PALO ALTO AND CLAY COUNTY RESIDENTS ASKED TO SHARE IDEAS ON IMPROVING LOST ISLAND LAKE MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Graham, DNR, at (515) 281-5917 or [log in to unmask] or Allen Bonini at (515) 281-5107 or [log in to unmask] RUTHVEN - Iowans interested in improving Lost Island Lake in Palo Alto and Clay counties can attend a meeting June 4 to discuss and review a recent water quality study and its suggestions for improving the lake. Lost Island Lake is on the state's impaired waters list because of turbidity, or cloudy water, from excessive algae growth. This impacts recreation at the lake and aquatic life. The study, or DNR water quality improvement plan, looks at the problems and potential solutions for the problems in Lost Island Lake. It is designed as a guide for improving the lake for local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders and residents. "We'd like to hear people's comments on the study, so we can work those ideas into the plan for improving Lost Island Lake," said Bill Graham with the DNR's Watershed Improvement program. "We also look forward to helping locals use the plan to improve their lake." The DNR will ask Iowans for their input at a June 4 meeting in Ruthven. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Lost Island Nature Center, 3259 355th Ave. Staff from the DNR's Lake Restoration program, Watershed Improvement program and Fisheries and Wildlife bureaus will also be on hand to answer questions. The Lost Island Ruthven Betterment Association and Lost Island Protective Association will help moderate the meeting. Those not able to attend the public meeting can receive more information at www.iowadnr.gov/water/watershed/tmdl/ and submit comments on the plan (by June 23) via the following ways: E-mail: [log in to unmask] Telephone: Bill Graham at (515) 281-5917 Mail: William Graham, care of Iowa DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St.,Des Moines, Iowa 50319 After gathering Iowans' comments, the DNR will forward the final plan, also called by its technical name of Total Maximum Daily Load, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval. Local groups interested in helping Lost Island Lake can then use the plan to assist their improvement efforts. Writer: Jessie Brown - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp