What's being done to help Silver Lake?
The Silver Lake Watershed Project, along with help from the Silver Lake Association, is working on installing
grade stabilization structures, filter strips, wetlands, tillage practices, and livestock management to help reduce
sediment to the lake.
The Silver Lake Watershed Project has installed grade stabilization structures to slow water flow. The structures
are usually built across a grass waterway or other gully and reduce erosion or prevent water from eroding th valuable
soil.
Filter strips are strips of grass or other vegetation used to trap sediment (and pollutants attached to it) from runoff.
Wetlands were once widespread across Iowa, but many were drained for agricultural uses.
Wetlands are being rebuilt
throughout the watershed to help filter out nutrients and sediment. This practice is also beneficial to wildlife as it
provides habitat for them.
Tillage practices provide ground cover, protecting against soil erosion from wind and water.
Livestock management reduces pollutants that result from livestock access to streams. Rotational grazing and
fencing livestock out of streams limit the time cattle can access a stream, allowing the streambanks to heal, and
reduces erosion.
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What is the future of Silver Lake?
"I think the future of Silver Lake is good for its residents and visitors," said Don Hagen, Silver Lake project
coordinator. "I hope the Silver Lake Watershed Project and other residents will work together to improve water quality in Silver Lake."
The future will be bright for Silver Lake as the watershed project will work to protect lake restoration.
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