Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council

The Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council, Inc is a not-for-profit public service organization formed to promote boating and water safety along with improved water quality on the Iowa Great Lakes. This chain of lakes is located in Dickinson County- Northwest Iowa.

Five of the lakes (East Okoboji- West Okoboji, Lower Gar - Upper Gar, and Minnewashta) are connected so boats can travel between the lakes. Boats must pass under bridges to move between the lakes with clearance that varies from five to nine feet depending on lake water level.

The spillway between Big Spirit Lake and East Okoboji does not permit the passage of boats.

WHATS NEW?

Additional Zebra Mussels Found

Three additional juvenile zebra mussels were found attached to docks/hoists removed from East Okoboji Lake, increasing the likelihood that the invasive species may be establishing itself in the popular northwest Iowa chain of lakes. 
Investigation of a number of docks and hoists from other lakes in the chain revealed no additional mussels.  The discovery was made this December as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources efforts to monitor for the presence of zebra mussels on boat hoists and docks removed from the Iowa Great Lakes.
The monitoring effort was in response to finding a single zebra mussel from Upper Gar Lake in September of this year.

Construction Completed On Electric Fish Barrier to Block Asian Carp

An electric fish barrier barrier has been constructed at the Lower Gar Outlet in an effort to keep additional asian carp from getting into the Iowa Great Lakes.  Several asian carp were caught in DNR and commercial nets in the fall of 2011 after heavy July flooding. Additional asian carp were caught in the spring of 2012 in East Okoboji Lake and Spirit Lake.  Since then the DNR has found no further evidence of asian carp. The Silver asian carp variety "jumping fish" are known for jumping into boats and into the face of a boater, skier, wake boarder, or jet skier causing injuries.

Construction of an $960,000 eletric fish barrier at the Lower Gar Outlet is pcomplete.  Officials say that is thanks in part to the dry weather and the extremely low water levels. The barrier was constructed in an effort to keep additional asian carp from traveling into the Iowa Great Lakes.

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IOWA GREAT LAKES WATERSHED

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• Contributions to promote water safety on the Iowa Great Lakes are welcome.

• The WSC is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit corporation.

• Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

• Federal Tax ID number 36-4513880

              Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is believed to be accurate.

              Users should consult the official versions as the final authority.