DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR LOST GROVE LAKE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Commencing immediately, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking public comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the future construction of Lost Grove Lake, in Scott County. The DNR's "Proposed Action" alternative includes constructing a dam that will impound 350 surface acres of water. With this alternative the elevation of county road 220th Avenue will be raised to allow through vehicular traffic. Shoulders will be added to the raised portion for safe parking and to permit shore fishing. A large culvert under the road will provide boats access to the upper end of the lake. Six locations will be developed for public access to the lake. Boat ramps will be constructed at three of these areas and restrooms present at two. Roads, parking areas and shoreline fishing areas will be developed at all six locations. The construction of fish habitat and shoreline riprap is also part of the "Proposed Action" alternative. The DNR believes that the "Proposed Action" alternative has minimal vegetative, biological and floodplain impacts while having the most benefits to anglers and other site users and to the area's economy. This alternative best meets the DNR's plan to create fishing opportunities in an area now lacking in lake fishing opportunities. Two other alternatives are also considered in the draft Environmental Assessment including the "No Action" alternative required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA is available for review at the FWS website (http://midwest.fws.gov/NEPA) and at the Davenport Public Library at 321 Main Street. No verbal comments will be accepted. Please submit written comments to Martin Konrad by traditional mail to: Department of Natural Resources, 502 East 9th Street, Wallace State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319; or via fax (515/281-6794); or e-mail at [log in to unmask] Comments are due by the close of business on June 7, 2004. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]