Pictured (L-R): Konda Slagle, District Secretary; Jim Frederick, District Chairman; Will Myers, IDALS-Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality Field Services Bureau Chief; Ethan Thies, Watershed Coordinator since January 2020; TJ Lynn, Watershed Coordinator 2012 – 2019; and John Whitaker, CDI Executive Director.
The Conservation Districts of Iowa and the State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee has recognized Black Hawk Lake with the Iowa’s Outstanding Watershed Award for the significant improvements made to the waterbody over the last decade. Initially launched in 2007, the Black Hawk Lake Water Quality Project originally consisted of locals interested in reducing the amount of sediment and other contaminants from flowing into the lake and has since grown to include county, state and federal partners. More than $10.7 million has been spent in and around the lake since 2012, resulting in an estimated decrease of approximately 4,163 tons of sediments and 8,954 pounds of phosphorus reaching the lake. Testing by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) shows lake use and fish harvests have increase alongside positive feedback from recreationists who utilize the lake. The Sac Soil and Water Conservation District accepted the ward on behalf of all their partners during the Conservation District of Iowa virtual annual conference in August.
