Martens Lake Drawdown Set to Begin Soon at Sweet Marsh
Posted: 06/19/2012

Bremer County, Iowa – The water level of Martens Lake in Sweet Marsh Wildlife Management Area will be lowered during the week of June 25, to help control the spread of brittle naiad. 

Brittle naiad is an invasive aquatic plant that is challenging to control once established.

The purpose of the drawdown is to expose the brittle naiad seeds and plants to the air which kills the plants that have germinated and suppresses germination in those seeds that are out of water.  If the weather cooperates, the lake will be held down until early August. 

Access will become difficult for prop-driven boats as Martens Lake will gradually be lowered up to three feet below normal summer pool. 

Fish and wildlife enthusiasts may continue to use the area around Martens Lake as a walk-in area during the drawdown and it will provide fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.  During last year’s drawdown fishing remained good for panfish and bass throughout the drawdown, and shorebird viewing was excellent along newly exposed mud flats and shallow-water areas.

Water levels will be returned to normal full-pool at latest during September for fall boat-fishing opportunities and waterfowl hunting. 

Brittle naiad was found in Martens Lake in 2010.