberty Foods in the Iowa City area, ensuring that the company remained landfill free. Evan is thrilled to be back in Winneshiek County with his family. Evan says, “Recycling has always been a huge passion of mine. I’m looking forward to programming with community members and encouraging individuals to reduce, reuse, and recycle!”

Hanna Schmitt joins the team as the new Education and Outreach Coordinator, where she will be responsible for planning environmental education programs and outdoor recreation opportunities for local organizations and schools.

Schmitt graduated from South Winneshiek High School and Wartburg College with a B.A. in Biology and Secondary Education with an All Science Endorsement. Her interest in environmental education has grown over the past three summers as she interned with Winneshiek County Conservation.

Hanna is looking forward to giving back to her community in this full-time role. She says, “I am most excited to collaborate with local organizations to promote the enjoyment of our natural spaces and appreciation for the natural world in Winneshiek County.”

Neubauer and Schmitt already have several upcoming programs this summer that you are welcome to attend. Meet them and check out their booths under the grandstand at the Winneshiek County Fair from July 12-16. Visit www.winneshiekwild.com/ and https://www.winneshiekwaste.com/ for more information and to explore program opportunities.

Trout Run Trail Partial Closure Begins May 31

Parts of the Trout Run Trail will be closed to the public as repairs are made. The Iowa DNR’s Decorah Fisheries Management Unit will begin their Trout Run Creek FEMA repairs from Highway 9 to the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery. The work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 31st and take 2-3 weeks to be completed (weather permitting).

 

The construction work will require the closure of the Trout Run Trail from Highway 9 to the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Each evening, the trail will reopen with reduced access due to two rocked truck crossings.

 

The Prairie Farmer Recreation Trail is open and clear for use.

 

Please direct questions to the Decorah Fish Hatchery at (563) 382-8324.

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