Iowa DNR urges Crawford County to fund feasibility study for Yellow Smoke Lake restoration

Ben Wallace, a fisheries biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, told the Crawford County Board of Supervisors that Yellow Smoke Lake has shifted from one of the region’s clearest lakes into a system with increasing algal biomass and visible cyanobacterial blooms. “We turned up a lot of common carp,” Wallace said during a detailed presentation, adding that by samples taken in 2024 the fish were actively spawning and plentiful.

Michelle Balmer, coordinator of the DNR’s Lake Restoration Program, said the state program has a long track record of renovating lakes across Iowa and can leverage state funds to stretch local dollars. “Our program typically works on about a 75/25 cost‑share split; we can help identify grants and count those toward your local match,” Balmer said, describing diagnostic/feasibility (DF) studies that the DNR recommends before any major construction.

Why it matters: Yellow Smoke is a 40‑acre community lake that the DNR’s visitation survey shows draws campers, swimmers and anglers from across the region. DNR data presented to the board show rising chlorophyll a, reduced Secchi (clarity) depths and early signs of trophic changes — trends the agency said can be slowed or reversed with watershed and in‑lake work if action is timed before the lake crosses a more problematic threshold.

What DNR proposes: DNR staff recommended first funding a DF study (typical cost range $70,000–$150,000) to model watershed nutrient delivery, estimate sediment volumes, and identify a package of in‑lake and watershed practices. The DF study would produce cost estimates and a prioritized list of actions, from targeted dredging and silt basins to fishery renovation (including drawdowns and chemical renovation) and alum treatments to bind phosphorus. Ben Wallace described in‑lake renovation as “drastic” but effective: past projects have improved clarity and fisheries when paired with watershed protection.

Local cost and timeline: DNR said the county could expect multi‑year work that is often phased; construction is commonly several years after a DF study. The DNR asked Crawford County to consider contributing roughly 25% of DF study costs as local cost share (DNR would fund the remainder), but emphasized funding the study does not obligate the county to full construction later. Balmer said DF work takes roughly nine to 12 months and that construction would likely be three or more years out if the project proceeds.

Board reaction and next steps: County parks and conservation staff said the lake is an important regional asset; the county’s conservation board showed support. County staff told supervisors they have reserve and cabin funds available to seed initial planning if the board chooses to proceed. DNR offered to help identify competitive grants (federal, state and local) to apply against the county’s 25% match and to provide examples of other counties’ budgets and timelines. No formal commitment to fund a DF study was made at the meeting; DNR encouraged the county to discuss options with local partners and return with questions.

The county may now weigh whether to provide seed funding for a DF study and to seek DNR support for grant applications. DNR staff said their program can be flexible about phasing and will help the county plan projects that fit local budgets and operations.